First efforts are rarely home runs but the first-ever SUV from Genesis, the 2021 GV80, is flying close to the proverbial fence. This midsize luxury SUV offers bucket loads of amenities and a striking design at a price that undercuts the stalwarts from Germany. While there are a few areas in need of improvement, overall the GV80 is a very impressive SUV.
The 2021 Genesis GV80 is the first SUV from Hyundai's fledgling luxury spin-off. We've known this midsize SUV was coming for a while now. In fact, the only surprise is that it took this long. Seating for five is standard on most trim levels, with only the Advanced+ model adding a third row for a total of seven seats.
Up front, the GV80 has a big shield-shaped grille that's similar to the one that debuted on the updated 2020 G90 sedan. It's flanked by a new quad headlight design. Whether you like or hate the new look, it's fair to assume you'll be seeing a lot more of it on upcoming Genesis models.
The new GV80 goes toe to toe with some well-established competitors, including the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
How does the GV80 drive?
The GV80 is smooth as elevator music but much less boring. Both the 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and the optional 375-hp turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 are quiet and spread the power out with the unblemished ease of a master baker applying buttercream.
The four-cylinder has a little huffy grumble under heavy throttle, but nothing that's going to distract you from whatever you've got playing on the 21-speaker Lexicon stereo system. The rear-wheel-drive version feels lighter and more nimble, but the all-wheel-drive option offers that sense of stability that makes AWD so popular even in areas with mild weather.
Despite the GV80's large exterior presence and roomy interior, on the road it seems to shrink, never overflowing the lanes, even on narrow, twisty roads. Some of this is the good visibility and responsive steering, and some may be the seating position, lower and more car-like than you'd expect from a midsize SUV.
How comfortable is the GV80?
If you've ever sat on a piece of midcentury furniture and thought, "I wish this was softer, wider and massaging," the GV80 is the SUV for you. The seats, available in both man-made and cow-sourced leather upholstery, are big and padded yet bolstered enough to keep you planted around corners. They're also highly adjustable, heated and ventilated, and if you opt up to the Advanced or Prestige packages, your second-row passengers can enjoy similar adjustability and warm rears. Back-row passengers in the optional Advanced+ third-row seating won't be stretching out, it's a tight fit back there, but they will have cupholders, vents and small-item storage.
How's the GV80's interior?
There's a heated battle right now in automotive design between the button brigade and the clean-space contingent. Too many buttons is cluttered and confusing; too few means complicated touchscreen menus. A side skirmish involves storage space: too many cubbies and crevices makes a car look pockmarked and messy; too few is inconvenient.
The GV80's designers addressed these concerns with covered storage spaces and a floating bridge console, a clean-looking dash with semi-hidden air vents, and a mix of touchscreen, control wheel and physical buttons for controls. The result is a sharp-looking interior that makes the control surfaces obvious without allowing them to dominate the console.
How's the GV80's tech?
There's a lot happening inside the electronic brains of the GV80. There's a horizontal 14.5-inch touchscreen along the top of the dash, plus an 8-inch digital gauge cluster display. One cool feature of this display is that it can show nearly three-dimensional navigation prompts. The same sensors that watch your eyes for fatigue and attentive driving can adjust the graphics to make the direction arrows or your adaptive cruise control graphics seem almost 3D. There's also an excellent head-up display that shows speed, navigation and alerts from driver safety aids.
Speaking of which, the GV80 comes with a large suite of standard driver aids, including expected tech such as blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. Notably, the GV80's adaptive cruise control system can observe how you drive and then automatically adjust its own braking and acceleration behavior to make it more similar to yours.
Other neat tricks can take a little of the stress out of your commute, such as automatic defogging and even cross-traffic monitoring both front and rear. The rearview and surround-view parking cameras are excellent, and there's also a somewhat redundant sideview camera that comes on in the gauge cluster when you flip on the turn signal.
Phone connectivity, though, is a little underwhelming. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, but only one of the two front USB ports supports a data connection, and it takes a few clicks to get things running. Rear passengers get charge ports.
How's the GV80's storage?
Let's talk about the joy of automatic seat lowering and raising. A push of a button and the second — or optional third row — folds flat. And with another push, they rise back up and click back in place. It's a real back-saver for shorter drivers who dread the deep lean and shove of getting a heavy seat back in position while also holding groceries, a stroller and a baby.
How economical is the GV80?
With the four-cylinder engine, the GV80 makes an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined in the RWD model and 22 mpg with AWD. The V6, which has AWD as standard, drops to 20 mpg. These figures are about average for a midsize luxury SUV.
The real value in Genesis' new flagship is in luxury per dollar. The most fully loaded 3.5-liter Prestige trim tops out at around $70,000, which is the starting point for most luxury competitors. This is a lot of loveliness for the money.
Based on the interior, the GV80 seems like it should cost more. Every surface is covered in a pleasant material, from diamond-pleated leather to wood grain to glass and knurled, brushed metal. The use of texture makes the interior interesting and attractive. Even the throttle and brake pedals have a distinct faceted pattern. It's a real crowd-pleaser when you open the door.
What are the GV80's trim levels?
The 2021 Genesis GV80 takes an all-inclusive spa-day approach to its luxury SUV. There are three main trim levels: Standard, Advanced and Prestige. All are available with either a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 311 lb-ft of torque) or a turbocharged 3.5-liter six-cylinder (375 hp, 391 lb-ft). They are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter is available in both RWD and AWD, and the 3.5-liter is AWD-only.
2.5T StandardRWD Feature highlights include:
19-inch alloy wheels
Five-passenger seating
Faux leather seating surfaces with heated front seats
Navigation system
14.5-inch touchscreen
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assist (steers the GV80 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Blind-spot monitor with assist (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change and can assist in avoiding a collision)
2.5T Standard AWD Has the same features as above but with:
Panoramic roof
Ventilated front seats
Manual rear side shades
Heated steering wheel
Second-row 110-volt AC power outlet
Wireless device charger
Digital key (allows you to use your phone as the vehicle's key)
2.5T Advanced RWD Comes with the Standard AWD's features plus:
Lexicon premium audio
2.5T Advanced AWD Adds on a few more features, including:
20-inch wheels
Leather seating surfaces
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GV80 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
2.5T Prestige RWD Going with the Prestige gets you:
20-inch wheels
Tri-zone climate
Upgraded 16-way front seats
Heated second-row seats
2.5T Prestige AWD Tops the 2.5T lineup with:
22-inch wheels
Adaptive suspension (can improve the GV80's ride quality and handling capability)
Head-up display
Road active noise cancellation
Power driver's seat bolster and cushion extension
3.5T Standard Has the same features as the 2.5T Standard AWD but with:
20-inch wheels
Adaptive suspension
3.5T Advanced Gets you the features of the 3.5T Advanced AWD but with:
Upgraded 16-way front seats
Heated second-row seats
3.5T Advanced+ It's the same as the 3.5T Advanced but comes with the power-folding third-row seat.
3.5T Prestige Has the same features as the 2.5T Prestige AWD but with:
22-inch wheels
Upgraded leather seating surfaces
Microfiber suede headliner and pillars
Power-adjustable second-row seats with ventilation
12.3-inch 3D digital cluster
Forward attention warning
Power rear side-window shades
Power door closure
Second-row vanity mirrors
Edmunds says
The Genesis GV80 isn't a perfect midsize luxury SUV, but it's closer than anything in its price range has a right to be. It's distinctive, pretty, comfortable and refined. You can quibble with the limited backseat space and the slow phone connectivity, but you'd be hard-pressed to impress for less.
Read Edmunds' latest news coverage of the 2021 Genesis GV80
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Genesis GV80 2.5T 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.96 per gallon for premium unleaded in Massachusetts.
This is our 5th Genesis vehicle, and offer the following comments for the 2.5t Advanced version:
Reason we selected the 4 cylinder over the six cylinder (and price was not an issue):
1. 4 cylinder felt better weighted, without the "floating" feel (probably due to the auto dampening feature on the 6 cylinder vehicle we test drove) and the acceleration lag we noticed of the 6 cylinder … was not evident for the 4. The 4 cylinder in comparison felt stable and with smoother acceleration; (tip - top tier 91 oct. gas is the sweet spot for our 4 cylinder in terms of power / acceleration / smoothness, otherwise noticed a huge performance decrease using 87/89 oct. and when test driving, be mindful that the dealers may only have regular fuel in tank, and if this is the case, the engine's performance will not compare favorably to the 6 cylinder model).
2. we needed a tire with some sidewall protection (given prior low aspect tire blow outs with pot holes), while still having an attractive looking / proportional wheel package (given absolutely dismal MI roads, as well as other states - NY for instance). This vehicle has a beefy temp spare - and will probably upgrade the actual tire to one that is rated at 70 mph / 1,000 plus miles, to provide greater flexibility in the even of a flat tire.
Pros:
1. extremely quiet interior, easy to spend a good amount of time (one trip was 16 hours with no fatigue), and we turn the engine noise system off;
2. surprising flat handling thru corners at speed;
3. beautiful interior, very attractive exterior (matter of taste) - and very comfortable seats for large and small people alike;
4. good storage and access;
5. very good overall ride;
6. priced very well given the competition, historically very good service (notwithstanding dealership amenities are Hyundai level), free oil changes / service the first three years (including the valet service), and five year bumper to bumper, and ten year / 100k drive train coverage / warranties - which provides significant peace of mind. The other 4 Genesis's we've owned were extremely reliable. Also, for the dealers we've dealt with, the cost of the normal service after the first three years is at Honda / Toyota (or less) prices.
7. highway auto - driving assistance - very good, and reduced significantly the driving stress of long road trips, excellent driver aids, very clear cameras;
8. smooth, and peppy 4 cylinder, and the more we drove the car, the "smaller" it felt given the ease to accelerate and its handling;
9. excellent info system (not the controls, though, mentioned below in the negatives), with a very good sound system;
10. gas mileage is not bad, typically 27 mpg on highway trips driving around 70 mph with some "sport" mode driving, and mixed driving, has been around 22 mpg.
11. in situations where more power / acceleration is needed, using the "sport" mode makes a difference, powering through mountains and thru traffic in busy cities (and makes it more fun to drive in the twisty roads).
12. gas tank is large, the range exceeds 500 miles in our long term trips.
Negatives:
1. 4 cylinder engine sometimes whines in very hard acceleration (but no drone), but rarely noticeable unless driven aggressively / hard (and much more so with regular gas);
2. the actual user interface is a big disappointment from our prior G80 sport - which we thought was brilliant. For instance, the GV80's scroll wheel cannot be griped easily, is too far forward, and therefore, is a huge step back from the sport's raised scroll wheel which was next to the arm rest (where you could use the arm rest to steady your arm when using the scroll wheel.) Also, the array of controls is mystifying in their placement, and not intuitive. Finally, the silver center controls are blinding with the sun's reflection and we need to place a rag over same to limit the reflections to the driver (given certain sun/vehicle orientations on long road trips). Overall, the controls look great, and appear par with the segment,( but a disappointment from the prior Genesis G80 sport controls).
3. there is one usb interface which allows you to play back music from a usb drive (and the acceptable formats are decent for higher res music), however, you need to remove the usb drive (in a tight, hard to access location) each time you want to plug in your phone to play music directly at higher res from your phone. It would have been better to have had a second usb drive where you could always have your car music files at the ready / plugged in.
4. bug debris on windshield appears more pronounced after trips than prior cross overs / suvs (and is similar to a land cruiser we had).
Overall, no regrets whatsoever in the purchase, and are appreciating it more and more as time is spent driving it.
Couldn't be happier — one of the best in its class
I've read all the reviews as of this date (over 18) and wanted to provide mine. I've worked in the automotive industry now for almost 20 years and have worked for numerous manufacturers (at least 6 different ones). I've personally tested and evaluated many cars during this time. With that said, I can say that without a doubt this is easily one of the best vehicles in its class. …
First, the design is outstanding and is a home run in my opinion. I love how luxurious and unique the GV80 looks. My friends jokingly and affectionately refer to the GV80 as a Korean Bentley, which isn't far from the truth considering the former Bentley Bentayga SUV designer designed this vehicle.
The inside also blew me away — the simplicity and beauty in its design and the material quality is far better than what I've seen in any of its competitors (real wood and leather on the dash). This vehicle actually feels special when I sit in it — something no other midsize SUV makes me feel. I've also never had a vehicle turn so many heads and I've had multiple people come up and ask what the vehicle is.
Second, the performance and ride balance is phenomenal. It's not as quick as an X5 nor does it handle as well, but it's only a few ticks off the X5 (X5 = 5.4 seconds GV80 = 5.7 seconds according to Edmunds testing). But it still handles well and the tradeoff is a smooth and serene ride. Did I mention the looks and craftsmanship? (Not a fan of the X5 interior as it looks like a 3 series and every other BMW).
Third, technology on the GV80 is phenomenal. I've read some of the other reviews about not liking the technology resulting in low ratings, but Genesis' Highway Driving Assist II system is consistently rated as one of the best — if not the best — on the market by virtually every car magazine and YouTuber. Having personally evaluated other systems from Lexus, Infiniti, Acura etc., I can attest to this.
I can see how it might be disconcerting at first to some drivers since the GV80's system actually steers the vehicle. I can understand this as I personally don't like the car steering for me (except for the lane detection system which works great). I just keep the adaptive cruise control on and turn off the steering function. The rest of the technologies are great but could be a little easier to use.
Fourth, safety on the Genesis is outstanding. This vehicle no doubt saved Tiger Wood's life (which is partly the reason why we purchased this vehicle). Besides getting the highest rating in IIHS tests, it was later revealed that at the point of impact with a tree, the GV80 was going 75mph with the accelerator fully depressed. And it rolled multiple times. Considering the fact that many people get serious injuries at 40mph and under, this is quite an achievement.
Fifth, reliability and warranty. I've read some of the reviews concerning reliability, and waited till we owned our GV80 for a bit (we now have almost 9,000 miles). During this time, we only had one minor glitch with the infotainment system, and nothing else. It's also received a "great" rating in the JD Power IQS survey. Considering this is a brand new car in its first year of production, that's pretty good (this is also not to discount any of the problems other people have had, just stating what JD Power is seeing). For context, both of my Acuras had a good deal of problems (including the oil consumption issue on the 3.7 liter, weld issues, torque converter, steering rack, etc.). That Acura was essentially a lemon.
Currently, if you look at the X5 (which has been out for a while), it has the following recalls: Recalls performed on this vehicle
• Rearview camera image may malfunction
• Right front brake disc may loosen
• Loose steering column shaft
• NEW! Front axle/right control arm not welded properly
• Extra bolt incorrectly attached to starter motor
So every car has the potential for problems. Considering the 10yr powertrain warranty, I at least feel a bit better with the GV80.
Improvements?
Dealer network leaves a lot to be desired. The Hyundai staff are not well-trained on the vehicle yet and getting an appointment can take a while. Genesis customer service also needs better training. That being said, having them pick up the vehicle to service it is a HUGE time saver for us and is much better than having to take in our vehicle like we did with every other car we've owned (Audi, Ford, Honda, etc.)
While the GV80 gets rave reviews on the smoothness of the ride and has the adaptive suspension on the V6 models, there's still room for improvement. I believe that Genesis needs to go with a dual damper design for an even smoother ride. And while the body is obviously very stout based on crash tests etc., I think it could still use some stiffening to have the "made from solid granite" feel.
I think the first few gear ratios of the transmission should be lowered a bit. That would make it as quick (if not quicker) than the X5 without a huge penalty on fuel economy, which is another area of improvement. While the GV80 gets pretty decent gas mileage for its size and power output, I think that's the one area that could be improved. That being said, I do love how much power the GV80 puts out (absolutely destroys an RX350 AWD in acceleration without much difference in gas mileage).
Finally, while the technologies are excellent in this vehicle, I think the user interface could be easier to use and should be rethought. I don't use the dial anymore and just use the touchscreen, but even some of the menu functions are not intuitive at first (it's easy after you get used to the interface).
That being said, as the title says, couldn't be happier with our purchase. I honestly drive by other midsize SUV drivers and think to myself they have no idea what they're missing. This is the first vehicle that's ever made me feel that way and I think is what makes this vehicle stand out.
First of the Spinal support seats are amazing very comfortable for long drive. Best seats Ive seen yet. Electronic suspension works well. 2.5 T Engine has excellent low end power very quiet 1500- 2500 RPM and yes it pushes this 6000 lbs Vehical with little fan fare driving in city traffic. Push the engine hard and it becomes raspy a little annoying. If you drive your cars hard get the … 3.5T Fit and finish is very good/ Solid build. This car takes some getting used too. It grows on you. It even texts you if you leave it unlocked. Lane assist is good.. Adaptive Cruise control and automatic braking EXCELLENT. Cameras are Excellent. Audio system a little hard to use. Navigation accurate. Heated seat and steering wheel warm up fast. A full list of technological features is Very long.. Still learning this thing lol. I looked at some of the OTHER cars in this segment.. but comfort and safety this should be given consideration and just maybe put near the top of the short list.. LONG WARRENTY 10 year 120,000 Miles drive train..three years full maint included..loner dropped off at your HOUSE.. LOL
Rear differential transmission
1 out of 5 stars
Flj, 07/31/2022
2021 Genesis GV80 2.5T 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Issues with rear differential, rear end needed to be aligned and tires were cupped. Left head light has a dead spot when illuminated at night so part of the road is not illuminated.
Genesis dealership in West palm beach, repaired rear differential and aligned rear end but refused to replace rear tires. We contacted Genesis they refused to replace tires. They said they replaced Head … light but it still has a dead spot. When we switch to sport mode the transmission takes a while to shift and whines
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