First efforts are rarely home runs but the first-ever SUV from Genesis, the 2022 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.
Prestige Signature joins the lineup as the most expensive trim
Minor changes to advanced driver aid availability
Part of the first GV80 generation launched in 2021
What is the GV80?
The GV80 is the first SUV from Genesis, Hyundai's luxury spinoff brand, and the automaker wasn't shy about its design. It's a bold statement with an oversized grille and war-paint-like horizontal flourishes. Love it or hate it, the Genesis GV80 is impossible to ignore.
After the GV80's debut last year, we don't expect any significant changes for 2022, but Hyundai is known for its ability to quickly make changes to the assembly line. We count the clunky infotainment dial controller, limited rear seat space and low fuel efficiency among the few drawbacks. Of these, the dial control seems the most likely to undergo a rethink — at least we can hope. Otherwise, the GV80 gets strong technology scores, bolstered by some cool 3D graphic effects.
The GV80 adds to its allure with an incredibly smooth ride, a cabin that is quiet as a crypt, and the longest warranty you'll find in the luxury class. Those qualities aren't enough to vault it past the top luxury SUVs that include the pricier Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5, but the Genesis is not far off from those highly regarded choices either. It's on a more even footing against the similarly priced Lexus RX and Acura MDX. But for any vehicle to achieve such a standing in its inaugural year is quite an accomplishment.
Edmunds says
The Genesis GV80 is an impressive luxury SUV with few drawbacks. It comes very close to challenging the established German brands and represents a fresh alternative to the Japanese carmakers. If Genesis manages to revamp the infotainment controller dial, we'd take it in an instant over the 2021 model. But even if not, we're certain you'll be just as impressed with the GV80 as we are.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Genesis GV80 2.5T 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 02/22 (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 $3.74 per gallon for premium unleaded in Iowa.
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
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Genesis GV80, so we've included reviews for other years of the GV80 since its last redesign.
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