2018 Genesis G80

Pros: Impressive value for the money; expansive passenger room and trunk space; quiet cabin; broad array of luxurious comfort and convenience features; all-wheel drive available (though only on V6 version)

Cons: Options are limited to pricey packages; middling fuel economy; ride quality and all-around handling are not as refined as some rivals; rear seatbacks don’t fold

CG Says: Genesis G80 gains a new sport model with a new engine for 2018. The G80 3.3T Sport is powered by a 365-horsepower turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 and has sport suspension. The 3.3T Sport also has unique interior and exterior trim. Other G80s have revised styling inside and out. Pedestrian detection and driver drowsiness detection are new safety features. Hyundai launched its Genesis premium brand for 2017. Just as Acura is the luxury division of Honda and Lexus the upscale brand of Toyota, so Genesis is an upmarket Hyundai product. The Genesis G80 was formerly the Hyundai Genesis. (The Hyundai Equus was replaced by a new-design Genesis G90.) The base engine is a 311-hp 3.8-liter V6 and most powerful engine is a 420-hp 5.0-liter V8. All engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic and all can be ordered with optional all-wheel drive in place of rear-wheel drive. Available safety features include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, driver drowsiness detection, and self-dimming headlights. Available convenience features include a Head-Up Display and Smart Trunk, which opens the trunklid automatically when a person with key in pocket stands next to it for three seconds. The Hyundai Genesis sedan hovered in the gray area between the mainstream large-car class and the premium large-car segment. Even though the car itself didn’t change much outside of its name for 2017, Hyundai’s decision to upgrade Genesis from a model name to a full-fledged luxury brand pushed the G80 into the premium large car category. The Genesis G80 doesn’t have the brand prestige or level of overall refinement that established rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus boast. However, its convincingly luxurious personality, impressive list of standard and available equipment, and competitive base prices make the G80 worth checking out if you care about value for the money more than country-club cred in your luxury sedan.