2021 Genesis GV80

Pros: Long list of safety and technology features; classy interior; quietness; value pricing

Cons: Tight legroom in available third-row seat; lacks brand prestige of class competitors; so-so fuel economy; handling and ride composure trails class leaders

CG Says: Hyundai’s luxury division enters the crossover SUV market for 2021 with the introduction of the GV80, an all-new midsize two- or three-row crossover. Since the brand’s launch in 2017, Genesis has sold only luxury sedans. The GV80 offers a choice of a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, both of which are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Four-cylinder models come with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while V6 models are AWD only. All GV80s seat five passengers in two rows of seats save for the topline 3.5T Advanced+ model, which adds a third-row seat for seven-passenger capacity. The GV80’s available safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and a “Machine Learning” feature that adapts to the owner’s driving style, Lane Follow Assist, blind-spot alert with avoidance assist, Junction Turning and Junction Crossing features (designed to avoid collisions at road intersections), rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, and a center airbag to prevent front passengers from colliding with each other in the event of a collision. Available luxury features include heated/ventilated/massaging seats, panoramic sunroof, remote parking assist, and Road Preview feature that uses a front camera to detect upcoming road irregularities and adjusts the electronically-controlled suspension for a smoother ride. The 2021 Genesis GV80 has distinctive, confident styling and a nicely finished cabin. It also packs abundant safety and technology features at prices below the competition. The Genesis brand has not yet achieved the brand recognition of established premium-brand rivals, and the GV80’s ride and handling performance isn’t quite up to the level of premium midsize SUV class leaders, but this is nevertheless a newcomer worth checking out.