Genesis GV80
Genesis GV80
Genesis GV80

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.

The Facts
Class Premium Midsize SUV
Body Style(s) 4-door wagon
Passenger Count 5, 7
Drive Wheels rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Genesis
Nation of Manufacture South Korea
Base Prices 2.5T: $49,925
AWD 2.5T: $55,675
AWD 3.5T: $60,175
AWD 3.5T Advanced+: $66,075

Base Engine
turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (2.5T)
Horsepower
300
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
21
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
25

Optional Engine
turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Horsepower
375
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
18
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
23

Genesis GV80
2021 Genesis GV80
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 5
100%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 4
80%
Side Crash - 5
100%
Rollover - 4
80%

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