Genesis GV80 Review

The Genesis GV80 is the luxury automaker’s first foray into the SUV market, and it has definitely made waves since its debut. Here’s an overview of its key aspects:

Design & Comfort:
The GV80 offers an elegant and sophisticated design, with clean lines and a striking front grille that gives it a premium appearance. The interior is nothing short of impressive, with high-quality materials, attention to detail, and a spacious cabin. The SUV comfortably seats up to 7 passengers (in the three-row configuration), with ample legroom and headspace in both rows. The seats are upholstered in leather, and there are plenty of comfort features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a high-end sound system (typically a Lexicon audio system).

The dashboard features a large 14.5-inch touchscreen that integrates well with the overall minimalistic design, and the digital gauge cluster is also a nice touch. It’s intuitive, though it might take a bit of getting used to if you’re not familiar with the Genesis interface.

Performance:
The GV80 comes with a variety of engine options, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and a more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. The 3.5L V6 engine provides around 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, which makes the GV80 feel quite lively. The standard rear-wheel drive is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is available for those who want better traction in slippery conditions.

Driving dynamics are smooth, and the GV80 is equipped with an adaptive suspension that allows it to balance comfort and performance. It’s a luxury SUV, so you shouldn’t expect sports car-like handling, but for its class, it provides a smooth and composed ride.

Technology & Safety:
Genesis packs the GV80 with a wide range of tech features. The 14.5-inch touchscreen offers navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, along with a wireless charging pad and plenty of USB ports. The user interface is relatively easy to navigate once you get the hang of it.

In terms of safety, the GV80 comes with a suite of advanced driver assistance features. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. There’s also a 360-degree camera system and parking sensors that make maneuvering this SUV much easier.

Value & Pricing:
The GV80 is positioned as a luxury SUV, so its price point reflects that. Prices start around $55,000 for the base model, with higher trims (like the Prestige) pushing the price up to around $70,000 or more. When you consider the level of luxury, performance, and technology you get, it’s a good value compared to rivals like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, or Audi Q7, especially since Genesis offers a solid warranty and free maintenance for the first few years.

Final Thoughts:
The Genesis GV80 is an impressive debut for the brand in the luxury SUV market. It blends sleek design, a refined interior, powerful engines, and advanced technology into a compelling package. If you’re in the market for a premium SUV, the GV80 is worth considering, especially if you want something a little less common than the typical German options.