2023 Genesis GV80
Overview
In what seems like record time but actually isn’t, the Genesis brand has climbed to the top of luxury-SUV wish lists with the richly-outfitted 2023 GV80. How do we know? Because instead of people stopping to ask if it’s a Hyundai, they’re instead asking if it’s a Bentley. We can forgive the confusion given the GV80’s stately appearance, designer interior, and luxe cabin finishes. A punchy 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder serves as the entry-level engine while a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 amps up performance on higher-end models. All GV80s come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Genesis’s formula of mixing high-end materials with attractive interior design and contemporary tech features isn’t unique, as established players such as the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class, and the Volvo XC90 have done so for years. Genesis’s breakthrough with the GV80 stems from delivering a level of luxury that looks and feels like it should cost thousands more than it does—while actually costing the same or less than the most popular SUVs in its class.
What’s New for 2023?
Genesis has made all-wheel drive standard on all GV80 models for 2023, and the base price of the brand’s flagship SUV has increased substantially over the 2022 model to reflect that change. The 2.5T Advanced trim—based around the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder—now comes with a panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats. Capri Blue has replaced Adriatic Blue on the color palette. The special four-seat Prestige Signature trim has been eliminated this year but the Prestige Matte trim lives on, now with Makalu Gray exterior paint rather than Melbourne Gray. All models benefit from a new oil life monitoring system, and the design of the GV80’s center-console mounted infotainment knob and its second-row cup holders have also been tweaked.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
2.5T
$56,645
2.5T Advanced
$63,145
3.5T
$63,795
2.5T Prestige
$68,395
3.5T Advanced
$69,995
3.5T Advanced+
$71,695
$76,195
3.5T Prestige Matte
$77,695
Since all GV80s come with a plethora of features that include a 14.5-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and a power liftgate, even the entry-level models are suitably luxurious. Still, we crave the extra power provided by the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that costs about $7,000 more than the standard four-cylinder. Likewise, we’d opt for the Prestige trim that has 22-inch wheels, a large digital gauge cluster, nappa leather upholstery, and adjustable rear seats with heated and cooled cushions.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
This mid-size luxury crossover has the same underpinnings as the G80 sedan and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The engine choices start with a 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and escalate to a 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, the latter of which delivered a brisk 5.3-second 60-mph time at our test track. With the turbo four, the GV80 delivered a slower 6.1-second 60-mph time, but many drivers won’t miss the extra power. After driving both versions of the GV80, we can say that the new SUV feels athletic in corners and delivers a quiet ride, but buyers seeking more thrills could consider a Porsche Cayenne or an Audi SQ8.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that GV80 models with the four-cylinder engine should deliver 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway; going with the V-6 reduces those to 18 mpg and 23 mpg respectively. We haven’t had the chance to put the V-6 version through our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, but the GV80 with the turbocharged four-cylinder delivered exactly on its promise of 25 mpg highway. For more information about the GV80’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The GV80’s interior is nicely finished with burled-wood trim, metal accents, and integrated ambient lighting; a large slim-shaped infotainment display keep things upscale but uncluttered. Despite the fancy materials, the interior design provides a sense of minimalism that feels truly elegant in person. The front seats are comfortable, supportive, and available with a massage function that feels legitimately relaxing. A standard three-across bench seat in the second row allows for up to five passengers; a third row of seats is an optional feature but space back there is limited and should be considered a place solely for kids. We fit 13 carry-on suitcases behind the second row and the GV80 swallowed a total of 28 with the second row folded flat.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
A slim, 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen stretches across the middle of the GV80’s tailored dashboard. The fact that the screen is touch-sensitive is most likely to provide the front-seat passenger an opportunity to change the radio station or manipulate the navigation system, because the screen itself is quite a reach from the driver’s seated position. Luckily, a click-wheel controller is mounted on the center console so the driver can interact with the system, and it works quite well.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A full suite of driver-assistance features is standard, including a semi-autonomous driving mode, which learns how the owner drives and mimics that person’s driving style while in use. For more information about the GV80’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Among its rivals, the GV80 offers one of the best standard warranty packages with its extensive powertrain coverage. The X5 and XC90 offer the same amount of complimentary maintenance, but neither the GLE-class nor the Range Rover Sport offer such a policy.
Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$66,475 (base price: $60,175)
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
212 in3, 3470 cm3
Power
375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque
391 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 15.0-in vented disc/14.2-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, 265/50R-20 111W M+S GOE
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.3 in
Length: 194.7 in
Width: 77.8 in
Height: 67.5 in
Passenger volume: 140 ft3
Cargo volume: 12 ft3
Curb weight: 5009 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.3 sec
100 mph: 13.8 sec
140 mph: 33.6 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.1 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.1 sec
1/4 mile: 13.9 sec @ 101 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 149 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.82 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 20/18/23 mpg
2021 Genesis GV80 2.5T AWD
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$64,825 (base price: $55,675)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement
152 in3, 2497 cm3
Power
300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque
311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink; Brakes (F/R): 15.0-in vented disc/14.2-in vented disc; Tires: Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, 265/40R-22 106W M+S GOE
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.3 in
Length: 194.7 in
Width: 77.8 in
Height: 67.5 in
Passenger volume: 108 ft3
Cargo volume: 34 ft3
Curb weight: 4814 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.1 sec
100 mph: 16.0 sec
130 mph: 34.3 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.0 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.5 sec
1/4 mile: 14.6 sec @ 96 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 163 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 25 mpg
Highway range: 520 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 22/21/25 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
