Genesis vehicles are relatively new on the automotive scene, but this luxury brand of Hyundai has made quick inroads into the market with some dandy sedans and SUVs. And their 2025 GV80 AWD SUV is one of them. It’s truly a beautiful piece of machinery that excels in all areas.
Initially introduced in 2020, the GV80 has become the new benchmark for luxury midsize SUVs. It’s offered in Standard, Base, Select, Advanced and Prestige, the latter of which we were fortunate to test.
Now in its fifth model year, the 2025 the GV80 sports its traditional bold front end and newer pentagonal grille that gives it the look of a pricey Bentley. The 2025 adds large air intakes and split headlights and/running light assemblies that give it a squint look. This styling design follows through to the back end. From front to back, GV80 has a slippery aero look.
GV80s interior is a beautiful work of art and design. Upon a low 20-inch step-in then slipping into the luxurious heated/ventilated Nappa leather front seats (the passenger seatback power tilts downward for a nap), your eyes are treated to a large 27-inch touchscreen that serves not only the infotainment display, but the digital gauge cluster as well. Its beautifully designed and ever so pleasing as the infotainment display serves the gamut of technology including HVAC selections, rearview and frontal cameras plus a revolving camera to mention a few.
You’ll then notice an uncluttered console containing the display controller and rotary gear selector with a “P” switch for park gear. That takes a little getting used to if coming from a console-mounted shifter handle. Residing on the console is a drive mode selector switch for Eco, Comfort, Sport, My and Snow modes. There’s also a “Lock” switch for when the going gets really tough. There’s also a cell phone charging pad on the console.
Speaking of cameras, the gauge cluster includes a left and right camera views when activating the turn signals which are often dead spots in the outside mirrors. There’s also a digital rearview mirror that must be acclimated to because it gives a wide-angle rear view. But it can be switched to a traditional view.
Dual powered sunroofs fore and aft plus assist handles over four doors offer extra convenience.
Heated back seats are especially soft and comfy with wide opening doors for easy ingress/egress. A low transaxle hump can easily accommodate a short-legged middle seat. The rear seatbacks power fold forward and up at the touch of a button when extra cargo space is needed. Not many SUVs offer power fold.
Back in the spacious cargo area that has a hands-free liftgate and a low 31-inch lift-over, second row seats (GV80 is also available with a third-row seat), offer a cargo area that measures 43.5 inches deep, 45 wide and 29 high. Flip the 40/20/40 rear seatbacks and cargo depth expands to 74 inches. A full six feet. And beneath the cargo floor are sizable bins to stow small items out of sight.
GV80 is offered with two engine choices. A 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder with 300-hp and 311 lb/ft of torque, or 3.5-liter twin turbocharged V6 with 375-hp and 391 lb/ft of torque that we tested. Both couple to a smooth and quick shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Combine this with one of the smoothest auto-off engine technology and GV80 garners EPA mileage estimates of 16 city, 22-highway mpg. This powertrain carries a 6,000-pound maximum tow rating that is sufficient for a small utility, ATV or boat trailer.
Performance wise, the 3.5 was independently tested at 5.7 seconds for a 0-60 sprint. And in Sport mode, acceleration and passing power is potent, especially when the twin turbo’s kick in.
Ride wise on 10-inch wide, Michelin 22-inch tires, is smooth and quiet. Handling is exceptional with Genesis’s electronically controlled suspension that employs a forward camera to read the road ahead and adjusts the suspension accordingly. Sharp turns are nicely dampened and planted. This is a relatively heavy car so it’s certainly not a sports car.
The major complaint is that the key fob should have larger switches that are easier to see. The flip side of the fob have switches for auto park.
An SUV of this quality and caliber doesn’t’ come inexpensively. GV80 came with a base price of $79,300. And that includes such safety features like forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, driver and forward attention warnings (accomplished by a sensor centered on the steering wheel hub), blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic alert, safe exit assist and more.
Then there’s power door closures that are eerie in that we’re all so used to manually closing doors. There’s also highway driving assist (no hands), Bang and Olufsen audio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, heated front console top, remote start and a lengthy list of extra niceties. The only thing missing would be an integrated dash camera perhaps in the rearview mirror. Something that car makers seem to be lacking especially if it lowers insurance rates.
With the only option being Capri Blue paint ($650), GV80 bottom-lined at $81, 300.
Genesis, like its parent company Hyundai, has the best warranties on the market with a 5 year/60K new vehicle, 10/100K powertrain, and 7/Unlimited rust perforation coverage. Added to that is 3/36K complimentary maintenance, 3/36K complimentary service valet, 3-year complimentary map serve.
Compared to the major competition, the GV80 wins our SUV of the year. It’s that all-encompassing and a delight to drive and ride in.