Hyundai's luxury division, Genesis, has come a long way in a short while. What started as a brand with cut-rate luxury cars with leather-wrapped Hyundai bits has now transformed into a full-fledged luxury brand that offers a competitive blend of luxury and performance at a relatively affordable price point. The Genesis GV80 was launched back in 2019 to take on the established mid-size luxury SUV market that includes competitors like the Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 amongst others. So, here are 10 good reasons why you should consider the Genesis GV80 if you are shopping for a luxury mid-size SUV.
Striking Genesis Design
Korean cars have never been known for their design or aesthetics, but Genesis aims to change that perception, and the Genesis GV80 is a step in the right direction. Though Genesis is happy to push the idea that the GV80 is nothing more than an SUV version of the G80 executive sedan, the fact remains that the GV80 is a beautifully proportioned SUV that could pass off as a cut-rate Bentayga to unassuming onlookers which is as high a compliment as any considering it costs a fraction of the Bentayga's price. The massive grill and all the chrome elements have been executed tastefully and the lights give it an illusion of width that adds to the overall presence. Overall, the GV80 is a stunning SUV to behold.
Refined V-6 Experience
Though the Genesis GV80 is available with a 2.5-liter turbo mill which provides ample poke to get this behemoth. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, however, is the engine that best suits the GV80's character. The V-6 makes 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque and comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels as standard or to all four wheels in the AWD guise. As a result, the GV80 delivers punchy performance with a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. But, it's not just the outright grunt, in fact, the refinement levels of the V-6 that add to the GV80's appeal as a daily driver and help this Genesis compete against more upmarket rivals from this segment like the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5.
Packed with Active Safety tech
The 2022 Hyundai GV80 performs well in the regard to safety and comes with a whole host of active and passive safety tech to keep its occupants safe which include the following:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Semi-autonomous driving capabilities
- Automated emergency breaking
- Lane keep assist
- Lane departure warning
- Driver fatigue detection
Plush Cabin
The GV80's interior comes across as a breath of fresh air. At a time when all manufacturers are slapping on slabs of displays and touch controls practically everywhere, Genesis has taken a more minimalist approach. The interior comes with high-quality materials like burled-wood trim, metal accents, and leather, and the space is dominated by muted shades that add a sense of airiness to the cabin. The slim widescreen infotainment is set further back to avoid distractions and the climate control stack is composed of a thin strip of high-quality metallic buttons, all of which combine to add an air of minimalist elegance to the interiors.
Cutting-Edge Infotainment
As mentioned the new Genesis GV80 SUV features one of the best infotainments in its segment which is without a doubt the most aesthetically pleasing and straightforward to use. The 14.5-inch ultrawide display is set far into the dashboard and offers crisp graphics and seamless animations with a clutter-free UI that's easy to navigate. Though the display offers touch input, it also features a dedicated scroll wheel located right above the gear selector, on the center console which helps you keep your widescreen display free of fingerprints. Genesis also offers an optional 21-speaker Lexicon audio system which is a significant upgrade over the standard sound system though some competitors offer better sound systems, such as Mercedes's optional Burmaster sound system.
A 3D Gauge Cluster
As far as tech goes, it's hard to rival the Koreans, and the GV80's gauge cluster proves just that. Developed in conjunction with Continental, the GV80's gauge cluster screen uses parallax barriers that divide the image into two different, slightly offset views creating a 3D image. Located right above the screen is a camera that keeps track of the driver's eyes to deliver a more precise feed and create a proper illusion of depth. The GV80 is the first SUV to feature this cutting-edge piece of tech, but if you seek a more traditional gauge cluster then it's as simple as turning off the 3D mode in the settings.
Best-in-class Lane Keep Assist
Hyundai Group is a leader in the technology department as a result, HMU cars including the 2022 Genesis GV80 come with the best lane-keep assistance system in the business. Unlike other radar and camera-based, this level-three autonomous driving tech requires minimal input from the driver and is perhaps the most accurate, especially at lower speeds where most other systems disengage. This means you can use this lane keep assist even in rush hour traffic which makes your daily rush hour commutes a breeze.
All-new Prestige Trim
For 2022, the Genesis GV80 gets an all-new, Prestige trim that gets rid of most external chrome elements in favor of a matte texture and trim. It is offered in exclusive matte color options like Melbourne Gray, Matterhorn White, or Brunswick Green. But, there's more; if you need the best of Genesis luxury catered to backseat comfort then you need the new range-topping 2022 Genesis GV80 Prestige Signature trim which gets rid of the bench seat at the back in favor of a pair of six-way power-adjustable captain's chairs which offer a lot more comfort and added features like wireless charging for the rear seat occupants.
Genesis Warranty For The Win
Genesis is one of the youngest luxury brands in the current automotive landscape. This all-new Korean luxury automaker is the offshoot of the Hyundai group that also operates the Kia and Hyundai brands. As a result, you will find a lot of similarities between these there brands especially when it comes to warranty and coverage. All Genesis models, including the GV80 SUV, come with a class-leading 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty which is a complete bumper-to-bumper coverage along with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which happens to be the best in its segment.
Priced Right
With prices starting at $51,295 for the entry-level model, the 2022 Genesis GV80 is a true bargain and at this price point, it competes with SUVs like the Acura MDX, while the range-topping trims that go head-on against more premium competitors like the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 offer more equipment than its German rivals even though it lacks the outright performance that they offer. The range-topping trim for the 2022 GV80 is the newly launched Prestige Signature trim that carries a sticker price of $78,295 and offers a lot more luxury than the GLE or the X5.
FAQ
Q: Is the Genesis GV80 worth the money?
Yes, the Genesis GV80 is fantastic value for money that offers more features and similar performance to rivals like the Acura MDX and Mercedes GLE, at a significantly lower price point.
Q: Is the Genesis GV80 a Hyundai?
No, the Genesis GV80 shares its RWD platform with the G80 sedan and is a bespoke platform, exclusively made for Genesis models.
Q: How much will the Genesis GV80 cost?
The 2023 Genesis GV90 carries a base MSRP of $56,645.
Q: Is Genesis GV80 a luxury car?
Yes, the Genesis GV80 is a proper luxury SUV that gets a plush interior and delivers a sublime ride.
Q: Do Genesis cars hold their value?
Yes, thanks to a class-leading factory and extended warranty, and reliable track record, Genesis cars hold their value better than some of its competitors.