Genesis GV80

 

How it looks when you see on the street: A tony midsize gas-powered SUV rounds out the formidable Genesis lineup that amp up the competition in the luxury field on its product attributes alone as a fancy favorite. The GV80 was redesigned for the 2024 model year and also adds an athletic looking GV80 coupe to its lineup. Most noticeable on the exterior is what design calls it the “two-line crest grille” that carries over into the headlamps, accented by chrome trim on the sides.

How it makes you feel when you get in: A legit luxe interior is framed by a 14.5-inch touch screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and the addition of a 21-speaker stereo and panoramic sunroof. Everyone who rode in the GV80 came away wowed with the passenger ride experience. Nappa leather and a suede headliner feel rich. A long line of safety tech includes forward collision-avoidance assist (great for distracted chatters), lane keeping assist, driver and forward attention and warning and blind assist make the hulking SUV proportions easier to navigate around in the name of safe driving. Active noise control keeps exterior noise out of the cabin.

How it drives:  The GV80 comes in two engine options. We’ve only been in the zestier 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 375 horsepower and earns about 20 miles per gallon. The other option is a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, both still powered by gasoline.

Space for people and things: Seating for up to seven. Cabin chairs are idea for second row passengers. The third row is a bit squished .

What you should compare it to: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

How much does it cost: The Prestige is $62,000. Our 2023 test vehicle included the advanced package – leather, blind-spot monitor, head-up display, heated second row, ergonomic seating support, soft nappa leather, active noise control, power door shades, and power-ventilated second row for a total price of $75,800. Most recently we drove the 2024 Genesis GV80 Allwheel Drive Prestige Signature 3.5T priced at about $83,000.