2023 Genesis GV80 Review, Pricing, and Specs

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

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.

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.

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

More Features and Specs