Is it just me, or does Genesis keep outdoing themselves? It might sound repetitive, but the new Genesis GV80 luxury mid-size SUV truly is exceptional, possibly even surpassing everything else in its class. If you prioritize luxury, stunning aesthetics, and overall value in your SUV search, your search might just end here.
No disrespect to BMW, but the GV80 delivers top-tier luxury at less than half the price of their high-end XM model, making it a clear winner in the luxury SUV arena.
Let’s consider the facts: the GV80 boasts 375 horsepower, all-wheel drive (AWD), generous cargo space, a 6,000-pound towing capacity, and a design that exudes more elegance than the XM. Reputable sources like Car and Driver magazine report a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of just 5.7 seconds. Who am I to disagree with those numbers?
While it’s true the GV80 isn’t a plug-in hybrid and lacks a diamond-patterned inner roof liner with ambient mood lighting, it also comes with a significantly more approachable price tag of “just” $81,300 compared to the XM’s hefty $191,000 (as tested). Doing some quick math, you could purchase two GV80s for the price of one XM, and still have enough left over for a fun-to-drive Mazda Miata for weekend getaways.
The GV80 is a remarkable two or three-row SUV that further enhances Genesis’ reputation for crafting beautifully designed vehicles, both inside and out. The brand’s signature twin-bar headlight and taillight styling is consistently applied across their lineup. It’s reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz in their prime, where the iconic grille instantly signaled a Benz. These are timeless design cues that age gracefully.
The GV80 features a swept-back roofline, lower at the rear than the front, and a redesigned grille that resembles a piece of exquisite jewelry with its multi-faceted surface. The sharp lines of this test model were further accentuated by the deep, dark, and shimmering Storr Green paint, a $650 option. Luxury brands are increasingly moving towards charging extra for most paint colors, with white being the only standard offering, a trend aimed at boosting profits. One luxury manufacturer recently charged an astonishing $5,000 for a special paint job on a vehicle we tested.
It’s worth noting that the Storr Green on this Genesis is a glossy finish, but a matte version is also available. For those opting for matte finishes, hand washing is generally recommended as mechanical car washes can sometimes damage the finish.
Powering the GV80 is a robust 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. This is substantial power! The turbo engine propels this 5,115-pound SUV to highway speeds with the agility of many sports sedans. Yet, like a Lexus, the power delivery is so refined and smooth that the speed displayed on the head-up display (HUD) can be surprisingly high without feeling it. This seamless performance is largely thanks to the perfectly matched 8-speed automatic transmission.
Multiple drive modes, including Sport, Snow, and Comfort, allow drivers to tailor the GV80’s performance to various driving conditions.
The handling leans slightly towards the heavier side, reinforcing its luxury SUV character, yet it remains agile enough to confidently navigate corners on winding roads. Crucially for drivers who prioritize comfort, the ride quality is exceptionally well-controlled and dampened, effectively smoothing out even rough road surfaces. It’s in this aspect, along with the significant price difference, that the Genesis truly outperforms the BMW XM with its firmer ride.
Both the GV80 and XM come standard with AWD, a valuable asset for winter driving, though neither is really designed for serious off-roading.
The 2025 GV80’s interior has been upgraded with a striking 27-inch dual-screen touchscreen display, complemented by an elegant Earth Brown leather interior and a luxurious suede roof liner.
Passengers consistently praised the look and feel of the GV80’s cabin. Genesis seats are upholstered in soft, quilted diamond-patterned leather with contrasting dark brown piping. The dashboard and door panels are covered in a gunmetal gray leather-like material with gray stitching. Quilted brown leather door inserts add a touch of color and contribute to the already remarkably quiet interior. The dash and doors also feature a white hash-marked wood trim that brightens the interior and enhances its sophistication.
Satin chrome accents adorn the console and door releases, and Genesis includes a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system as standard equipment on this top-of-the-line 3.5T Prestige model.
The slightly curved dual-screen display is a focal point, aligning with the trend among luxury brands. It’s user-friendly thanks to its touchscreen functionality, but a tuner dial on the console seems somewhat redundant. It also bears a striking resemblance in size and placement to the gear selector dial, which can be confusing when in a hurry. The tuner knob would ideally be a different size or positioned further back on the console to give precedence to the transmission knob.
Aside from this minor ergonomic issue, the interior is exceptional, offering premium levels of comfort, luxury, and ease of use.
The seats are well-contoured, and in Sport mode, the driver’s seat bolsters automatically tighten for enhanced lateral support. There are numerous seat adjustments, including a button to extend the lower cushion, a boon for taller drivers. Power buttons on the passenger seatback allow rear passengers to adjust the front passenger seat for increased legroom.
The rear seats offer ample space and are also power-operated, folding flat via buttons on their lower sides. Buttons inside the power rear hatch also allow for remotely folding the split second-row seats. This reveals a cavernous cargo area: 37 cubic feet with the second row in place, expanding to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Both front and rear seats are heated and cooled, and the steering wheel and large leather-clad center armrest are also heated.
Additional interior features include a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, wireless phone charger, tri-zone climate control, ambient “mood” lighting, and dual sunroofs with independently operating shades.
In terms of safety, the GV80 is equipped with all the expected features, including smart cruise control, emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Genesis also offers a sophisticated semi-autonomous driving system that learns the driver’s habits and mimics them when engaged.
Fuel economy is typical for a larger SUV. EPA ratings are 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. In mixed driving, I observed 19.2 mpg, while the vehicle’s computer indicated a slightly more optimistic 21 mpg or better, which is not uncommon.
Pricing is more reasonable than you might expect. The base GV80 2.5T starts at $59,050 including delivery. The 2.5T designation refers to the 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, which still provides brisk acceleration.
There are four additional 2.5T trim levels, ranging from $60,050 to the fully equipped Prestige at $71,800.
The 3.5T Advanced model, with the larger V6 engine, starts at $75,150 and includes many, but not all, of the features found on the tested Prestige model, which starts at $80,650. The test vehicle only added the premium Storr Green paint, bringing the total to $81,300. It’s important to note that 2.5T models are exclusively two-row SUVs, while 3.5T models offer an optional third row.
Genesis continues to impress with its robust warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles for the basic warranty and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. Furthermore, Genesis includes three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, map updates, connected services, and valet or loaner car service.
Competitors, such as BMW’s highly-regarded X5 (see review), Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne, are generally more expensive for similarly equipped models.
For its compelling combination of price, ride quality, and stunning design, the sophisticated Genesis GV80 is a clear winner in the luxury SUV segment.
FAST STATS: 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD
Hits: Striking aesthetics, excellent smooth power, agile handling, superb ride comfort, multiple drive modes, and AWD. Stylish and luxurious interior, remarkably quiet cabin, heated/cooled front and rear seats, heated steering wheel and center console armrest, dual sunroofs, wireless charger, comprehensive safety suite, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, large infotainment screen, generous cargo capacity, ambient lighting, power-adjustable driver’s seat cushion extension, power rear seat controls, exceptional warranty.
Misses: Round shifter dial too similar to info screen dial, leading to potential confusion.
Made in: Ulsan, South Korea
Power: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, 375 hp/391 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Weight: 5,115 lbs
Wheelbase: 116.3 in
Length: 194.7 in
Cargo: 37-84 cu ft
Tow: 6,000 lbs
MPG: 16 city/22 highway
MPG (tested): 19.2
Base Price: $80,650 (includes delivery)
Invoice: $76,686
Major Options: Storr Green paint, $650
Test vehicle: $81,300
Sources: Genesis, www.kbb.com
Photos: Mark Savage
