The Genesis GV80 was the first SUV from Hyundai’s upscale brand. This midsize luxury SUV got rave reviews when introduced in 2021 and now gets a midcycle refresh for 2025 that makes it even better. The GV80 offers handsome looks, lively performance, luxury and sophistication with a lower price tag than many competitors. A drawback is merely average fuel economy.
Base Price: $79,300
As Tested: $81,300
Horsepower: 375
Mileage: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway/19 mpg combined
The GV80 got some notoriety as being the vehicle that golfer Tiger Woods crashed in February of 2021 in the Los Angeles area.
For 2025, the Genesis GV80 gets updated exterior and interior styling and tech including a new grille, new wheel designs, and a ginormous new 27-inch OLED instrument cluster and infotainment system.
The 2025 Genesis GV80 comes in seven trims: 2.5T Standard, 2.5T, 2.5T Select, 2.5T Advanced, 2.5T Prestige, 3.5T Advanced and 3.5T Prestige. Starting prices range from $58,700 to $79,300. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims.
The 2.5T models and the 3.5T Prestige all have two rows of seating with room for five. The 3.5T Advanced trim has a third row with seating for up to seven.
The 2.5T models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T models get a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out 375 horses and 391 pound-feet. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The GV80 isn’t the fastest or most powerful midsize luxury SUV, but both powertrains offer snappy acceleration and a smooth ride. My tester with the twin turbo V6 is quick off the line and has enough power for easy merging and passing at freeway speeds. Choose from Comfort and Sport modes to adjust performance to your liking. The eight-speed is quick to up- and downshift. Steering is responsive and the GV80 feels planted when cornering with little body roll. The suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and rough roads. All in all, the GV80 is pleasant and easy to drive whether you’re shuttling kids to soccer practice, commuting to work or heading out on a road trip.
Fuel efficiency is just average for a midsize luxury SUV. EPA ratings for my tester are 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway with a combined rating of 19. I got 19 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
When properly equipped, the GV80 can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
The cabin is lovely with excellent fit and finish. Materials are high-end with every detail and stitch in place. Materials and trims include wood and aluminum, and some materials are even made from recycled plastics, newspaper and basalt. The interior easily rivals those in BMW and Mercedes-Benz. A huge 27-inch display and infotainment system stretch across the dash. The front seats are super comfy and supportive. Taller passengers in the first and second row enjoy good leg- and headroom. The available third row is best suited for kids.
Standard features include a fingerprint authentication system, proximity key, push-button start, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, synthetic leather-wrapped upper instrument panel, power-adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustments, heated front seats, power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 27-inch OLED instrument cluster and infotainment system, navigation, 12-speaker premium audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, wireless device charging, four USB-C ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, two 12-volt power outlets, interior ambient lighting, and high beam assist.
Genesis says wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be standard in all of the 2025 trims of the GV80; however, my test vehicle still had wired connectivity.
Available features include the Genesis digital key, surround-view camera system, head-up display, rear-camera mirror, three-zone climate control, four-zone climate control, real leather upholstery, Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, driver’s seat with power cushion extension, bolster and Ergo Motion, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, second row 110V AC power outlet, matte finish wood trim, microfiber suede headliner and pillars, heated front console armrest, active noise control, panoramic sunroof, universal garage door opener, and manual rear door sunshades.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward attention warning, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, blind-spot monitoring, evasive-steering assist, pedestrian detection, front cross-traffic alert, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-attention monitoring, rear-seat alert, and vehicle exit warning.
Available driver assistance technologies include a blind-spot view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and park assist.
The GV80 and other Genesis models come with an excellent warranty that beats all other luxury SUVs, a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty.
The two-row GV80 models have lots of cargo space with 36.5 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place and 71.7 cubes with the second row folded. The 3.5T Advanced trim with the third row has 11.6 cubic feet with all three rows in place. The second row splits 40/20/40. A power-operated hands-free liftgate is standard on all trims. A cargo cover and cargo net are also standard.
The standard infotainment system is impressive with its gigantic 27-inch instrument cluster and touchscreen. It’s user-friendly once you become acquainted with it. The system looks awesome as it covers much of the dashboard. You control it by touch, voice and/or an intuitive controller on the console. There are physical knobs for climate settings.
The good:
Stylish looks
Excellent value for the money
Smooth, comfortable ride
Peppy acceleration
Posh cabin
Many standard and available features and tech
Impressive 27-inch instrument cluster and touchscreen
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (available soon)
Plentiful cargo space
The not-so-good:
Just average fuel efficiency
The available third row is cramped
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $79,300. Capri Blue paint is $650. Delivery fee is $1,350 bringing the grand total to $81,300.
Bottom line:
There are numerous luxury midsize SUVs and the 2025 Genesis GV80 stands out in this competitive crowd with its sophisticated looks, peppy driving dynamics, classy cabin, and many standard features and tech. It costs less than most rivals and offers great value for the money. The 2025 GV80 is well worth checking out, especially if you’re not concerned with having a status badge on your vehicle.
