You don’t hear many people say, “I’m looking for a high-end luxury sedan so I think I’ll try a Genesis.” But more people should think this way. The Genesis G80 is all-new for 2021 and it’s gorgeous. It gives you everything you want in a luxury vehicle without the high sticker price.
Base Price: $47,700
As Tested: $58,025
Horsepower: 300
Mileage: 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined
Genesis is the luxury brand of Hyundai. Genesis used to be part of the Hyundai line-up but was spun off on its own for the 2017 model year. For 2021, The Genesis G80 gets a makeover with exterior and interior upgrades including new engines, a more upscale cabin and upgraded infotainment system.
The five-passenger 2021 Genesis G80 comes in two trims: 2.5T and 3.5T. The 2.5T starts at $47,770 with rear-wheel-drive, which is below average for a midsize luxury sedan. All-wheel-drive is available for an additional $3,150. The 3.5T starts at $59,100 for rear-wheel-drive and $62,250 for AWD.
The 2.5T is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T gets a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that generates 375 horses and 391 pound-feet. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
My 2.5T tester has zippy performance. It’s not a sport sedan but it is sporty with nimble handling. The G80 is quick off the line and there’s plenty of oomph for merging and passing at freeway speeds. Brakes and steering are responsive and the G80 corners well. The eight-speed shifts smoothly and quickly. The ride is balanced and smooth, even on rough roads. It’s very enjoyable to be behind the wheel!
Fuel efficiency is about average for the class. EPA ratings for my tester are 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with a combined rating of 26. I got 27 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The cabin is upscale with a lovely fit and finish—everything you expect in a luxury car. Materials are top notch and every stitch is in place. The design is clean and modern. Seats are supportive and comfortable, and adults will be comfortable in both rows. The backseat has a center armrest that can be raised and lowered to accommodate either two or three passengers on the bench seat.
Standard features include keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, 14.5-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker audio system, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, three USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and LED headlights with automatic high beams.
Available features include a surround-view parking camera system, head-up display, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, tri-zone automatic climate control, real leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 21-speaker audio system, wireless device charging, panoramic sunroof, power soft-closing doors, rear occupant sensors, and rear sunshades.
Standard driver assistance technologies include lane departure warning with lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, pedestrian and cyclist detection, front and rear parking sensors, and driver drowsiness monitoring.
Available driver assistance technologies include rear collision warning and remote-control automated parking.
The 14.5 touchscreen looks great with crisp graphics and responds quickly to touch and voice commands. However, the rotary controller and a touchpad between the two front seats have a learning curve. The system does get easier to use with practice, and some features are unique, such as being able to use your finger on the touchpad to draw numbers and letters.
The G80 has 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space which is average for the class. However, the rear seats don’t fold down so that limits the ability to haul large and/or bulky items. A hands-free power trunk lid is standard.
The good:
Beautiful looks
Nimble handling
Tons of features and tech
Low starting price
Excellent value for the money
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Infotainment system takes time to figure out
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $47,700. Adriatic Blue paint is $400. Advanced Package is $4,600 and includes 19-inch Alloy wheels with all-season tires, matte finish wood trim, ventilated front seats, power rear and manual rear side sunshades, three-zone climate control, power trunk, Lexicon Premium Audio with 21 speakers and panoramic sunroof. The Prestige Package is $4,300 and adds leather seating surfaces, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, power door closure, wireless device charger, Genesis digital key, rear occupant alert, front passenger seat walk-in device, driver’s power bolster and cushion extension, Ergo Motion seat, surround view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, remote smart parking assist, and parking collision-avoidance assist (rear). Delivery fee is $1,025 bringing the grand total to $58,025.
Bottom line:
There are many excellent midsize luxury sedans including the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The 2021 Genesis G80 stacks up well against all of these rivals with its spirited performance and sumptuous cabin. The only difference is the G80 won’t be as hard on your wallet.
