Stunning looks, posh cabin, peppy handling, and loads of features and tech – the 2025 Genesis G80 easily rivals the top luxury midsize sedans but at a price that won’t break the bank. It doesn’t quite have the performance chops of some competitors, but it’s worth considering for anyone who doesn’t care about having a prestigious German brand in their driveway.
Base Price: $77,000
As Tested: $78,930
Horsepower: 375
Mileage: 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway/19 mpg combined
Genesis is the upscale brand from Hyundai and has done an impressive job in producing luxury vehicles that stand out among well-established brands.
The G80 debuted as the Hyundai Genesis in 2008, then became the Genesis G80 in 2017 after Hyundai and Genesis became separate brands. It was fully redesigned in 2021. For 2025, the Genesis gets updated exterior and interior styling and a new massive 27-inch driver display and infotainment system.
The 2025 G80 comes in five trims: 2.5T, 2.5T Advanced, 2.5T Sport Prestige, 3.5T Sport Advanced and 3.5T Sport Prestige. Starting prices range from $57,100 to $77,000. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims. There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
Two engines are available. The 2.5T models come with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that makes 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Genesis says the G80 can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds with this set-up.
3.5T models get a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that cranks out 375 horses and 391 pound-feet. This powerplant can kick start the G80 from zero to 60 in just 4.8 seconds.
Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
With either engine, the Genesis has zippy handling. My tester with the turbo V6 delivers smooth power as opposed to thrilling performance. The eight-speed automatic shifts quickly to the right gear and there are paddle shifters on the steering wheel if you want to shift yourself. Acceleration is perky from a stop and the G80 is lively when merging and passing at freeway speeds. All-wheel drive helps the G80 stay planted when cornering, although there is a tad bit of body lean. The ride is smooth with the suspension soaking up bumps. Visibility is limited somewhat by the thick front and rear pillars. While the G80 isn’t as athletic as its German rivals, it’s extremely comfortable and still fun to drive.
Fuel efficiency is below average for the class. EPA ratings for my tester with the more powerful engine are 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with a combined rating of 19. I got 19 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. The turbo-four does a bit better at 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with a combined rating of 24. Premium fuel is required.
The cabin is beautiful with elegant materials and soft-touch surfaces. A huge 27-inch digital cluster and infotainment system flow together across the dash. Seats are supportive and roomy. There’s generous leg- and headroom in the front row. The second row has good legroom but taller passengers may wish for more headroom.
Standard features include proximity keyless entry, push-button start, fingerprint authentication system, push-button start, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, drive-mode select, synthetic leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front and rear seats, a heated and power tilt-and-telescoping leather steering wheel, 27-inch OLED digital instrument cluster and infotainment system with touchscreen, navigation, 12-speaker audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, four USB Type-C ports, Wi-Fi hot spot, 12-volt power outlet, 64-color adjustable interior ambient lighting, heated mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, high-beam assist, and universal garage door opener.
Available features include a Genesis digital key, surround-view camera system, three zone climate control, real leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, wireless device charging, power rear sunshade, and a panoramic sunroof.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, highway-driving assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, park assist, driver-attention monitoring, and safe exit assist (doors of the G80 won’t open if another vehicle is approaching from behind).
Available driver assistance technologies include blind-spot cameras which show a video feed of the vehicle’s blind spots when the turn signals are on, and remote smart parking assist.
The Infotainment system is impressive as it’s part of a 27-inch OLED horizontal display that is made up of a digital gauge cluster and large touchscreen. The graphics look crisp and the system responds quickly to touch and voice commands. The system is easy to use with menus logically arranged. Handy physical controls make it easy to adjust audio and climate settings.
Trunk space is less than many rivals. There are 13.1 cubic feet of space. The rear seats don’t fold but there is a center pass-through to accommodate long items. A hands-free smart trunk lid with auto open is standard. A power hands-free smart trunk lid with auto open is available.
The G80 comes with one of the best warranties out there, and in fact is the only vehicle in the midsize luxury car class to have a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The good:
Stylish and elegant inside and out
Peppy handling
Standard AWD
Posh cabin with high-end materials
Many standard features and tech
27-inch digital display and infotainment system
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Good value for the money
Excellent warranty
The not-so-good:
Below average fuel economy
Smaller trunk than many rivals
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $77,000. Capri Blue paint is $650. The NFC card is $30. The delivery fee is $1,250 bringing the grand total to $78,930.
Bottom line:
The 2025 Genesis G80 is elegant and swanky. It easily competes with the best among luxury midsize sedans and gives a big bank for the buck. Sure, there will be those who turn up their nose at a vehicle from South Korea, but the Genesis G80 is extraordinary. Yes, it doesn’t quite perform like some of the German brands and fuel economy isn’t great. But it’s a solid entry in a competitive field.