There’s just no stopping Genesis. Ever since Hyundai launched the offshoot in 2015, enthusiastic reviews have followed. The G70, G80 and G90 sedans in the Genesis stable were joined by the hot-selling luxury label’s first SUV in 2020. It provided more proof that quality, styling, design and ease of use have been trademarks of Korean car builder’s upmarket offshoot from Day One.
And it was the revamped 2025 GV80 that we tested recently. Genesis has retained the beefy 3.5.-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine in the all-wheel-drive SUV. It cranks out 375 horsepower @ 5800 rpm and 391 pounds-feet of torque @ 5800 rpm while coupled to a 48-volt electric supercharger. A seamless 8-speed automatic gearbox offers comfort, eco, sport and custom drive modes. Its electronically controlled multilink suspension handles the bumps and thumps of real-time roads with little sacrifice. The motor-driven power steering is perfectly weighted and provides ample feedback.
Up front, the long hood of the handsome luxury SUV meets up with a new bold and massive two-line crest grille and micro-lens arrayed LEDs topped by the winged (Guilloche pattern) emblem. Step inside and you’ll discover that the 14.5-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch digital cluster are history. They have been replaced by a mammoth 27-inch OLED display screen that displays all your phone, nav, audio controls as well as digital cluster for the driver. Also fresh to the eyes is the new Genesis insignia on the horn covers, an enlarged console cup holder, redesigned wireless phone charge tray and three-spoke steering wheel. Need to shift into park? The rotary dial selector, a handy touch, has been retained.
To be sure, Genesis coddles the occupants with tri-zone auto a/c, 16-way driver and 12-way front heated/cooled Nappa leather seats, along with and power tilt/telescopic steering column and tilt-and-slide sunroof, head-up display, power second-row seat and a suede headliner. Matte-finished wood adds luxury to the center console, dash and doors. The previous Lexicon sound system makes way for an even more impressive 18-speaker, 1400-watt Bang & Olufsen package. Power rear window sunshades further add to the restful environment.
Safety is paramount for Genesis. Four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist provide sure stop along with electronic stability and traction control system, front/rear parking sensors, smart cruise control, rearview camera, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning/lane keep and forward collision avoid assists, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard. Further wrapping the GV80’s occupants in safety are a front center airbag — located between the driver’s seat and center console, dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag.
The extravagant GV80 is fitted with a forceful power train, well-appointed and classy cabin, and numerous safety features. Hats off to Genesis for a job well done. Listen up, European competitors (Audi, BMW, Benz!): You have been put on notice.
GV80 (PRESTIGE)
Tires: P265/40R22
Wheelbase: 116.3 inches
Length: 194.5 inches
Width: 77.8 inches
Height: 67.5 inches
Weight: 5,148 pounds
Fuel capacity: 21.1 gallons
City: 16 mpg
Highway: 22 mpg
Base price: $79,300
Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringflorida@gmail.com
