Our Rides: An SUV For The Pampered Set

Genesis continues to rise as a luxury brand worth watching.

Look at the Korean luxury car brand’s current product portfolio. Their battery-electric vehicle lineup now numbers three — the GV60, Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80. The G90 has matured into a flagship sedan worth owning. The G70 is a true competitor to the likes of the BMW 3-Series.

That leaves us with the GV80 — the brand’s mid-sized SUV.

The 2025 edition of the GV80 received plenty of revisions inside and out, mostly to add design features to make it stand out further along with new technology. How did Genesis do with this revised GV80?

The 2025 revisions took this SUV to another level. The grille not only gets a double bar mesh design, but it also received a mild reshaping for better visualization of its identity. The entire front clip received some nips and tucks while retaining the signature double horizontal headlamp units.

Aside from new wheel designs, the GV80 SUV retains a lot of design. It is upright and has a nicely angled roofline. This 3.5T Prestige tester gets 22-inch alloy wheels with five sporty spokes.

The biggest change to the 2025 GV80 is the new instrument panel. A thin 27-inch OLED screen integrates both the instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen in a seamless fashion. Once you add smartphone integration, the screen splits up and the mirrored screen takes up almost half of the panel.

Also new to the GV80 is a new three-spoke steering wheel that is being integrated into the latest Genesis models. They also updated a few controls — the knob-type transmission shifter, for one. Our Vanilla Beige/Smoky interior color scheme also includes a nicely texture woodgrain trim to create a lovely atmosphere inside the GV80.

That includes the Vanilla Beige perforated Nappa leather upholstery adorning two rows of seating on this Prestige tester. All outboard seats get electric adjustments, but it is the driver’s seat that gets the full treatment. That includes adjustments to the seatback bolsters, lumbar support, and a cushion extender. If the driver is fatigued, the Ergo Motion system kicks in to help recalibrate their position. Not to mention, the Driver Attention Warning system will also remind the driver to keep their eyes on the road.

Second-row passengers have ample space for up to three people. It is worth noting that a third row of seating is available only on the 3.5T Advanced model. Cargo space for our Prestige tester measures 36.5 cubic feet with the second row up. Fold down the second row of seats, and you get up to 71.7 cubic feet.

Powering our tester is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine. It is good for 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. While premium gasoline is recommended, these power figures reflect the use of the higher-octane fuel. Power is transferred through an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels.

This driveline does very well in every situation we put it through. It shines extremely well on the highway with smooth power delivery and superb passing ability. We observed an average of 23.1 MPG for fuel consumption.

Along with its smooth power delivery is a luxurious driving experience. Ride quality is exactly what you expect from an SUV of its size class — simply smooth and quiet. Handling tended to be softer when maneuvering around hazards and getting around curves.

The brake pedal feel is on the soft side. However, the system delivered solid stops in normal, panic, and wet situations. The steering system offered tight turns and is quite responsive. On-center feel was fine, with help from the Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist enabled.

In the 2025 Genesis GV80, you have a choice of two drivelines and three packages for each engine option. Pricing starts from $58,700. Our 3.5T Prestige tester came with a sticker price of $81,300.

Coming later this year is the Coupe SUV version of the GV80. With a fastback roofline, the prospects of a new body style will add more to the flair this model already exudes.

If you’re just looking for a luxury SUV with ample space for passengers and luggage, this might be the right choice for you. It is uniquely styled and definitely stands out in a crowd. It offers a heightened level of elegance and technology inside the cabin. Plus, it competes well in a segment that offers its own interpretation of what a luxury mid-size SUV should be in the eyes of its customers.

When it comes to your eyes — and your want of an elegant SUV — the 2025 Genesis GV80 should be the right choice for you. Be prepared to be pampered in this unique offering in its size class.