2019 Genesis G80

Is the Genesis G80 a Good Car?

Yes, the Genesis G80 is a superb luxury midsize car. Every model comes with a generous amount of standard features, including a suite of driver aids and a straightforward infotainment system. The base engine feels powerful, and there are two even more robust options. Genesis' extensive warranty is also worth a shout-out, offering as much as double what you get with rivals. On the downside, just about every competitor is more fuel-efficient.

Should I Buy the Genesis G80?

The G80 is a great choice for shoppers who enjoy getting the most bang for their buck and don't mind that their luxury car lacks the brand cachet of some rivals. If you find yourself balking at the Chrysler-like emblem, you may want to consider an Audi A6 or Mercedes-Benz E-Class instead. Spirited drivers will want to skip the base model in favor of the G80 Sport. If this doesn't provide the level of thrills you are after, try a BMW 5 Series or Genesis G70.

Compare the G80, A6, and E-Class »

Should I Buy a New or Used Genesis G80?

Genesis launched the G80 as an all-new vehicle for the 2017 model year – technically. We say technically because before Hyundai spun off Genesis as its new luxury division, it built essentially the same car and called it the Hyundai Genesis. The 2019 G80 saw no major changes, but the 2018 model gained more safety features, such as pedestrian detection and a driver condition monitor. The G80 Sport model launched for that year as well.

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2017 and 2018 G80 reviews – or go back even further to our 2016 Hyundai Genesis review. Also check out our Used Car Deals page to learn about savings and discounts on used vehicles.

Compare the 2017, 2018, and 2019 G80 »

We Did the Research for You: 43 Reviews Analyzed

Our goal is to make shopping for your next car as easy as possible. You'll find everything you need to know about the Genesis G80 in our comprehensive review. It combines concrete data (like fuel economy estimates, horsepower specs, and cargo space dimensions) with 43 professional Genesis G80 reviews.

This 2019 Genesis G80 review incorporates applicable research for all model years in this generation, which runs from 2017 to 2019.

Why You Can Trust Us

The Best Cars team – a division of U.S. News & World Report – has been reviewing cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007. With more than 75 years of combined automotive experience, our editors, writers, and analysts rank a wide variety of new and used cars and issue three annual awards: Best Cars for the Money, Best Cars for Families, and Best Vehicle Brands. To keep our recommendations unbiased, we decline expensive gifts from carmakers, and a third party handles our advertising.

How Much Does the Genesis G80 Cost?

The Genesis G80 is one of the least expensive models in our midsize luxury car rankings, with base prices ranging from $42,050 to $57,000. You can see more information on vehicle pricing and standard features in the Which Genesis G80 Model Is Right for Me? section below.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Genesis dealer.

Genesis G80 Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: Genesis G80 or Genesis G90?

Both the Genesis G80 and G90 are stellar vehicles, so the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. The G80 is a good fit for shoppers who want to spend less than $45,000, who don't need an oversized back seat, and who prefer a blend of comfortable and agile driving dynamics. The executive-style G90 furnishes a buttery smooth ride and first-class accommodations, with prices starting near $70,000. Its spacious back seat offers lots of legroom, power window sunshades, and full infotainment controls.

Which Is Better: Genesis G80 or Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

Between the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Genesis G80, the latter is undoubtedly the better value. That said, if you can afford another $10,000, there are a few reasons to consider an E-Class. First, the three-pointed star carries with it a level of prestige that Genesis hasn't yet achieved. Secondly, Mercedes offers several options in the E-Class that aren't available in the G80. Enticing upgrades include convertible and wagon body styles, massaging front seats, tri-zone climate control, and two performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG models.

Compare the G80, G90, and E-Class »

G80 Interior

How Many People Does the G80 Seat?

The G80 sedan has five seats. Its congenial accommodations boast more front-seat space than most rivals, and the cushions are sumptuous all-around. Leather seats are standard across the board, which is not a given in every luxury car, as many feature standard synthetic leather, with true leather upholstery requiring additional money. Heated front seats are also standard, and plenty of lavish options are available, including ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and sunshades for all rear windows.

G80 and Car Seats

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the G80's LATCH system a Marginal rating (the second-lowest) for its ease of use. The three tether anchors are relatively easy to locate and identify. However, it's difficult to install a car seat using the lower anchors, which are located on the rear outboard seats.

G80 Interior Quality

Genesis hits it out of the park with the G80's fit and finish. The abundance of top-notch materials include leather seats in every model, along with trim options such as glossy wood, matte-finish wood, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

G80 Cargo Space

The G80's appealing storage offerings include a well-designed trunk and ample cubbies throughout the cabin. Its 15.3-cubic-foot trunk is wide, and its standard hands-free feature automatically opens the trunk when you stand behind the car with the key fob.

G80 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The G80's infotainment system is a breath of fresh air. The interface is straightforward and responsive, giving users the choice between a touch-screen display and a series of convenient buttons to change settings. Even the base unit is packed with features. Apple CarPlay is standard – and doesn't require a subscription as it does in BMWs – as is Android Auto, a navigation system, satellite radio, and HD Radio. Available upgrades include a 9.2-inch touch screen and 14-speaker and 17-speaker surround-sound systems from Quantum Logic.

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?

Read more about interior »

G80 Performance

G80 Engine: 3 Rewarding Choices

Genesis offers three engines for the G80, each tied to a different trim. There's a sizable jump in price if you want to upgrade from the base engine, a 311-horsepower 3.8-liter V6, to the G80 Sport's 365-horsepower 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. Most shoppers should be satisfied with the base model and don't need to spend that extra $13,000 for the Sport. If you want to go whole hog, throw in an additional $15K and go for the G80 5.0 and its 420-horsepower V8. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters comes in every model.

G80 Gas Mileage: Thirstier Than Most

The G80 3.8 gets 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which are among the lowest fuel economy ratings in our midsize luxury car rankings. Each rating drops by 1 mpg in the Sport model, and V8-powered G80s get 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Part of the reason the G80's fuel economy rating is near the bottom of the class is because most other rivals feature a four-cylinder base engine. It's worth noting, however, that even competing V6-powered sedans get better gas mileage. For example, the 2019 Lexus ES, which has a 3.5-liter V6, gets 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway.

G80 Ride and Handling: Balanced Between Buttery and Athletic

The G80 is composed and easy to drive. Its handling is a shade nimbler than the larger Genesis G90 and a touch silkier than the more athletic Genesis G70. This middle-ground status is excellent for shoppers who want a sedan that's primarily comfort-oriented but can also be occasionally tossed about in the corners. The G80 Sport offers added playfulness, thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, and all-wheel drive is available in every model.

Read more about performance »

G80 Reliability

Is the Genesis G80 Reliable?

The 2019 G80 does not have a predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power.

Genesis G80 Warranty

The G80 comes with a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Read more about reliability »

G80 Safety

G80 Crash Test Results

The G80 is one of the elite few to receive a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It aced every crash test simulation and earned the highest headlight rating when properly equipped. Additionally, IIHS says the G80 can provide the highest level of front crash prevention.

G80 Safety Features

Every G80 comes with forward collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, a driver attention monitor, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, rain-sensing windshield wipers, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a rearview camera. Available safety features include adaptive LED headlights, parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a head-up display.

Read more about safety »

Which Genesis G80 Model Is Right for Me?

The 2019 G80 comes in three trims – 3.8, 3.3T Sport, and 5.0 – with the trim name indicating the size of the engine. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, and all-wheel drive is available in every trim for $2,500.

As you move up the trim ladder, not only does horsepower increase, but so do the indulgences. These performance and interior enhancements are no doubt delightful, but shoppers shouldn't feel pressured to upgrade. Even the base edition is nicely equipped, and its 311-horsepower V6 engine is hearty enough for most drivers.

Genesis G80 3.8

In addition to its 311-horsepower V6 engine, the G80 3.8 comes standard with leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated, power-adjustable front seats. The base infotainment system has an 8-inch touch-screen display, navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a seven-speaker sound system. An impressive number of advanced safety features also come standard, with forward collision warning, automatic braking, a driver attention monitor, and adaptive cruise control among the standard systems. Prices start at $42,050 for the 3.8 RWD and $44,550 for the 3.8 AWD.

Genesis G80 Sport

The G80 3.3T Sport boasts a 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine, unique exterior styling elements, front sport seats, carbon-fiber trim, alloy sport pedals, and a head-up display. The Sport model also comes with a generous number of interior upgrades, including premium leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 9.2-inch touch screen, a 17-speaker Quantum Logic surround-sound system, manual rear-side window and power rear window sunshades, and a surround-view camera. The G80 Sport RWD costs $55,250, and the G80 Sport AWD costs $57,750.

Genesis G80 5.0

In addition to most of the features that come in the G80 Sport, the G80 5.0 comes with a 420-horsepower V8 engine and upscale interior finishes. Prices start at $57,000 for the 5.0 RWD and $59,500 for the 5.0 AWD.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Genesis dealer.

See 2019 Genesis G80 specs and trims »

The Final Call

There are few areas where the Genesis G80 fails to impress, with one of its only shortcomings being subpar fuel economy. That’s because most rivals have standard four-cylinder engines while the Genesis has a V6. The G80 draws praise in most other respects, including a wealth of standard features, balanced driving dynamics, a stellar warranty, and an upscale cabin with top-notch materials. Combine these positives with its below-average price, and the G80 is a great value for luxury midsize car shoppers.

Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "Now in its third year of production, the Genesis G80 continues to bring performance and refinement to Hyundai's luxury division. Thanks to three available engines and their associated configurations, the G80 covers the broad ground expected of a midsize luxury sedan. There's also a robust list of standard features … that fetches far more money when equipped on similar competitors." -- Edmunds
• "Once known as the Hyundai Genesis, the 2018 Genesis G80 luxury sedan is now the anchor vehicle for Hyundai's new luxury division. As a luxury sedan, the G80 checks all the right boxes. The styling is solid, if not a bit Audi-esque, the interior is loaded with features, and the engine choices challenge the best designs from BMW, Audi, Cadillac and Lexus. While the driving characteristics are not yet up to the standards set by these competitors, neither is the price tag. Along with its newly available twin-turbocharged V6 and optional all-wheel drive, the Genesis G80 luxury performance sedan for 2018 offers one of the longest standard warranties of any luxury brand." -- Kelley Blue Book (2018)
• The verdict: The Genesis G80's value is its greatest appeal, with safety technology, its generous warranty and complimentary luxury services at a lower price than its competitors. Versus the competition: The G80's driving experience trends more toward comfort than engagement, which may turn off luxury buyers who want more performance potential from their luxury sedan." -- Cars.com (2017)