2020 Genesis G80

 Is the Genesis G80 a Good Car?

Yes, the Genesis G80 is a stellar luxury midsize car. Every aspect of this sedan comes down to maximizing occupant comfort. Inside, you’re treated to sumptuous materials that rival the best of the best. Genesis may not have the brand cache of some competitors, but it didn’t cut any corners on cabin materials or standard equipment. While the base model isn't the fastest or most engaging car to drive in the class, it has a composed ride and never lacks for power. If you can live with this sedan’s poor fuel estimates, this is a great choice.

Should I Buy the Genesis G80?

The Genesis G80 is one of the best buys in the class, offering levels of opulence that you might expect from pricier, more illustrious brands. This sedan is proof that you can spend less than $50,000 and still ride in the lap of luxury. However, it faces tough competition from German rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, both of which have strong engines and top-notch cabins.

Compare the Genesis G80, 5 Series, and E-Class »

Should I Buy a New or Used Genesis G80?

With no major changes to 2020 or 2019 models, we recommend shopping for a used 2018 G80. It's nearly identical to a new G80 but likely less expensive. For 2018, the G80 gained standard active safety features like pedestrian detection, as well as a new Sport model with a twin-turbo V6 engine.

Models from 2017 and 2016 are very similar, though they have different names. Genesis split from Hyundai and became a separate luxury brand in 2017, and the Hyundai Genesis was rebranded as the Genesis G80. If you're considering an older Hyundai Genesis, you'll probably want to stick with a model from 2016 or 2015, which is when this sedan was last fully redesigned.

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2017 G80, 2018 G80, and 2019 G80 reviews to help make your decision. Also check out our Used Car Deals page to learn about savings and discounts you can find on used vehicles.

Compare the 2018, 2019, and 2020 Genesis G80 »

We Did the Research for You: 40 Reviews Analyzed

To ensure that our automotive rankings and reviews are as unbiased as possible, we do not rely on our personal opinions. Instead, we analyze concrete data like crash test results and reliability ratings, as well as the opinions of the automotive press.

This 2020 Genesis G80 review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2015.

Why You Can Trust Us

U.S. News & World Report has been reviewing cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our Best Cars team has more than 75 years of combined automotive industry experience. We care about cars, but we care more about providing useful information to car shoppers. To ensure our impartiality, an independent party handles our advertising, and our staff doesn’t accept expensive gifts or trips from automakers.

How Much Does the Genesis G80 Cost?

With a base price of $42,550, the 2020 Genesis G80 is one of the most affordable midsize luxury cars. Most competitors have a starting price of at least $50,000.

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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The G80 has a higher predicted reliability than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and it costs about $10,000 less than its more well-known rival. Though the G80 is a better value, the E-Class offers some things the Genesis doesn't: convertible and wagon body styles, massaging front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and two high-performance models. Still, the Genesis stacks up well to the Benz when it comes to ride comfort and interior quality, and it deserves serious consideration.

Which Is Better: Genesis G80 or Genesis G90?

The Genesis G90 is a luxury large car that’s very similar to the smaller G80. The biggest differences between these sedans are size and price. The G80 is the way to go if you have a tighter budget and don’t need a palatial back seat. The G90 starts at about $69,000 and offers limo-like rear-seat accommodations, including power sunshades and infotainment controls. The G80 is the more practical option for most people, while the G90 is best for those who can afford to pay a premium for more space and more luxurious features.

Compare the Genesis G80, E-Class, and G90 »

G80 Interior

How Many People Does the Genesis G80 Seat?

The five-seat G80 sedan provides a comfortable interior in which to relax. In any seat, you can stretch your legs and sink into its plush cushions to enjoy all-day comfort. The cabin also keeps wind and road noise at bay. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard. Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and rear sunshades are available.

G80 and Child Car Seats

There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats.

G80 Interior Quality

The cabin is replete with sumptuous materials, including standard leather upholstery, as well as handsome trim options like aluminum, carbon fiber, and real wood. Reviewers say this cabin is among the most luxurious in the class.

G80 Cargo Space

The G80’s 15.3-cubic-foot trunk space is typical for the class. However, the rear seats don’t fold down, and the pass-through for stowing longer items is small. A proximity-activated hands-free trunk lid is standard, and a power open and close trunk lid is available.

G80 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The G80's infotainment system is a breeze to operate, unlike many rivals’ systems that feature bloated menus and complicated controls. This infotainment menu structure gives users quick access to popular cabin features, and the system is responsive and straightforward. There are also physical controls for some functions.

The base infotainment system includes an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, a USB port, and seven speakers. A 9.2-inch touch screen, a 17-speaker Quantum Logic surround-sound system, and a wireless charging pad are available.

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

Read more about interior »

G80 Performance

Engine: 3 Winners

There are three available engines, and each is paired to a specific trim. The base 311-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 has good everyday power, though some competing luxury midsize cars feel stronger. You’ll get punchier acceleration from the G80 Sport's 365-horsepower 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, but you’ll have to spend an extra $13,200 to upgrade from the base model. If you’re willing to spend that much for the upgrade, you may want to spring for the G80 5.0 and its 420-horsepower V8. This top-of-the-line G80 will cost you $15,000 more than the base model. While the V8 isn't as fuel-efficent as the turobcharged V6, it has more authorative power. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is standard with each engine.

G80 Gas Mileage: Thrifty Turbos

The G80's base engine returns some of the worst fuel economy estimates in the class, though this is partly because many rivals feature smaller turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

The base G80 returns 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Each rating drops by 1 mpg in the Sport model. V8-powered G80s return 16/24 mpg city/highway.

G80 Ride and Handling: Smooth Moves

The G80 has decent cornering ability, but steering feedback is light, and some rivals offer sharper handling. The G80 has a comfort-based ride, thanks to its soft, bump-absorbing suspension. The G80 Sport features stronger brakes and an adaptive sport-tuned suspension that provides nimbler driving dynamics. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, and all-wheel drive is available.

Read more about performance »

G80 Reliability

Is the Genesis G80 Reliable?

The 2020 Genesis G80 has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power.

Genesis G80 Warranty

The G80 has 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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 Genesis G80 an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, as well as five stars in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover evaluations.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not evaluated the 2020 G80 at the time of writing.

G80 Safety Features

Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency 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 driver assistance equipment includes adaptive LED headlights, parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera system, and a head-up display.

Read more about safety »

G80 Dimensions and Weight

The Genesis G80 is 16.4 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 4,195 to 4,716 pounds.

Where Is the 2020 Genesis G80 Built?

Genesis builds the 2020 G80 in South Korea.

Which Genesis G80 Model Is Right for Me?

The 2020 Genesis G80 comes in three trims: 3.8, 3.3T Sport, and 5.0, with the trim name denoting the engine size. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available in every trim for $2,500.

The base Genesis G80 3.8 is an excellent value. For a little more than $42,000, it gets you a powerful engine, a good number of cabin comfort features, and desirable technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with a handful of advanced safety systems. While many rivals come with just as much (or more) equipment, they typically cost more than the G80. The G80 3.3T Sport trim costs about $13,200 more than the base trim. This model is quicker off the line, but it's difficult to justify its much higher price.

Genesis G80 3.8

The G80 3.8 (MSRP: $42,550) has a 311-horsepower V6 engine, leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and power-adjustable front seats. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a seven-speaker sound system. Several collision-avoidance systems also come standard, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and adaptive cruise control.

Genesis G80T Sport

The G80 3.3T Sport starts at $55,750. It comes with a 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine, an adaptive suspension, unique exterior styling elements, front sport seats, carbon-fiber trim, alloy sport pedals, and a head-up display. It also comes with a host of cabin luxuries like 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 parking camera system.

Genesis G80 5.0

The Genesis G80 5.0 comes with a 420-horsepower V8 engine and most of the features in the G80 Sport. Pricing starts at $57,500.

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

See 2020 Genesis G80 specs and trims »

The Final Call

The Genesis G80 has only one major flaw: its below-average fuel economy for the class. However, rivals with better gas mileage estimates have four-cylinder engines (this Genesis comes with a V6 or V8). The G80 is well-regarded for its multitude of standard features, its tranquil ride, and its lengthy warranty. It also has one of the most upscale cabins in the luxury midsize car class. On top of all that, the G80 is one of the least expensive cars in the segment, solidifying it as an excellent value.

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

• "The 2020 Genesis G80 stands out in a class full of snazzy mid-size luxury cars, but that has more to do with its intriguing engine options and lower price than style. Make no mistake, this Genesis isn't a cut-rate sedan masquerading as upper-class transportation. Instead, its creamy ride and comfortable cabin provide an upscale experience to a wider spectrum of consumers." -- Car and Driver
• "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 (2019)
• 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)