2021 Genesis GV80

Is the Genesis GV80 a Good SUV?

Yes, the Genesis GV80 is a good SUV. This crossover offers two punchy turbocharged engines, has engaging handling, and gets good gas mileage. The interior is exactly what you expect from a luxury midsize SUV: It's handsome, stylish, and replete with top-shelf materials. There are two rows of roomy, comfortable seats and plenty of standard features, including a ginormous infotainment display. The GV80 also earns a perfect predicted reliability rating.

Why You Can Trust Us: 9 Reviews Analyzed

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Should I Buy the Genesis GV80?

The GV80 is definitely worth your consideration. In addition to the litany of positives listed above, this Genesis is one of the most affordable vehicles in the class, making it a stellar value.

Find a 2021 Genesis GV80 for sale near you »

2020 vs. 2021 Genesis GV80: What's the Difference?

The 2021 Genesis GV80 is a brand-new model, so there are no used versions to compare it to.

How Much Does the Genesis GV80 Cost?

The GV80 sports a starting MSRP of $48,900. That's below average among luxury midsize SUVs. The three-row Advanced+ model starts at $65,050, while the range-topping V6-powered GV80 Prestige starts at $70,950. That's a little below average for a top-trim price in this class.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Genesis dealer. You can also check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

Genesis GV80 Versus the Competition

Genesis GV80 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is one of our highest-rated luxury midsize SUVs because it basically has no weaknesses. It's opulent, comfortable, and spacious inside. There are plenty of tech features, including a user-friendly infotainment system. There are multiple satisfying powertrains to choose from, and the GLE handles well and rides smoothly. However, you can say almost all of the same things about the GV80, which has a lower starting price.

Compare the GV80 and GLE »

Genesis GV80 vs. Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 delivers on a lot of fronts, but it has a few weaknesses as well. It's powerful and enjoyable to drive, and it delivers a cushioned ride. Like the Genesis, the Audi's interior is outstanding, even by luxury SUV standards, and the technology is intuitive. However, the Q7 has less cargo space than many of its classmates, and it earns a below-average predicted reliability rating (the GV80's is as high as it gets).

Compare the GV80 and Q7 »

Compare the GV80, GLE, and Q7 »

GV80 Interior: Lots to Like

GV80 Cargo Space

The Genesis has a useful amount of cargo space, but some luxury midsize SUV rivals offer more room. Models with the third row have very little space behind the rearmost seats.

How Many People Does the GV80 Seat?

Most GV80 models have two rows and seat five people, but Advanced+ models have a third row of seats and can hold up to seven people. The first two rows of seats provide plenty of head- and legroom and are impressively comfortable. The third row of seats are much smaller and best left for children.

GV80 and Child Car Seats

There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the second-row outboard seats and a tether anchor for the second-row middle seat.

GV80 Interior Quality

The GV80 features one of the best interiors in the class. It's beautifully crafted, with simplistic, attractive styling. The materials quality is exceptional, and few class rivals can match it.

GV80 Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The majority of reviewers praise the GV80's infotainment system. The giant 14.5-inch display has crisp graphics, and there are a few touch-screen controls. Most of the system is operated with a rotary controller, which allows you to adjust settings in a variety of ways, including by writing out commands. Despite its versatility, a few users say it's distracting to use the rotary dial.

• Standard infotainment features: a 14.5-inch display, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
• Available infotainment features: wireless device charging and a 21-speaker Lexicon audio system
• Additional standard features: dual-zone automatic climate control
• Other available features: a panoramic sunroof and tri-zone automatic climate control

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

Read more about interior »

GV80 Performance: Powerful and Agile

GV80 Engine

There are two engine options in the GV80: a base 300-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and an available 375-horsepower turbocharged V6. Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

You won’t be disappointed by either engine, as both deliver quick acceleration and ample power for city and highway driving. That said, the six cylinder is more engaging, and you'll feel the extra power when you punch the gas. The automatic transmission does its job admirably, and it feels more refined than some rival transmissions.

GV80 Gas Mileage

With its base engine, the GV80 gets 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is slightly better gas mileage than many other vehicles in the class get. Ratings drop by a few mpg, to 18/23 mpg city/highway, in models with the V6.

GV80 Ride and Handling

This Genesis has a stiff suspension, which leads to a ride that's a bit on the firm side, but it's still comfortable and generally smooth. What may surprise you is the GV80's athletic nature. It's not exactly a sports car, but it handles well and feels planted around turns, making it more fun to drive than many rivals.

GV80 Towing Capacity

When properly equipped, the GV80 can tow up to 6,000 pounds.

Read more about performance »

GV80 Reliability

Is the Genesis GV80 Reliable?

The 2021 Genesis GV80 has a stellar predicted reliability rating of five out of five.

Genesis GV80 Warranty

Genesis covers the GV80 with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Read more about reliability »

GV80 Safety

GV80 Crash Test Results

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2021 GV80.

GV80 Safety Features

Standard advanced safety features:

• Rearview camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Forward collision warning
• Front and rear cross traffic alert
• Pedestrian detection
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Lane change assist
• Blind spot monitoring
• Vehicle exit warning
• Driver drowsiness monitoring

Available advanced safety features:

• Head-up display
• Blind spot camera
• Surround-view parking camera system
• Remote smart parking assist (slightly adjusts positioning after parking, if necessary)
• Reverse automatic emergency braking

Read more about safety »

GV80 Dimensions and Weight

The GV80 is 16.2 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 4,506 to 5,104 pounds.

Where Is the 2021 Genesis GV80 Built?

Genesis builds the 2021 GV80 in South Korea.

Which Genesis GV80 Model Is Right for Me?

The 2021 Genesis GV80 comes in three trims: base, Advanced, and Prestige. Even the base trim comes with lots of features, but most buyers should look to the Advanced. It comes with more comfort, infotainment, and active safety features than the base trim, and the Advanced is the only trim that offers a third row of seats (Advanced+).

Genesis GV80

The GV80 carries a base price of $48,900. It comes with a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive (RWD). You can upgrade to all-wheel drive (AWD) for $5,750, and you can upgrade to a 375-horsepower 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine for $10,250. The V6 upgrade includes AWD as well.

Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a 14.5-inch display, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Standard driver assistance features include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, front and rear cross traffic alert, pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, vehicle exit warning, and driver drowsiness monitoring.

In AWD base models, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a rear-seat reminder, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging come standard as well.

Genesis GV80 Advanced

The GV80 Advanced starts at $52,800. AWD models start at $59,000, while V6-powered models – which also have AWD – start at $64,350. The three-row Advanced+ model, which features the V6 and AWD, starts at $65,050.

In addition to the RWD base trim's features, the Advanced comes with a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a rear-seat reminder, a heated steering wheel, wireless device charging, and a 21-speaker Lexicon audio system.

Advanced models with AWD also come with genuine leather upholstery, a surround-view parking camera system, a blind spot camera, reverse automatic emergency braking, and remote smart parking assist.

Advanced models with the V6 and AWD also come with heated rear seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a head-up display.

The Advanced+ comes with power-folding third-row seats and can seat up to seven people. Otherwise, it is identical to the GV80 Advanced trim that features AWD and the V6 engine.

Genesis GV80 Prestige

The GV80 Prestige starts at $57,050. AWD models start at $63,400, while V6-powered models – which also have AWD – start at $70,950.

On top of the RWD lower trims' features, the Prestige comes standard with genuine leather upholstery, heated rear seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a blind spot camera, a surround-view parking camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and remote smart parking assist.

AWD Prestige models also come with a head-up display.

In Prestige models with the V6 and AWD, Nappa leather upholstery, power door closure, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and power-adjustable rear seats also come standard.

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

See 2021 Genesis GV80 specs and trims »

The Final Call

The all-new 2021 Genesis GV80 is one of the most well-rounded vehicles in the luxury midsize SUV class. It's more fun to drive than some of its classmates thanks in part to its energetic engines and fairly nimble handling, and its interior is as nice as any competitors, including those from BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. Even better, the GV80 carries a lower price tag than many better-known competitors, making it a strong value.

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

• "It takes guts to design a $65,000 vehicle that evokes a $180,000 Bentley. If the GV80 didn't hold up to the comparison on closer inspection, owning one would be like trying to pass off a fake Rolex as the real thing. But Genesis's first SUV passes scrutiny. The interior is as lavish, the powertrain is as polished, and the design is as striking as anything it might compete with. Okay, no one's trading in a Bentley for a Genesis based on brand recognition alone, but anyone driving a Mercedes, a BMW, or an Audi will be shocked that Genesis can offer so much luxury for so little." -- Car and Driver
• "It's an absolutely lovely vehicle and carries over the almost art-deco styling of the company's design language perfectly. Genesis seems to have nailed the luxury SUV on its first attempt, in both style and substance. Welcome to the party, Genesis." -- Jalopnik
• "On the road, the GV80 is smooth, quiet, and refined–just what one wants in a luxury SUV. Clearly, Genesis went all-in on the GV80. It looks distinctive and feels more expensive than it is. As a result, Genesis puts its competition on notice that it's a brand to watch. And for consumers, this is definitely a model to test-drive." -- Consumer Reports