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The 2021 Genesis GV80 is a brand-new model, and it makes a noteworthy splash in our luxury midsize SUV rankings because it's the total package. It's posh, enjoyable to drive, and loaded with technology.
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.
We don’t base our car reviews on our personal opinions. Instead, we combine the findings of professional test drivers with data such as reliability ratings and safety scores to give you a complete overview of every vehicle we rank.
U.S. News & World Report has been ranking the best cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years’ worth of auto industry experience combined. To keep our reviews unbiased, we don’t accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside company manages our advertising.
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.
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The 2021 Genesis GV80 is a brand-new model, so there are no used versions to compare it to.
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.
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.
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, GLE, and Q7 »
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.
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.
There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the second-row outboard seats and a tether anchor for the second-row middle seat.
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.
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.
For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?
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.
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.
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.
When properly equipped, the GV80 can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
The 2021 Genesis GV80 has a stellar predicted reliability rating of five out of five.
Genesis covers the GV80 with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2021 GV80.
Standard advanced safety features:
Available advanced safety features:
The GV80 is 16.2 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 4,506 to 5,104 pounds.
Genesis builds the 2021 GV80 in South Korea.
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+).
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.
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.
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 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.
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