What's New
The newest luxury automaker on the block is still trying to build out its lineup to match the industry heavy hitters, and the new 2021 Genesis GV80 is the latest step in that direction. As Genesis' first crossover SUV, the GV80 is tasked with fighting off some highly lauded products in the hyper-competitive midsize luxury segment.
It doesn't come into this arena empty-handed, though. The GV80 rides on an all-new platform, utilizes all-new turbocharged engines, and boasts technology like active noise cancellation and an active electronic suspension that reads the roads ahead and prepares the suspension accordingly. There's also a full array of active safety features as standard and a touchscreen that dwarfs its major competitors. The GV80 makes a favorable first impression.
Choosing Your Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80 is available in three trim levels: Standard, Advanced, and Prestige. The Standard GV80 starts at $49,925 including destination, while pricing climbs to $58,075 for the Prestige.
Engine Choices
Genesis is introducing two new engine options for the GV80: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. Each is offered on all three trims.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 300 hp | 311 lb-ft | 23 mpg |
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 | 375 hp | 391 lb-ft | 20 mpg |
Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive. The V6 gets standard AWD.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Five-passenger seating is standard on the GV80 on most models, but a power-folding third row is an option for buyers who choose the 3.5-liter engine, bringing passenger capacity to seven.
Exact interior dimensions, such as leg room and cargo capacity, are yet to be disclosed. We'll update this space when we know more.
Safety Features
The GV80 is comprehensive in its safety equipment. Every model rolls off the assembly line with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor.
There's also lane change assist, which will automatically make a highway lane change when the signal is activated, as well as an adaptive cruise control system that uses AI technology to learn and mimic the owner's driving style.
The IIHS and NHTSA haven't yet crash tested a GV80.
Connectivity
Every GV80 comes standard with a 14.5-inch split-screen display that handles all the climate and radio functions. Buttons were intentionally kept to a minimum in the spirit of minimalist design, meaning most inputs need to be fed through the Genesis Integrated Controller. This combined rotary knob and writing pad offers both handwriting recognition as well as dial control.
The Genesis infotainment software comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth, satellite radio, and capability for subscription-based cloud services. Two USB ports for each of the first two rows are also standard.
The entry-level GV80 Standard gets numerous standard features, such as 19-inch wheels, LED lights, a 12-speaker audio system, leatherette upholstery, and heated front seats. An 8-inch LCD driver information display, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a handsfree tailgate round out the niceties. Mechanical features include a self-leveling suspension and multiple drive modes.
Opting for all-wheel drive also brings additional features like a panoramic roof, manual rear sunshades, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging. Buyers who choose the 3.5-liter engine also get an adaptive suspension, 20-inch wheels, and larger front brakes.
Moving into the Advanced trim brings all the additional equipment found in the all-wheel drive Standard along with a 21-speaker audio system. The AWD Advanced also includes 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a blind-spot camera monitor, automatic parking assist, and a surround-view camera.
Choosing the 3.5-liter engine additionally adds a head-up display and an electronic adaptive suspension. It also allows buyers to choose the Advanced Plus, which brings the aforementioned third row.
The Prestige trim includes all the equipment found on an all-wheel-drive Advanced, plus heated rear seats, three-zone climate control, and a power thigh extension for the driver's seat. An AWD Prestige further gets a head-up display, 22-inch wheels, an electronic adaptive suspension, and active road noise cancellation.
Choose the 3.5-liter Prestige to get the most luxurious GV80. It adds Nappa leather upholstery, power soft-close doors, second-row vanity mirrors, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Compare GV80 Trims Side-By-Side
The best value in the 2021 Genesis GV80 lineup is either the rear-wheel-drive Advanced or an all-wheel-drive Standard with the 2.5-liter engine. Both of these include plenty of amenities to coddle and comfort at a price point that's hard to beat, making the costly 3.5-liter models that much harder to justify.