Genesis GV80 vs. Hyundai Palisade

More and more midsize SUVs seem to be appearing every year. One of the newer models to join the fray is the Genesis GV80. It’s the automaker’s first attempt at a luxury crossover and brings value to a class that has normally required consumers to spend extras for every little feature.

If you’re not interested in a luxury option like the GV80, there are a variety of mainstream choices, including the Hyundai Palisade. Offering a high-end cabin and upscale features for the class, the Palisade feels plenty luxurious.

Both the Palisade and the GV80 may be midsize utility vehicles, but they compete in different classes and have a few other differences that make one model stand out compared to the other. Which one should you buy? That’s what we aim to answer below.

See a side-by-side comparison of the Genesis GV80 & the Hyundai Palisade »

What the Palisade Gets Right

If you’re shopping on a budget, the Hyundai Palisade is the much better choice. Pricing for the Hyundai starts at $33,700 including destination, which is $16,225 cheaper than the base GV80, which begins at $49,925. Even the Palisade’s range-topping Calligraphy trim is more affordable than the entry-level GV80.

If you need three rows, the Palisade is the SUV to go with. It comes with three rows of seating as standard, with the base trim offering room for up to eight people. The GV80 is offered with five seats as standard, while one specific trim can seat seven passengers. Unfortunately, that model costs $66,075.

In addition to seating more people, the Palisade offers more space in all of its rows. It has more first- and second-row head room and leg room.

What the GV80 Gets Right

When it comes to performance, the Genesis GV80 offers more power than the Palisade. Both of the GV80’s available engines are more powerful than the Palisade’s sole V6. The GV80 comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower as standard, while a twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp is available. The 3.8-liter V6 in the Palisade makes 291 hp.

As a luxury vehicle, the GV80 comes with more opulent and high-tech features. Every model comes with heated front seats, 12-way power front seats, a handsfree power liftgate, 19-inch wheels, a 14.5-inch infotainment system, and 12 audio speakers. Available features include a 21-speaker audio system, wood trim, remote self parking, massaging front seats, active noise cancellation, an adaptive suspension, and a 12.3-inch 3D digital cluster.

Want a True Luxury Experience?

If you’re searching for a true luxury vehicle, only the Genesis GV80 will do. It offers a high-end cabin, a first-class feel, and cutting-edge tech features. While the Palisade is one of the more upscale mainstream options, it doesn’t feel nearly as opulent as the GV80. You’ll pay for the extra luxury, though.

Our Verdict: Hyundai Palisade

For the majority of consumers, the Hyundai Palisade is the better fit. With three rows of standard seating, a more affordable price, and a spacious interior, it's a versatile midsize SUV for the whole family. While it doesn’t feel as upscale as the Genesis GV80, higher trim levels do feel relatively high-end for the class and should offer plenty of luxury for the average consumer.

Take a closer look at the Genesis GV80 »

Take a closer look at the Hyundai Palisade »

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