2021 Genesis GV80 Road Test and Review

When the new 2021 Genesis GV80 goes on sale later this year, it will be the brand's first SUV. Since Genesis was launched five years ago, the luxury arm of Hyundai has been surviving on its range of impressive sedans, which now includes the G70, G80, and G90. Right now, the G70 is the Korean automaker’s best-selling model, but that will change quickly once the new GV80 arrives. In fact, the SUV is so good it’s going to double and possibly triple the brand’s sales volume. The company’s CEO calls it a “luxury flagship SUV.”

Already on sale in South Korea where it is built, the seven-passenger mid-size crossover uses a new rear-wheel drive platform it will share with the next generation of the G80 sedan. That’s right, it’s not just a fancied-up Hyundai Palisade, which is based on a front-wheel drive platform. It will compete with a long list of three-row luxury suvs, including the Lincoln Aviator, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Acura MDX, and Lexus RXL.

Genesis will offer the 2021 GV80 in several trim levels. Prices haven’t been set, but the SUV is expected to cost about the same as many of its popular competitors, between $50,000 and $65,000 depending on your choice of trim level and options. The G90 will remain the brand's most expensive vehicle. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, while all-wheel drive will be available across the range.

Although our test car was powered by a turbodiesel inline six-cylinder, which is offered in the Korean market, GV80s sold in America will feature two gas engines. Under the hood will be a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that will make 290 horsepower. A new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 will also be offered, producing 375 hp. That’s 10 hp more power than the brand’s existing 3.3-liter but less than Lincoln’s 400 horsepower 3.0-liter. Every GV80 will get an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the SUV’s EPA fuel economy estimates are not yet available.

Genesis has yet to build an ugly car, and the attractive GV80 advances the brand’s design language. “At Genesis, design has the highest priority,” says its head of research and development Albert Bierman. Genesis has been hiring talent from European manufacturers. Bierman came from BMW’s M division and Sangyup Lee recently became the head of the Genesis Design Center after a stint at Bentley where he designed the Bentayga, that brand's first SUV.

Lee’s design team gave the GV80 an attractive blend of sharp edges, muscular curves, and athletic rear-drive proportions with a long hood and a set-back cabin. It also has a new crest grille flanked by quad headlamps, and illuminated and quite exaggerated fender trim. We particularly like the way its doors pinch at the bottom to accentuate its stance. At the rear, Lee has carved a subtle rear spoiler into the SUV’s tailgate, and fitted four long narrow taillights that exaggerate the vehicle's width.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 isn’t a behemoth, but it is larger than it looks, measuring within an inch of the Hyundai Palisade in every exterior dimension. It measures 194.7 inches long, 77.8 inches wide, 67.5 inches tall, so it’s about 5 inches shorter than the recently introduced Lincoln Aviator, which also features a rear-wheel drive chassis and three rows of seats. The Lincoln is also about 2 inches wider and taller than the Genesis and has nearly three more inches of wheelbase. The GV80’s 116.3-inch wheelbase is also an inch shorter than the wheelbase of a BMW X5.

A longer wheelbase adds interior space, so while the new Genesis won’t be the most spacious in the class, its second-row space is about average for this segment with plenty of leg and headroom. Five adults fit very well. The GV80’s third row is small, however. Although its second row can slide forward to increase the third row’s legroom, it’s still best used for kids. Second-row captain’s chairs will not be offered.

Climb into the 2021 Genesis GV80 and its interior will impress you. The design and materials wouldn’t be out of place in a Range Rover. Overall fit and finish is excellent, and our top of the line test vehicle featured quilted leather. Every GV80 will get knurled knobs, plenty of wood trim, and a unique two-spoke steering wheel that looks quite regal. Genesis has also created a new noise-canceling system that eliminates low-frequency tire noise and road roar. Its cabin is very quiet.

Seat comfort is exceptional. Out test car’s front seats were heated and offered massaging. The GV80’s ergonomics are also well thought out. There are large knobs to control the climate, and the audio system controls aren’t complicated. Some may be intimidated by its rotary shifter, but you’ll acclimate to it quickly, and the system puts the transmission in park for you when you shut off the engine. The design of the SUV’s virtual gauge cluster is clean and symmetrical, and just like the BMW X5, it features a large tachometer with a counterclockwise sweep. The 3D setting is also pretty cool.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offers quite a bit of cargo space. The company still hasn’t released these measurements, but they should be similar to those in the Lexus RXL. That vehicle offers 8 cubic feet of space behind its third-row seat, which is just enough space for groceries or a few carry-on suitcases. Fold the third row, which is split 50/50, and the GV80's cargo space jumps to about 30 cubic feet. A 60/40 split-folding second-row seat is also standard and easily drops flat to expand that space again. A power-folding operation will be available for both the second and third rows.

Genesis’ interior designers have also given the SUV’s considerable interior storage. There’s a large covered console bin between the front seats, sufficient door pockets, another cubby ahead of its shifter, and cupholders throughout its cabin.

A massive 14.5-inch touchscreen is standard and mounted high on the GV80’s dashboard. It’s easily reached by the driver or passenger, but the infotainment system can also be controlled by a trick round controller on the console. It isn’t really a knob like you get in an Audi or BMW; instead, it sits flush for a cleaner look. The system also responds to voice commands and has handwriting recognition.

Overall, the system is easy to use and quick to respond to your inputs. Its graphics are sharp, and the navigation system features an augmented reality display, which projects directional graphics atop the street camera view. Mercedes offers a similar feature. The system also offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and onboard Wi-Fi. On the console beside the shifter is a large knurled knob that controls the SUV’s multiple drive modes, which include Sport, Comfort, and Eco settings. It also adjusts the GV80’s traction control, stability control, and all-wheel drive systems for optimum performance over different terrains like mud, sand, and snow. 

The GV80 we drove around South Korea is essentially identical to the versions Genesis will sell in America with one exception: the engine. Instead of a 290-hp turbocharged four-cylinder or 375-hp V6, our test vehicle was powered by a 275-hp six-cylinder diesel. The diesel-powered GV80 was quick, smooth, and refined, which means the vehicle's performance should be even more potent with the other two engines.

We were also very impressed with the SUV’s responsive eight-speed automatic, which shifts smoothly. Choosing Sport mode adds a little effort to the steering, quickens the throttle response, and modifies the transmission for more aggressive gear selection. It also firms ups its suspension very slightly. Around Seoul, the GV80 felt solid, responsive, and agile on its optional 22-inch tires, which offered plenty of grip on the road. The steering is quick and well-weighted, and the ride is comfortable but firm. We suspect it rides even better on the standard 19-inch tires.

Most 2021 Genesis GV80s will get all-wheel drive, and they’ll all come with a long list of standard active safety systems and electronic driver aids, including forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection. If the driver does not respond in time, the system can automatically apply the brakes.

Other standard safety features include Highway Driving Assist, which helps you steer the SUV in your lane; blind-spot monitoring with a rear cross-traffic alert; a driver attention warning; and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. The cruise control even features artificial intelligence that learns and then mimics your particular driving style. And every GV80 gets 10 airbags, including one between the front seats to keep the driver and passenger from banging into each other during a side impact.

Although the interior and exterior designs of the 2021 Genesis GV80 are the result of a collaboration between the company’s design studios in South Korea, the United States, and Germany, the SUV was really created for U.S. buyers. Yes, it will be sold in other countries, but the demand for luxury suvs is highest in the United States, which will be the GV80’s largest market.

Genesis may have been slow to add an SUV to its lineup, but the GV80 has been worth the wait. It hits the mark with impressive design, interior appointments, infotainment and safety technology, and performance. If you’re shopping for an attractive, comfortable, and luxurious SUV, the 2021 Genesis GV80 is a very desirable choice.