Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury arm, made its debut as a standalone brand in 2015 and promptly launched three sedans. But what it really needed to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz was an SUV. Enter the Genesis GV80. Introduced for the 2021 model year, the Genesis GV80 is a rival for luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q7, the BMW X5, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE. It’s classed as midsize, although the GV80 is longer than a BMW X5 and considerably lower.
With a shoulder line that sweeps down towards the rear of the car, the GV80 has an unusually sleek shape and the look and feel of a luxury SUV throughout. Some observers have suggested a resemblance to the Bentley Bentayga, but in reality the likeness is limited to the huge, diamond-mesh grille and the area around the taillights.
Inside, the GV80 more than lives up to its premium status with a stylish and beautifully crafted interior. The dashboard’s minimalist design has echoes of Porsche, and the materials are top-notch. Jewel-like details, such as the knurled finish on the gear selector and the rotary control for the infotainment system, give it a real sense of craftsmanship. There are some plush trim options, including Nappa leather and a range of matte wood trim inlays.
All versions have heated and power adjustable front seats, although some people may find them too firm for comfort. An abundance of high-tech features is available, the highlights of which include Remote Smart Parking Assist, which allows you to stand outside the car while it parks itself, and Road Active Noise Cancellation, which makes the interior of the car quieter by generating a sound wave that counteracts road noise.
There’s a choice of 2.5-litre four-cylinder (2.5T) or 3.5-litre V6 (3.5T) engines, both with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. In Canada, all-wheel drive (AWD) has been standard from the start.
Our guide to the Genesis GV80 covers which models are available, what to look out for if you’re buying one, and how much you can expect to pay.
Genesis GV80 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Genesis GV80 Pros and Cons
- Genesis GV80 Generations
- First Generation (2020-present)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Genesis GV80 years are the best?
At the time of writing, the Genesis GV80 was such a new car that there weren’t really any good or bad years to speak of. The model has remained much the same since its launch, although you may consider the extra equipment and upgraded infotainment system of post-2024 models worth a little extra.
What are the worst Genesis GV80 years?
It’s too early to say definitively if there are specific Genesis GV80 model years that are worth avoiding. A recall was issued for 2022-2023 models, but this work will be, or should have been, carried out for free by Genesis dealers.
Is a used Genesis GV80 a good deal?
The Genesis GV80 could be a good deal if you want a high-end SUV that’s a bit different to the usual suspects. It’s distinctive, luxurious, and a decent value. However, it doesn’t offer the breadth of choice or fuel efficiency of key rivals, and some of the tech features are reserved for top-spec models.
Genesis GV80 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Looks and feels like a true luxury car
- Roomy, stylish interior
- Lots of advanced features available
Cons:
- Poor mpg, whichever engine you choose
- No hybrid or electric option
- Some concerns over seat comfort
Genesis GV80 Generations
First Generation (2020-present)
For a first attempt at creating a luxury midsize SUV, the Genesis GV80 is in most respects very successful. Introduced in late 2020, it shares many parts with the concurrent G80 sedan, but these are wrapped in a rakish SUV body that sits slightly higher off the ground.
The distinctive design of the GV80 is a big part of its appeal, but it’s also as practical as you’d expect a car this size to be, and keenly priced. It’s available with some impressive and innovative features, although many are limited to high-spec models. If you’re buying a used GV80, it’s particularly important to check what’s fitted to the car you’re looking at.
The model lineup hasn’t changed much since the car was launched. The entry-level engine is a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit badged 2.5T, which has 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Those are respectable numbers, but the twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine (badged 3.5T) is a better fit for the GV80’s size and character with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque providing effortless acceleration.
Both have an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, and neither gives very good fuel economy, with official combined figures landing at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined for the 2.5T and 12.7 L/100 km combined for the 3.5T. In Canada, all-wheel drive (AWD) has been standard on the Genesis GV80 since its launch, as is typical of luxury SUVs.
Initial trim levels in Canada were 2.5T Select, 2.5T Advanced, 3.5T Advanced, and 3.5T Prestige. The Select trim level was discontinued beginning for 2024, and in 2025 a Technology Package was made available for the Advanced trim that’s optional with the 2.5T and standard with the 3.5T.
Highlights for standard equipment include LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, a power liftgate, power-folding door mirrors, 12-way power front seats with driver’s side memory, heated front and second-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, power steering wheel adjustment, a rear-view camera, a wireless charging pad, and a touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’s also Drive Mode Select, which allows you to tailor the way the throttle and the transmission respond. Safety features include 10 airbags, collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot assist. Features available on higher trims include ventilated front seats, an electronically controlled suspension, four-zone climate control, real wood inserts, Nappa leather upholstery, and front Ergo Motion massaging seats.
In Canada, the 2.5T models come with two rows, allowing room for up to five passengers. The 3.5T models add a two-position third row, increasing the maximum capacity to seven passengers. The GV80’s first big update came in 2024 for the 2025 model year. Exterior changes were minor, but the interior looks quite different with a new dashboard featuring a revised centre console and a 27-inch OLED (organic LEDs) display and touchscreen that replaces the previous two separate displays. All models now have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while the premium audio system is now by Bang & Olufsen.
The 2025 GV80 update introduced a new Genesis GV80 Coupe model as a rival to the BMW X6, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. In addition to its sloping roofline, it has a new 3.5T E-SC MHEV powertrain that combines the 3.5-litre V6 with an electric supercharger and mild-hybrid technology. This improves power with no increase in fuel consumption.
Pricing has remained competitive throughout the GV80’s time on sale, with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for entry-level 2.5T model increasing from just below $65,000 at launch to just over $75,000 as of the 2026 model year. That’s not much of an increase, bearing in mind inflation and the extra standard equipment. At the other end of the scale, top-spec versions of the GV80 Coupe have an MSRP of more than $100,000.
It’s hard to make a definitive judgment on the reliability of the Genesis GV80 because it’s so new. While its cars look and feel well-made, Genesis as a brand has a mixed reputation for reliability. In the 2022 and 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Studies, Genesis ranked fourth and third respectively, but the brand finished in the bottom half of the table in the 2024 edition.
One issue that a number of GV80 owners have raised is a badly leaking sunroof, so it could be worth looking out for evidence of water ingress on a test drive. Also be aware that 2022-2023 Genesis GV80 models are subject to a recall related to the fuel pump that could cause the car to stall.
On a more positive note, Genesis vehicles come with some unusual benefits in Canada, including a five-year/100,000-kilometre new vehicle warranty, five years of complimentary scheduled maintenance and at-home concierge services for maintenance appointments, five years of map updates, and more. These benefits transfer to a new owner and remain active for the duration of the five-year period from initial purchase.
You’re unlikely to find any cut-price used Genesis GV80s out there, as most are fairly low-mileage cars that have been well cared for, so command good money. The starting point is about $35,000 for a 2021 model with roughly 100,000 kilometres on the odometer, meaning the benefits mentioned above will expire soon after purchase. Newer vehicles range from $50,000 to $65,000 on average or up to $80,000 for 3.5T Prestige models, while GV80 Coupes are still too new to assess for used vehicle prices as of this writing.
