2018 Genesis G80 RWD: The Brand’s Midsize Luxury Sedan

Highlight: The G80 was formerly known as the Hyundai Genesis sedan.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $42,725

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; rear view camera with parking guidelines; a vehicle stability control system; a traction control system; automatic emergency braking with pedestrian protection; a radar activated cruise control system with a start-stop feature; front and rear parking sensors; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system; a blind spot detection system with a rear traffic alert and lane change assist system; a tire pressure monitoring system; an electronic parking brake; an automatic hold system; a haptic steering system; stability control; traction control; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; and automatic sensing wipers 

Standard G80: 18-inch wheels; an 8-speed transmission; a push button ignition starter; Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility; Bi-Xenon HID headlights; dual power folding heated mirrors with approach light; 12-way power front seats; leather seats; heated front seats; memory driver’s seat setting; a leather wrapped steering wheel; an 8-inch navigation system; a steering wheel with paddle shifters; and a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: None

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 7-speaker Logic AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity:  Yes

                                                                                                        

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.8-liter, 6-cylinder/311-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage (rear wheel drive): 17-city/25-hwy

What’s New: The G80, which is formerly known as the Genesis sedan, receives a few minor cosmetic updates to the grille, headlights and rear fascia. Added to that, the G80 gains a few standard technological advancements in terms of the infotainment system and driver safety system.

A new Sport trim, which is  powered by a turbo engine, joins the line up.

Why: The solidly built Genesis G80 is definitely earning a reputation as a luxury brand to take serious. The G80 has received accolades from two of the most respected sources in the industry. The G80 ranks the best in in the premium luxury segment, according to the latest JD Power 90-day study. Also the Korean luxury sedan is one of the few vehicles to rate at the top of its class in terms of safety with the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

Moreover, the stylish G80, which mixes the best of both contemporary and traditional design cues, is available in a rear wheel drive or an all wheel drive configuration. For the 2018 model year, the midsize luxury sedan expands from two to three trims: base, sport and an 8-cylinder.  

Furthermore, all G80 models are outfitted with numerous amenities that make it a smart buy, when parked next to its competitors. Every G80 has a back up camera, high beam assist automatic headlights, a lane departure warning system, a lane keep assist system, an electronic blind spot detection system, with a rear traffic cross alert, a haptic steering wheel and a radar-activated full stop cruise control system.

Lastly, once behind the wheel of the G80, the vehicle literally sells itself. The seating is both comfortable and supportive. The instrument panel is well thought out. The infotainment system, which includes the ventilation, navigation and audio system, is easy to operate. And like with the exterior, the interior mixes the best of both contemporary and traditional design cues. Yet, unlike some of its competitors, buyers will not be intimidated by the G80’s user-friendly technology.

But: The base G80 trim should include a standard power sunroof.  And, its time for the Genesis brand to infuse an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot.

  

Verdict: Since the arrival of the Genesis a few years ago, before it was renamed the G80, it has been a worthy contender to consider. Even with its new name, which mimics the naming system of many of its competitors, it is hard to overlook this premium sedan. Both Consumer Reports magazine and J. D. Power gives the vehicle top marks.

As the average price of a new vehicle continues to rise, the well-equipped base model G80, which we reviewed, is literally a best buy value at $43,000.

Competition: Audi A5; BMW 5-Series; Cadillac CTS; Infiniti Q70; Jaguar Lexus XF and Lexus GS