2019 Genesis G80 Sport: The Brand’s Midsize Luxury Sedan

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

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $56,245

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 automatic hold system; a high beam assist 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; 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 haptic steering wheel; a leather wrapped steering wheel; an 8-inch navigation system; a steering wheel with paddle shifters; a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel and a hands free trunk with automatic opener

Standard G80 Sport: 19-inch sport alloy wheels; a V-6 365-horsepower engine; a 360-degree camera; front and rear parking sensors; LED dynamic cornering lights; dark tint rear combination tail light covers; dark chrome insert door handles; front lower bumper cover; dark chrome grille surround and insert; dark chrome window trim; rocker molding; rear lower bumper diffuser; a panoramic sunroof; dual mode front vent control and CO2 sensor; seats with contrasting stitching; 16-way power seat with cushion extension and side bolsters; heated rear seats; ventilated front seats; illuminated door sill plates; carbon fiber trim; aluminum interior accents; alloy sport pedals; a 17-speaker premium audio with Quantum logic; wireless charger; a 9.2-inch navigation screen; a heads up display system; a manual rear sunshade; and a power trunk lid

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: None

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 17-speaker Logic AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

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 is basically a carryover for the 2019 model year.

Why: The solidly built Genesis G80 is definitely earning a reputation as a luxury brand to take serious. For the second year in a row, the Genesis brand continues to rank at the top automaker in the industry in term of quality, according to the latest JD Power 90-day study.

The Genesis G80, which meshes the best of both contemporary and traditional design cues, is available in a rear wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. The exterior design isn’t overly flashy. Its more of what we term as being understated luxury.

The luxurious midsize vehicle, which can easily accommodate five, is available with a 3.8, V-6, a 3.3 turbocharged V-6 and a 5.0 V-8.  

We spent time behind the wheel of the 3.3 Sport, which spewed out 365-horsepower. The vehicle was also outfitted with sportier wheels, a front seat extender and power lumbar support. The G80 Sport finds the perfect balance between comfort and sport. The vehicle did offer a variety of driving modes.

All G80 models are outfitted with numerous amenities that make it a smart buy, when parked next to its competitors. Every G80 has a backup 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.

In fact, in addition to the aforementioned safety driving aids, the well-equipped G80 turbo we reviewed was outfitted with 19-inch tires, a larger navigation/audio screen, a premium sound system, a wireless charger and a hands free power trunk.

Lastly, unlike many of competitors, the instrument panel is well thought out. The infotainment system, which includes the ventilation, navigation and audio system, is easy to operate. Hours of training and return trips to the dealership for additional product training aren’t needed to grasp this vehicle.

But: There is very little not to like about the G80. However, it’s time for Genesis to release a more premium exterior design to separate itself from Hyundai. While the styling on the current G80 seems long in the tooth, when compared to the competition, the base trim should include a standard power sunroof. And the Genesis brand should be outfitted with a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Moreover, the G80 Sport model is in no way on 

par with the performance series from BMW M-Series and Mercedes-Benz AMG.

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.

The vehicle is available in three trims. The Sport model we reviewed provided an understated luxury theme with its mesh grille.

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