2022 Genesis G80 3.5 Sport Prestige AWD: The Brand’s Midsize Luxury Sedan

Highlight: The 3.5-liter model is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $72,170 (Base G 80 2.5: $48,250)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features:  a vehicle stability system; a hill-start assist control system; a forward collision assist system; a lane following assist system; a lane keep assist system; an electronic blind spot system; a rear cross traffic avoidance system; a high beam assist system; a driver warning attention system; an automatic brake hold feature; a hill start assist control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (2.5-liter turbocharged): 18-inch tires; 300-horsepower engine; an 8-speed automatic transmission; rear wheel drive; paddle shifters; leather-like seats; 12-way powers front seats with driver lumbar support; heated front seats; cloth roof trim; a leather wrapped steering wheel; paddle shifters; a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel; an 8-inch digital instrument cluster; a keyless entry system; a push button ignition starter system; a hands free trunk opener; and glossy black trim

Standard Equipment (3.5-liter Twin Turbo): 19-inch tires; 375-horsepower engine; all-wheel drive; panoramic roof; leather seats; 16-way power front seats with power side bolster and cushion extension; ventilated front seats; heated rear seats; a 26-speaker Lexicon audio system; carbon fiber trim; a 3-zone automatic climate control system; a heated steering wheel; a wireless charging pad; a 360-degree camera; and aluminum trim

Options: Nappa leather seating; suede headliner; a remote park start assist; a heads up display system; 12-inch digital instrument cluster; 20-inch wheels; an electronically controlled suspension system; a forward attention warning system; rear wheel steering; active road noise control system and carbon fiber trim

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

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

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter Turbo, 4-cylinder engine/300-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/32-hwy

What’s New: The Genesis has gone through several evolutions over the past decade. This year’s model is all-new for the 2022 model year!

Pros:

Sophisticated design with bold grille and sloping roof line

The suspension is tuned for a sports ride

Rear-wheel drive

AWD availability

High-quality Nappa leather seating

Host of standard features, including a navigation system

A number of safety driving aids are standard

One of the best new car warranties in the segment

Easy-to-use new 15-inch infotainment screen

Easy-to-use 12-inch digital cluster on select trims

A lower starting base price than its competitors

Panoramic roof available

Wireless charging available

Variety of driving modes

Upscale quilted Nappa leather seating area

Comfortable and supportive front seats

Ergonomically designed contoured front seats with the center armrest and infotainment system controls

Massaging front seats

A Heads Up Display (HUD) system available

A peppy 6-cylinder engine

20-inch wheels available

Roomy rear heated seats available in a variety of setting

An available 21-speaker crystal clear audio system

Colored brake calipers on select trims

In Sport mode, the driver’s seat configuration changes

Manual rear side window shades

Power rear sunshade

Rear wheel steering on select models to improve turning and the agility of the vehicle

An optional remote parking assist system, which is great for squeezing in an out of tight parking spaces

Seemingly great fit and finish

An electrified model is available in select markets

But: 

The larger 3.5-liter engine is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration.

Co-pilot/Highway driving assist (HDA) system does not work with the Sport Plus mode

Sloping rear trunk reduces trunk room

An optional automatic spoiler should be added to the 3.5-liter model to mirror the Audi A7

Verdict:  The Genesis G80 has gone through several evolutions over the past decade on its path to becoming a respected player in the midsize luxury segment. While the brand is still gaining brand awareness, as it continues to distance itself from the Hyundai brand, the third-generation midsize luxury car, is based off an elegantly crafted rear-wheel drive platform. In fact, the stately vehicle with its prominent wired chrome grille and curvaceous sloping rear trunk, is a standout in the segment. Its know surprise that the design team borrowed side profile styling cues from the athletic looking Audi A7.

The Korean designed vehicle is available in two trims, with either a rear wheel or an all-wheel drive configuration. The Genesis G80 is powered by two engines, a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or a 3.5-liter twin turbo charged engine that pushes out 300 and 375-horsepower, respectively. The luxurious four-door sedan, which offers a variety of driving modes, can be outfitted with 19-inch, 20-inch or 21-inch wheels.

To compliment the well-thought-out exterior design of the higher end Genesis we tested, the interior design team outfitted the vehicle with an oversized power roof, an optional 12-inch digital instrument cluster, an easy-to-use 15-inch infotainment system, optional quilted leather pattern seats and a crystal clear audio system which was outfitted with 21 speakers. Also the Genesis contained such premium touches as a power rear window shade, heated rear seats with three settings and the ability to control the font passenger seat via power switches on the side of the seat.

Furthermore, the G80, which is significantly priced below its competitors, doesn’t require several trips to the dealership to master the vehicle. While the G80 houses the latest technology, its not over complicated like some in its competitors.

Conversely, unlike the vehicles in its competitive set, the G80 suspension in the Sport package we reviewed was designed more for performance. There is no room for a boulevard type ride in this vehicle. While the suspension isn’t too firm, the ride quality seems a little more forgiving in the 2021 G80.

Lastly, as expected in many of cars in this league, the G80 we reviewed was also equipped with the latest safety diving aids too. They ranged from a highway driving assist system, which is pushing the vehicle closer to being a hands free vehicle, to an optional forward-attention warning system, which helps with parking and the like. 

Overall the all-new G80 is in great company staples in the segment from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The vehicle easily goes toe-to-toe with the hallmarks of the luxury automotive sector.

Competition: Audi A6; Audi A7; BMW 5-Series; Jaguar XF and Mercedes-Benz E-Class