2025 Genesis GV80 3.5 Turbo Prestige AWD: The Brand’s Flagship SUV

 

Highlight: Biometrics can be utilized to operate the vehicle.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $81,300 (Base Model): $59,550

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; 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 blind spot view monitor; 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; a rear camera; park distance warning; parking collision-avoidance assist; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment Base Model (2.5 T AWD): 19-inch; 300-horsepower; 4-cylinder engine; power folding outside mirrors; auto dimming side mirrors; leather like seating surfaces; heated front seats; power front seats; split folding rear seats; AM/FM/HD radio w/SiriusXM; cloth roof trim; a dual zone climate control system; a leather wrapped steering wheel; paddle shifters; a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel; a heated steering with haptic controls; a radar activated stop-and-go cruise control system; a wireless charging pad; a push button start ignition system; an auto dimming rearview mirror; and a 27-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Standard Equipment Prestige Model (3.5 T AWD):375-horsepower; 20-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; a panoramic sunroof; a tinted glass; leather like seating surfaces; 16-way power driver’s seat including power side bolsters and cushion extension; an ergo motion driver’s seat; ventilated front seats; heated rear seats; real wood interior trim; a 4-zone climate control system; a 360-degree camera; a heads up display system; heated front console armrest; and a remote park assist system

Options: None

Other Trim Levels:

A coupe-like version is also available

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an AM/FM/HD 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with SiriusXM (Test Vehicle)

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

Engine/Horsepower:  3.5-liter, 6-cyl./375-hp

What’s New: A new 27-inch driver screen and infotainment screen has been embedded into the GV80 for the 2025 model year. Moreover, the grille has been updated, too.

Pros:

19, 20 and 22-inch wheels available

A variety of driving modes

AWD standard

A Bang & Olufsen premium system

High-quality Nappa leather seating available

Host of standard features, including a navigation system

A long list of safety driving aids

A well-executed design and layout of the instrument cluster and infotainment center (doesn’t look like its designed for gaming)

Wireless charging

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

Easy-to-read electrification data screen

Wireless charging available, but not for smartphone enclosed in a case

Upscale quilted Nappa leather seating area

Luxurious appointed interior

Comfortable and supportive front seats

Ergonomically designed contoured front seats with massaging features for the driver

A Heads-Up Display (HUD) system available

Peppy motor

Mood curator

Roomy rear heated seats available in a variety of settings

A crystal-clear audio system

Manual rear side window shades

Power rear side shades

A high level of safety driving aids

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

Soft close rear doors

A co-pilot steering assist system

Ventilated rear seats available

Power second row seats

An optional third-row is available

But: 

No lower cost rear wheel drive only configuration available

The gear selector has been relocated to the center console, using a circular dial (drivers will have to adjust to this non traditional configuration and location)

Lacks a performance version with more horsepower to compete against the AMG and M-Series lines (However, we hear one is in the pipeline.)

An electrified or hybrid version (However, a fully electric new model arrives later this year.)

Verdict: The Genesis GV80 is the brand’s flagship SUV until the arrival of the all-electric three-row GV90 arriving later this year.

The luxurious vehicle, with its updated Bentley-like grille, is available in two powertrains. At a starting price just a hare under $60,000, buyers can step into a modestly well-equipped vehicle. Depending upon the trim, the GV80 can be outfitted with such features as 22-inch wheels, Nappa leather seats, a massaging driver’s seat, a co-pilot radar active steering system, remote parking assist and third-row optional seating.

Overall, the Genesis, which rides and drives like a luxury vehicle, has become a formidable player in the luxury segment. Its definitely on par with the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The Genesis also exudes more class, style and sophistication than the Lexus TX, which reminds of us a gussy-up Toyota Grand Highlander. 

So, for those seeking a standout luxury competitor, the Genesis GV80 would be on my shopping list. 

Competition: Audi Q7; BMW X5; Cadillac XT6; Lexus TX; and Mercedes-Benz GLE