Looking the part – the luxurious 2024 Genesis GV80

Depending on how you look at it, suffering from a case of mistaken identity can be either a good thing or a bad thing. In the case of the Genesis GV80, I think it’s a good thing. A real good thing. Whenever I see a Genesis GV80 on the road, I do a double-take thinking I’m seeing an ultra-rare Bentley Bentayga SUV. But upon closer inspection, I realize my mistake. Then, when time allows, I pull up a picture of the Bentley and compare it to the Genesis, and not only do I see the very close resemblance I also see that, at least to my eyes, the Genesis actually looks better (the Bentleys bug-eye headlights do nothing for me). That’s quite amazing, considering the Bentley starts at just over $200,000 and tops out around $267,000. Recently, I was in a top-trim level 2024 Genesis GV80 Prestige Signature. It has an MSRP of $82,695.

The GV80 is a mid-size SUV from Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis. It typically seats five, but a third-row seat is optional to bring seating capacity to seven passengers. It is meant to take on rivals such as Acura’s MDX, Audi’s Q7, BMW’s X5, the Lexus RX and the Mercedes-Benz GLE. I doubt Genesis ever meant to have the GV80 be compared to a $200,000 Bentley, but doing so certainly is welcomed.

Styling of the GV80 is like that of the Genesis’s flagship sedan, the G90. Just like the G90, the GV80 wears a big shield-shape grille that is bound by a quad headlight system. The front fenders sport dual vents that flow into an aggressive body and tapered rear end. The athletic look lives up to the brand’s “Athletic Elegance” signature.

And elegance can be used to describe the GV80’s cabin. Designers took a minimalist approach in sculpting the dash, which is highlighted by a 14.5-inch touchscreen display and the abundance of high-quality materials. Even the clickable knurled rotary wheel used for the gear selector feels like a precious piece of jewelry.

There are two engine options available for the Genesis GV80. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.5 liter four-cylinder that makes 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Optional is a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that makes 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. All use an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive is standard on all GV80s.

There is a lot of technology packed into the GV80. Along with the big touchscreen display, there is an 8-inch digital gauge cluster along with an excellent heads-up display. Safety features include 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitors – all standard on every GV80. Every GV80 also comes with wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot that can accept five devices, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services.

There are five main trim levels available. The base Standard includes 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, heated seats and a 12-speaker sound system. Move up to the Advance and the wheels increase to 20-inches, a surround view camera is added along with an automated parking system. The Prestige gets an adaptive suspension along with 22-inch wheels, heated 2nd row seats and tri-zone climate control system. All three trim levels come standard with the four-cylinder, with the six-cylinder being available as an option. The Prestige Matte, available only with the six-cylinder, is done up in a matte exterior paint along with matte interior wood trim. At the top is the Prestige Signature, wearing unique 22-inch wheels along with heated and cooled 2nd row captain’s chairs and even 2nd row wireless phone charging.

Like the Genesis G90 sedan, the GV80 has some solid road-going manners. Its emphasis is more on luxury than sport, but still, it’s very entertaining being in the driver’s seat. The ride is comfortable, plush, and quiet, but it can feel a little athletic when thrown into corners. And there is plenty of power from the boosted V6, where it can it 60 mph in just a few ticks over 5 seconds.

Pricing for the GV80 starts at $59,000 and working its way to just under $83,000. That is several thousand dollars lower than that of any of its key competitors, and the Genesis offers the same, if not more, features. And while someone getting ready to plop down 200,000 big ones for a Bentley SUV probably won’t be considering the GV80, for GV80 buyers, being confused for a Bentley is simply icing on the cake.
— Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:

2024 Genesis GV80 AWD 3.5T Prestige Signature

Base Price: $81,500.00
Price as Tested: $82,685.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 3.5-liter turbocharged V6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Horsepower: 375 horsepower
Torque: 391 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 18 city / 23 highway mpg

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