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- Highs Good value for a luxury sedan, cushy but well-balanced ride, loads of standard features.
- Lows Disappointing base engine, interior materials fall short of rivals, limited cargo room.
- Verdict The G80 offers many of the luxury appointments of more established competitors but does so at a lower entry fee.
Overview
The G80 is a new Genesis model introduced in 2017, and it intends to upset the premium mid-size-sedan status quo. Because the newly formed brand has little name recognition or cachet, the G80 has to sing higher and louder than the luxury nameplates from Europe and Japan. It attempts to do so by providing outstanding value in lieu of class-leading performance or refinement. It’s a comprehensively equipped, comfortable, handsomely styled mid-size luxury sedan of average capability, but its highly attractive pricing should catch the attention of luxury-sedan shoppers.
What's New for 2017?
The G80 is a new model for the 2017 model year, sort of. Actually a rebadged 2016 Hyundai Genesis with virtually no changes, the G80 serves as the point of entry into the current two-car Genesis lineup, which also includes the larger and far more luxurious G90.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $42,375
- Ultimate: $55,525
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Genesis's 3.8-liter V-6 makes a healthy 311 horsepower, but because this is a heavy car, it motivates the G80 with no more authority than its four-cylinder rivals. The V-6 initially provides a muted burble, but its grainy soundtrack at higher revs is disappointing, and acceleration isn't exactly thrilling. The eight-speed automatic shuffles its gears with grace, and selecting Sport mode serves up quicker shifts. All-wheel drive is available with the V-6. The optional 420-hp 5.0-liter V-8 is refined and powerful, but it’s less fuel efficient and thousands of dollars more expensive. The G80 is poised and tuned for comfort. The suspension is well damped and, while not overly soft, provides a relaxed ride that soaks up road imperfections quite well. Body motions are well controlled, and the whole package feels balanced and harmonious.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
While the interior styling is hardly groundbreaking, the G80’s cabin appointments echo its luxury positioning; even base models are well equipped. Outward visibility is good, thanks to large windows and smartly designed body structure elements. A simple dashboard is dressed up nicely with finely grained, soft-touch plastics and, on our Ultimate test car, open-pore wood veneer that looks upscale—although some materials aren’t as nice as those in rival luxury sedans. Despite its large exterior dimensions, the G80’s cargo-hauling capabilities fall short of its trimmer rivals. It can handle a couple of sets of golf clubs in the trunk, but bulkier items will pose a challenge.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Genesis has made the G80’s cabin a high-tech haven, with touchscreen infotainment, smartphone integration, and navigation standard across the lineup. All G80s come with plenty of connectivity features, and upgrading to the Ultimate trim nets you a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display (an 8.0-inch unit is standard). We found the interface relatively intuitive, and users familiar with tablets and smartphones will, too. Navigation is standard, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but with just one USB port in the car, the G80 can have only one device connected at a time.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Genesis G80’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
