2018 Genesis G80

Overview

The mid-size G80 is a comprehensively equipped, composed, and comfortable sedan. From a value perspective, it offers nearly everything its luxury-class rivals do at a bargain price. Its on-road performance is relaxed, unless you opt for the new Sport model, which features a rowdy twin-turbocharged V-6 and performance suspension. The G80 comes with a wealth of standard tech, and it’s also one of the most highly rated cars in the class when it comes to safety.

What's New for 2018?

The biggest news for G80 in 2018 is the introduction of the Sport model, which borrows the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 from the larger G90. Unique copper-colored exterior and interior trim, dark 19-inch wheels, and aggressive front and rear lower bumper elements add visual swagger. The standard G80 receives a refreshed front grille, bumper, and headlamps, along with a new 18-inch wheel design. Enhancements to the interior include revised gauges, redesigned speaker grilles, and available genuine-wood trim.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Genesis has transplanted the smooth twin-turbocharged V-6 from the larger G90 under the hood of the G80 Sport, and for enthusiast drivers it’s the only choice. Displacing 3.3 liters and delivering 365 horsepower to the rear wheels (all-wheel drive is optional), the engine took our Sport test vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. 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 standard G80 aims for a comfortable luxury-car driving experience. It largely succeeds, although acceleration from the base 3.8-liter 311-hp V-6 engine isn’t exactly thrilling. The suspension is well damped and provides a relaxed ride that soaks up road imperfections quite well. The G80 Sport features exclusive adaptive suspension that increases damping force during aggressive driving without sacrificing too much cruising comfort.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

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. The simple dashboard is dressed up nicely with finely grained, soft-touch plastics and, on the Ultimate trim, open-pore wood veneer that looks upscale. Unfortunately, some materials aren’t as nice as those in rival luxury sedans. Despite its large exterior dimensions, the G80’s cargo-hauling capabilities fall behind those of its trimmer rivals. The G80 makes up for its cargo-hauling shortcomings by offering handy stash spots for smaller items—at least, in the front-seat area. Storage opportunities in the rear are far less commodious.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Genesis has made the G80’s cabin a high-tech haven, with intuitive touchscreen infotainment, smartphone integration, and navigation standard across the lineup. All models come with plenty of connectivity features, and upgrading to the Ultimate package nets a 9.2-inch touchscreen display in place of the standard 8.0-inch unit. Navigation is standard, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but with only one USB port in the car, the G80 can have only one device connected at a time.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

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.