Likes
- Traditional SUV and coupe-like options
- Gorgeous cabin finish
- Distinctive design
- Smooth ride
- Good power
Dislikes
- Thirsty V-6
- Console dial confusion
- Keeps getting more expensive
- Not sporty
Buying tip
features & specs
Genesis continues to undercut and undermine the upper class of automotive SUVs as the 2025 GV80 Coupe targets the European sport SUV benchmarks.
What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Genesis GV80? What does it compare to?
The luxurious midsize crossover SUV can be fitted with a third row to seat seven passengers or it can now be had with a sportier coupe-like variant to better compete with European SUVs such as the BMW X5 and X6, Audi Q7 and Q8, and Mercedes GLE-Class.
Is the 2025 Genesis GV80 a good SUV?
It has wowed us since it launched in 2021, winning our Best Luxury Car To Buy award for its balance of size, style, luxury, and value. The value element has eroded with annual price hikes, but it’s still a great choice. The new Coupe variant demonstrates that Genesis sees itself on the same vaunted luxury pedestal as the Germans. The GV80 earns a TCC Rating of 7.8 out of 10, which is unusually high for a gas-powered vehicle. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2025 Genesis GV80?
The big news is the addition of a sporty GV80 Coupe model, and its twin-turbo V-6 supplemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. On the inside, a 27.0-inch wall of screens houses the instrument cluster and touchscreen.
The 2025 GV80 SUV design carries over slightly tweaked with a winning balance of big, bold, and beautiful. With the cabin set back from its long nose, the GV80 SUV rears back athletically, similar to the handsome Jaguar F-Pace. Genesis goes all in on its newly metal crest-shaped grille, the distinctive split LED headlights, and a character line that dashes through the fenders and wraps around to the taillights. Larger air intakes and a wider skid plate panel further its sporting ambitions. Available 22-inch alloy wheels and chrome rockers as well as a chrome surround under its seamless roofline enhance its muscular profile.
The GV80 Coupe nips and tucks at all these elements, and rounds the roofline into the tail with even greater grace, flexing its muscle with an integrated rear roof spoiler split in two and a tailgate spoiler with a light bar across it. It’s a look that riffs off the Kia EV6 GT, albeit with more subtlety and grace. The rounded roofline eats into the cargo and passenger room but we don’t know exactly by how much. The Coupe will only come with five seats, whereas the GV80 SUV can be had with four or up to seven seats.
The GV80 SUV carries over with a 2.5-liter turbo-4 rated at 300 hp, or a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 making 375 hp. An 8-speed automatic routes power to all four wheels.
The racy styling of the GV80 Coupe echoes what’s under the hood. It will come with a mild-hybrid version of the twin-turbo V-6 that boosts output to 409 hp, same as in the G90 flagship sedan. Genesis hasn’t disclosed suspension changes to the Coupe, but expect the available adaptive dampers on the GV80 SUV to be standard on the Coupe and perhaps with a sportier tune.
Changes to the interior include a bank of screens under one 27.0-inch pane of glass, with a touchscreen area that is easier to reach than the outgoing model’s 14.5-inch touchscreen. Voice commands and a controller dial in the console can still be used instead of touch controls. A touch climate panel flanked by temperature dials sits below the screens, and a blend of etched metallic surfaces, knurled dials, chrome frames, and quilted leather substantiate its luxury appeal.
The Genesis GV80 has a lot of standard safety features, and even more are available as options. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control to a stop, active lane control, and blind-spot monitors. The brand’s blind-spot camera that projects live images in the instrument cluster is an option, along with a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.
How much does the 2025 Genesis GV80 cost?
Genesis offers the GV80 in 2.5T Standard AWD, 2.5T AWD, 2.5T Select AWD, 2.5T Prestige AWD, 3.5T Advanced AWD, and 3.5T Prestige AWD trim levels. The GV80 2.5T Standard AWD starts at $59,050 and comes standard with heated power front seats, driver seat memory, a power-adjustable steering wheel, keyless entry, ambient lighting, a 27.0-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (with wireless versions coming later in the model year), wireless smartphone charging, a wifi hotspot, a self-leveling rear suspension, a hands-free power tailgate, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The base version with the V-6, the 3.5T Prestige AWD, starts at $71,800, and the top model, the 3.5T Prestige AWD comes in at $80,650.
Prices aren’t yet available for the GV80 Coupe. Expect it to start at at least $75,000.
Where is the 2025 Genesis GV80 made?
In Ulsan, South Korea.
—Senior Editor Robert Duffer contributed to this report.
2025 Genesis GV80 Styling
The GV80 emanates beauty from inside or outside.
Is the Genesis GV80 a good-looking car?
Absolutely. It’s beautiful inside and out. It has a classy, planted rear-wheel-drive look with smartly tailored trim lines and delightful details. Inside, it’s elegant, with stylish color combinations, beautiful materials, and well-integrated technology. It’s a perfect 10.
The GV80 gets a styling update for 2025, but the basic design and hard points all stay the same. That’s not an issue because it’s fantastic. The nose has a shield grille that now gets double instead of single cross-hatch bars to create a diamond pattern. The two-line look extends to the micro lens array LED headlights, rear fascia, and wheels.
In profile, the GV80 has the long dash-to-front axle ratio and long hood of a rear-drive vehicle, which makes it look powerful. The roofline bends downward at the rear to suggest motion, and the window line comes to a point at the rear. The sides are decorated with more chrome than most rivals, including the window trim and large pieces above the rocker panels. At the rear, there’s more chrome and a mesh grille that dips down to hide the exhaust outlets.
Genesis offers eight paint colors ranging from whites to silvers to blues to greens (including a matte green), and teams them with a choice of five interior color options to create what looks like a curated design experience. The Obsidian Black is the only solid interior color and the least adventurous. The others are two tones that look and feel great. They include Smoky Green/Earth Brown, Ultramarine Blue/Glacier White, Smoky Green/Vanilla Beige, and Slate Gray/Bordeau Brown.
The biggest change in the GV80’s cabin is combining the instrument panel and infotainment screens into one 27.0-inch screen. It’s more ergonomically friendly and it looks appropriate for a luxury vehicle. Cool touches like knurled metal dials, diamond-pattern quilted upholstery, and numerous trim choices including wood and basalt-infused plastic only add to the upscale ambience.
2025 Genesis GV80 Performance
The Genesis GV80 puts a premium on comfort over sportiness.
Is the Genesis GV80 4WD?
Yes, all-wheel drive comes standard. Genesis calls it all-road-capable, a surefire indication it isn’t made for off-roading.
How fast is the Genesis GV80?
The GV80 carries a lot of heft, so it’s not overly quick despite the choice of two powerful engines, both matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-liter turbo-4 spins out 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. It delivers smooth power with a 0-60 mph time likely in the seven- to eight-second range, which is quick enough for a luxury model.
The spend-up choice is a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that cranks out 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Expect 0-60 mph times in the six-second range. It has the easy power more expected in a luxury vehicle. The transmission shifts smoothly but not particularly quickly. Both engines can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
On the road, the GV80 feels like a mobile vault, with the isolating quiet and substantial feel that suggests. It’s not sporty, but is instead calm and controlled. Drivers can pick from Comfort, Eco, Sport, Snow, and My Mode driving modes that adjust throttle response, steering weight, and when outfitted with adjustable dampers, the damper tuning.
The GV80’s dynamic character won’t be mistaken for the sportiness of a BMW X5, but it’s also more controlled than the Lincoln Aviator.
The adjustable dampers have Comfort and Sport settings, and they come with a front-facing camera that reads the road ahead and adjusts the damper setting to smooth out road imperfections. The system isn’t as involved or as effective as a similar hydraulic system from Mercedes-Benz, but it does a great job of providing a smooth ride almost at all times.
However, the dampers’ soft setting in Comfort mode allows a little too much body lean and the vehicle doesn’t turn in as quickly as some drivers might like. We found ourselves using the Sport mode any time we weren’t on the freeway. My Mode would also work with the Sport dampers chosen.
We haven’t yet driven the GV80 coupe. It promises slightly more power and perhaps sportier moves.
2025 Genesis GV80 Comfort & Quality
For the price, the Genesis GV80’s interior takes a back seat to no cabin.
The GV80’s cabin combines high-quality materials with good room for five passengers (plus an available third-row seat), lots of cargo space, and smart details. We give it a perfect 10 here.
The base seats are upholstered in synthetic leather and come with heating and power adjustments, including for the lumbar. Genesis also offers seats with inflatable air bladders to provide more support in Sport mode, as well as a massage function. Front seat occupants have lots of space in every dimension.
In the second row, Genesis provides a standard three-person bench with a generous 38.7 inches of legroom, as well as good headroom. Available second-row captain’s chairs will make those occupants feel more cosseted, but three can also sit across in comfort.
An available power-folding third row will work best for kids.
Cargo room is not yet officially released, but the 2024 numbers should carry over. That gives the GV80 about 12 cubic feet behind the third row, about 35 cubic feet behind the second row, and about 84 cubes behind the first row. Power-folding second-row seats are also available, and we’re impressed that the second and third rows fold not only down but also up, which makes them simple to operate from the cargo area.
Even at the base level, the GV80 has an upscale feel, and it gets downright indulgent. Both leather and nappa leather are available, and at the top of the lineup the GV80 gets a synthetic suede headliner. That’s complemented by metal jewelry pieces and speaker grilles, and a variety of wood and stylish plastic trims.
2025 Genesis GV80 Safety
The 2025 Genesis GV80 has no crash-test scores, but the 2024 model performed admirably.
How safe is the Genesis GV80?
Crash-test scores aren’t available yet, but the 2024 model got great marks and the new model’s structure is unchanged. The outgoing model earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award as well as five stars overall from the NHTSA with four stars in the frontal impact and rollover tests. We’re giving it the benefit of the doubt and retaining its score of 9 here.
Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, active lane control, a driver attention monitor, blind-spot monitors with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alerts with braking support, front and rear parking sensors, safe exit warnings, rear occupant alerts, and automatic high beams. Also available are a blind-spot view monitor, a surround-view camera system, and automatic parking.
2025 Genesis GV80 Features
Genesis outfits the GV80 with lots of features and offers plenty more.
The GV80 comes with a strong list of standard features, a variety of models, a great warranty, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Those strengths earn it a 9 here.
Which Genesis GV80 should I buy?
We recommend spending up for the 2.5T Advanced AWD model. For $66,950, it adds to the 2.5T Standard AWD leather upholstery, cooled front seats, an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, manual rear sunshades, a heated steering wheel, a digital key, a second-row 110-volt outlet, a panoramic sunroof, wood interior trim, 20-inch wheels, and a variety of active safety features.
Genesis warranties the GV80 for four years or 50,000 miles and includes free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.
How much is a fully loaded Genesis GV80?
The $80,650 3.5T Prestige AWD comes standard with nappa leather upholstery, driver’s seat air bladders, a heated steering wheel, power rear sunshades, a power-folding third-row seat, cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a predictive suspension, a synthetic suede headliner, power-adjustable and cooled second-row seats, a heated front center console, power-closing doors, active noise cancelation, an electronic limited-slip differential, and 22-inch wheels.
Genesis GV80 infotainment and relaxation
The new large dashboard screen has a touchscreen on its right side. It’s easier to reach and use than the higher set screen from last year, and it can still be controlled by voice commands or a rotary dial on the center console. Users can swipe through apps on several screens. It reacts quickly and is easy to use, making it an improvement over the outgoing version.
New this year is a standard Mood Curator system that uses the ambient lighting, sound, seat heating and cooling, seat massage, a fragrance system, and climate controls to help drivers relax or invigorate themselves. It’s another way Genesis emulates trusted luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz.
2025 Genesis GV80 Fuel Economy
Big and powerful, the GV80 makes friends with gas pumps.
Is the Genesis GV80 good on gas?
No, it’s not. Thus far, only the standard gas engines are offered and they have too much power and haul around too much vehicle to be efficient.
It rates a 2 here.
The base 2.5-liter turbo-4 is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, 21 combined, and it requires premium fuel. With the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, those ratings fall to 16/22/19 mpg.
Expect the mild-hybrid system in the GV80 Coupe to deliver little if any increase in fuel economy over the twin-turbo V-6.