2025 Genesis GV80: Unheralded luxury

The Genesis GV80 debuted four years ago as the first sport utility vehicle offered by Hyundai’s luxury brand. It was a near-instant success, earning accolades from safety watchdog organizations to engineering firms.

Long-tenured rivals from Acura, BMW, Lexus, Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz had a new valid competitor from a carmaker without dealerships. Its vehicles sold were at Hyundai locations.

Some consumers still may think the Genesis is the top-line executive offering from Hyundai, which it was until 2016.

So the issue remains for Genesis. It detached from Hyundai the same year in the United States with the debut of the EQ900. And steadily, but not quick enough, its persona has developed.

In August, Genesis announced the opening of 21 new dealerships in various states. It brought the nationwide total to 56. Hyundai has more than 80 dealerships in California.

It’s one reason onlookers may notice the 2025 GV80, the mid-sized luxury SUV, and still ask “Who makes the Genesis? I’ve never seen one before.”

It shouldn’t be that way. The updated luxury people mover has several changes in its 2025 trims. The carmaker has taken a vehicle already offering a smooth, quiet ride, a top-line interior and superior technology and done it all better.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 is available with two engines, the 2.5T and the reviewed 3.5T. The latter is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower.

Genesis buyers aren’t likely too concerned about gas mileage. But it may be the vehicle’s only downfall. Fuel economy is an estimated 16 miles per gallon in city driving, 22 mpg on the highway, 19 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is standard as is an eight-speed automatic transmission on both powertrains.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, a full suite of driver assistance features, a hands-free power liftgate, five-passenger seating and heated eight-way power front seats. Leatherette upholstery, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, four USB-C ports, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a new 27-inch infotainment digital cluster screen provide additional Genesis prowess. The base model begins at $59,050.

The 3.5T Prestige adds further luxury. An electronic limited-slip differential, Nappa leather seating, ventilated second-row seats and three-zone climate control add further versatility and comfort. Power rear side sunshades, power soft-closing doors and active noise canceling vault the Genesis into a grand challenger for any of its well-heeled challengers. The 3.5T V6 Advance trim starts at $75,150 and is the only offering with a third row. Options push the price to $80,650.

Sport utility vehicles once were utility-oriented. But the segment, now the largest in the industry, has transitioned more toward executive vehicles. Top-line leather seats to inlaid wood and ambient lighting to small refrigerators in a box on wheels? Who knew?

Genesis didn’t forget the SUV legacy. For hauling stuff, the GV80’s cargo area is spacious and accessible. The second row has a 40/20/40-split configuration and can fold flat via a push of a button. The third-row seats available in V6 models have the same system.

Like other three-row SUVs, the Genesis effort is best reserved for petite adults and children. The area is accessible and comfortable and the compact space is improved with its hip-height seat placement. Large windows and a surround-view camera system add to the third row’s appeal despite the tight quarters.

What’s a Genesis and who makes it? The manufacturer now has nine vehicles in its lineup, four sedans and five SUVs including the electrified G80 sedan and GV70 SUV. The GV80, like its stablemates, just needs to be seen more because it’s good to be seen.

James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also writes about sports, travel and lifestyle topics for several publications. E-mail: james@jamesraia.com.