2021 Genesis G80 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$47,700 to $62,250

Original MSRP

8.2
of 10

expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(10 reviews)

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Premium interior materials

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Underwhelming base engine

8.2
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
9/10
Technology
7/10
Performance
9/10
Safety
10/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
7/10
2021 Genesis G80 Test Drive Review summaryImage

A legitimate, head-turning midsize luxury sedan, the redesigned 2021 Genesis G80 signals that Hyundai’s prestige brand is officially ready for prime time.

Hyundai has long flirted with the idea of a luxury brand. The first Hyundai Genesis sedan went on sale more than a decade ago, and the redesigned 2021 Genesis G80 is essentially the third-generation iteration of that original attempt at delivering premium design, quality, and performance.

The new 2021 G80 also arrives at the same time that Genesis is ready for the big leagues. It finally has an SUV to sell (the GV80), and the latest Genesis models wear a daring and distinctive design language all their own. Plus, by 2022, the entire Genesis lineup will be updated with the new look and fleshed out with a new compact crossover (the GV70). And, you can bet electrification is coming soon.

Though Americans are seemingly unable to quench their thirst for SUVs, the 2021 Genesis G80 nevertheless serves as a foundational building block for the brand. It comes with a choice between a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and twin-turbocharged V6, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and Advanced or Prestige option packages that build on standard equipment.

Prices start at $47,700, not including the $1,025 destination charge. Our test car was a G80 3.5T AWD with the optional Prestige Package and extra-cost Tasman Blue paint. It cost $69,075, including destination. That’s about $8,000 more than a loaded version of the previous Genesis G80 and pits this midsize luxury sedan squarely against heavy hitters like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

9/10

It’s not easy for a car to turn heads in Los Angeles. But the new 2021 Genesis G80 sure did, and we didn’t even need to put a mirrored ChromaFlair wrap on it to garner the attention.

Genesis calls its new design language "Athletic Elegance." Because it debuts on the new G80 and GV80 models, which are just now trickling into showrooms, the look is fresh enough that even the jaded denizens of L.A. took notice.

Athletic Elegance is bold without excess and instantly conveys luxury with no more than a glance. Signature cues such as the "G-Matrix" mesh for the grille, "Quad Lamp" headlight and taillight designs, and a "Parabolic Line" that sweeps down the side of the car immediately identify the G80 as a Genesis. Or they will, once people quit mistaking the car for a Jaguar.

If you like to wash and detail your vehicle, note that the grille is a significant pain in the you-know-what to clean and dry. By all appearances, so are the wheels on all models except the 3.5T Prestige, which wears a great-looking five-spoke 20-inch design.

Inside the 2021 G80, Genesis employs a new "Beauty of White Space" motif. Minimalism rules, especially with the Prestige Package, the cabin dripping in luxury with premium Nappa leather, a microfiber suede headliner, and open-pore wood trim.

In terms of visual jewelry, the G80 can’t match something like a Mercedes E-Class, but that wouldn’t keep with the look and feel Genesis is striving to achieve. Best of all, the G80 rids itself of nearly all visual and tactile connection to Hyundai-badged vehicles, which helps to set the Genesis apart from the mainstream parent brand’s models.

Christian Wardlaw
Published May 25, 2021 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

User reviews for 2021 Genesis G80

Write a review
User rating:
by Kenneth D
May 28, 2024
Nice features and a very good value. I think this car is loaded and you can compare it to any other models . !$$$May 28, 2024
by Anonymous
May 27, 2024
The G80 is such a bargain compared to Cadillac , BMW and Mercedes that we also considered. We have the 3.5T with the Prestige package and are amazed with the quality and features. May 27, 2024
by luis m
Dec 04, 2023
Smooth ride, very luxurious and tons of standard options. Love the 2nd row heated seats, spacious 2nd row and big touch screen.Dec 04, 2023

2021 Genesis G80 Pricing

Original MSRP
$47,700 to $62,250
Price range
$30,711 to $33,288
Average price on CG
$30,739
YoY price change
$33,288 to $30,739

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.91

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 14.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 8 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 11.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.27

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Genesis Connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: rear

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: passenger side · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.91

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 14.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 8 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 11.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.27

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Genesis Connect · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · Premium Brand: Lexicon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 19

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: passenger side · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.54

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Weather · Infotainment: Genesis Connected Services · Infotainment screen size: 14.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 8 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Rear moonroof: fixed glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 11.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.27

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Genesis Connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: rear

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · Premium Brand: Lexicon · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 19

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.54 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: chrome accents · Side door type: soft close · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Genesis Connected Services · Infotainment screen size: 14.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 8 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Rear moonroof: fixed glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 11.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.27

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Genesis Connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: rear

See all trims (4)