2021 Genesis GV80 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$48,900 to $65,550

Original MSRP

7.5
of 10

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(29 reviews)

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Impressive technology

  • Excellent value for money

Cons

  • Underwhelming base engine

  • Cramped third row

7.5
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
8/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
7/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
7/10
2021 Genesis GV80 Test Drive Review summaryImage

Genesis adds its first luxury crossover SUV to its lineup.

Parent company Hyundai Motor Group announced the formation of a new luxury brand—Genesis—in 2015, and it launched its first sedans—the G90 and the G80—in late 2016, followed by the G70 sedan in 2018. The 2020 Genesis GV80 is the brand’s first SUV, sharing a platform with the second-generation G80. A three-row luxury crossover vehicle, the GV80 promises to open a whole new audience for Genesis as it strives to compete in the ever-growing luxury SUV market.
8/10

A young brand like Genesis has advantages and disadvantages over mature brands. With half of its models just now entering their second generations of production, a new model like the GV80 is not hampered by a long legacy of design language and expectations. As Genesis’ first SUV, the GV80 is, in some respects, a clean-sheet design. Still, it must tie in with the sedans in the lineup, too, carrying styling cues the brand wants to establish as signature looks.

Mature brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Cadillac, have a whole catalog of legacy design features to draw upon when they bring out a new model, as well as a broad lineup of current products to echo and emulate. This legacy can be a burden at times, which gives Genesis an advantage when it comes to innovation.

The GV80 does a good job of walking this tightrope, bringing some of the design flair of the new G80 sedan to its SUV form. The SUV’s two-box design is made elegant by a long hood with a short front overhang and long front-axle-to-dashboard distance, accented by two slit vents on each front fender. A massive trapezoidal grille opening is filled by a diamond mesh, with the Genesis flying “G” cloisonné badge mounted above. Along with the “Quad Lamp” LED headlight array (two lines of lights on each side of the grille), this grille/badge/headlamp arrangement has been developed as the signature Genesis look.

Big wheel arches hover closely over 19-inch, 20-inch, or 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (depending on trim level). The rear of the GV80 echoes the front with Quad Lamp taillights that wrap around the corners of the vehicle onto the tailgate. Twin trapezoidal tailpipes in the same shape as the grille poke out from the lower rear fascia. Paint and trim quality are both excellent, and panel gaps are all uniform and tight.

Inside, the GV80 is really special. For a vehicle loaded with technology, the dashboard is remarkably sleek and uncluttered, with an emphasis on the horizontal accentuating width and spaciousness. The HVAC vents are tucked beneath a top layer of the dash and are incorporated as a horizontal design element. The center console and center stack are integrated into a bridge-like structure, with plenty of storage, two cupholders, and minimal controls and buttons. Thanks to shift-by-wire technology, the traditional gear-selector lever has been replaced by a rotary dial and button. A 14.5-inch high-definition LCD color widescreen display is mounted at the top-center of the dash. The cabin is full of authentic materials—real wood, real metal, genuine leather—beautifully finished and fit. It’s a really lovely luxury SUV interior.

Jason Fogelson
Published May 25, 2021 by Jason Fogelson
Jason Fogelson has reviewed hundreds of cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and ATVs for websites, magazines and newspapers. He is based in the Detroit area.

User reviews for 2021 Genesis GV80

Write a review
User rating:
by Ruthie T
Jan 30, 2024
it was awesome, like brand new. i really enjoyed the features and the test driveJan 30, 2024
by Mike W
Oct 26, 2023
I liked it it was okay nice drive Like to drive it againOct 26, 2023
by Anonymous
Aug 21, 2023
Great suv very satisfied! Love the color of the vehicle runs smoothly.Aug 21, 2023

2021 Genesis GV80 Pricing

Original MSRP
$48,900 to $65,550
Price range
$34,445 to $36,700
Average price on CG
$34,445
YoY price change
$36,700 to $34,445

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Air filtration: ionizing · 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 · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11

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: 14.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated 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 · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power passenger · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

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

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.36

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · 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: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 14.5 in.

Instrumentation

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

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: silver

Safety

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

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: 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 · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

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 · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: Genesis Connect · Smart device app function: lock operation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Tow hooks: rear

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Air filtration: ionizing · 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 · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power passenger · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · 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: full time · Axle ratio: 4.36

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler 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 on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

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

Safety

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

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: 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 · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

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 · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: Genesis Connect · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Tow hooks: rear

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Air filtration: ionizing · 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: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power passenger · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · 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: full time · Axle ratio: 3.91

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · 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: 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: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

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

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: 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 · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

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 · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: Genesis Connect · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Tow hooks: rear

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

Air filtration: ionizing · 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 · 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 · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 19 · Watts: 1050

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated 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 · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: fully automated · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power passenger · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Remote parking assist: perpendicular · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.91 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Fender lip moldings: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · 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 · Number of third row headrests: 2

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: 12.3 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: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: silver

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Blind spot safety: passenger side camera · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

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

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Third row seat folding: power · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

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 · 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 · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation · Smart device app compatibility: Genesis Connect · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Tow hooks: rear

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front

See all trims (4)