Hyundai Genesis vs Genesis G80

Have you ever seen a sports or action movie in which the protagonist makes a first attempt at a goal early in the movie, fails, then embarks on a training montage, only to succeed in the end? The lesson is that sometimes the first attempt isn’t the best, but if the desire is there, it will eventually lead to victory—but only after addressing one’s shortcomings. That is the 2015 Hyundai Genesis.

In 2007, Hyundai brought a concept for the Genesis to the New York International Auto Show and stunned onlookers, not for the car’s design (though it was attractive), but because of the car’s stated goal: Hyundai was getting into the luxury game. The Korean bargain brand? Building a luxury car? The automaker was building highly competent products, but it still came as a shock.

Fast-forward to 2014, and the shock has worn off. The Genesis was joined by the Equus, an even higher-end product. But in this time, the Genesis started to feel dated compared to its more aggressively styled siblings. By 2014 the Genesis was feeling almost anonymous. And that all changed for the 2015 model year.

Korean conglomerate Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) understands that some people don’t want an SUV, or a cold, technical, German sports sedan. That’s why HMG’s Genesis brand still offers three sizes of luxury sedans, with the G80 serving as the midsize model. Available with a turbocharged four- or six-cylinder engine in several trim levels, the 2026 G80 reeks of old-school elegance in the very best way.

Verdict: Quick, confident, and calming, the Genesis G80 is a refreshingly authentic luxury car that’s not trying to be something else. It lacks a badge that conveys success, but buyers can let the opulent styling and sumptuous interior do all the talking.