Genesis GV80 2022 Review

The Genesis GV80 debuted last year as the brand's first SUV. Slotting above the similarly new GV70 in both size and price, the GV80 is a proper rival to some well-established competitors, including the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLE. But that doesn't mean it's a case of copy and paste. Genesis' take on the luxury SUV is unique to the South Korean brand and all the better for it.

For style, the 2022 GV80 has a big shield-shaped grille flanked by a quad headlight design. Inside are premium materials and standard seating for five people. For the Advanced+ trim Genesis adds a third row for a total of seven seats. But all GV80s go big on technology. There's a large touchscreen along the top of the dash, for instance, plus loads of standard driver assist features. On the higher trim levels you'll also find a trick gauge cluster display with 3D graphics and an info-packed head-up display.

The 2022 Genesis GV80 isn't a perfect midsize luxury SUV, but it's undoubtedly a lot closer than you might expect from an upstart luxury automaker. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating to get our test team's in-depth evaluation.

[Editor's note: The following information is based on last year's GV80. We expect the 2022 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Genesis GV80 takes an all-inclusive spa-day approach to its luxury SUV. There are three main trim levels: Standard, Advanced and Prestige. All are available with either a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 311 lb-ft of torque) or a turbocharged 3.5-liter six-cylinder (375 hp, 391 lb-ft). They are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive, and the 3.5-liter is AWD-only.

2.5T Standard RWD Feature highlights include:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Five-passenger seating
• Power liftgate
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Navigation system
• 14.5-inch touchscreen
• 12-speaker sound system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration

The GV80 also comes standard with:

• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the GV80 and the car in front)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the GV80 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Blind-spot monitor with assist (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change and can assist in avoiding a collision)

2.5T Standard AWD Has the same features as above but with:

• Panoramic roof
• Ventilated front seats
• Manual rear side shades
• Heated steering wheel
• Second-row 110-volt AC power outlet
• Wireless device charger
• Digital key (allows you to use your phone as the vehicle's key)

2.5T Advanced RWD Comes with the Standard AWD's features plus:

• 21-speaker Lexicon premium audio

2.5T Advanced AWD Adds on a few more features, including:

• 20-inch wheels
• Leather upholstery
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the GV80 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

2.5T Prestige RWD Going with the Prestige gets you:

• Features from the 2.5T Advanced AWD
• Tri-zone climate
• Upgraded 16-way front seats
• Heated second-row seats

2.5T Prestige AWD Tops the 2.5T lineup with:

• 22-inch wheels
• Adaptive suspension (can improve the GV80's ride quality and handling capability)
• Head-up display
• Road active noise cancellation

3.5T Standard Has the same features as the 2.5T Standard AWD but with:

• 20-inch wheels
• Adaptive suspension

3.5T Advanced Gets you the features of the 3.5T Advanced AWD but with:

• Upgraded 16-way front seats

3.5T Advanced+ It's the same as the 3.5T Advanced but comes with the power-folding third-row seat.

3.5T Prestige Has the same features as the 2.5T Prestige AWD but with:

• 22-inch wheels
• Upgraded leather seating surfaces
• Microfiber suede headliner and pillars
• Power-adjustable second-row seats with ventilation
• 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster
• Forward attention warning
• Power rear side-window shades
• Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
• Second-row vanity mirrors