There is no denying that 2021 Genesis GV80 has got the flex to take on the German dominated luxury cross-over segment. Boasting premium qualities inside and out, the 7-seater high profile hauler also has a lot of meat under the hood with a twin-turbo 3.5 liter V6 producing a whopping 375 horsepower! The extra horsepower comes at cost of an additional $10,000. Adrenaline seekers need not fret as the GV80’s standard twin-turbocharged 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine still gets a respectable 300 horsepower.
The GV80 upholds its luxury-status with premium offerings including a wide 14.5” infotainment screen, power lift-gate, heated and cooled front seats, and all the spa-like interior treatments one might expect. A standard twin-turbocharged 4-cylinder engine can be configured in either rear or all-wheel drive and while the 300 horsepower output is enjoyable, the added power output from the twin-turbo V6 is preferred. A standard all-wheel-drive configuration with improved acceleration and traction in slippery and wet conditions will be included on all larger engine models. The GV80’s highest Prestige model will get larger 22” wheels, Nappa leather seats and upholstery, and rear adjustable seats that can be heated and cooled for added comfort.
Genesis continues a strong momentum with the interior design of the GV80 with exceptional craftsmanship while utilizing high-quality materials including brushed aluminum, mahogany wood trims, and subtle leather upholstery. Other unique features include interior ambient lighting and electronic massage integrated into the front seats.
The center console stack is feature-rich while maintaining a minimalistic look with an automatic shift-dial knob that extends and contracts, drive mode selector and a capacitive touch climate control system. A third-row that seats two can be configured with the GV80, but we don’t recommend it unless it’s for smaller kids with the limited room available in the rear cargo area.
A14.5” infotainment touchscreen manages all smartphone and multi-media connectivity and can also be navigated through a control push-knob located on the center console. Android Auto and Apple Carplay will be supported as well. Premium audio sound provided by Lexicon combines 1050 watts of power to deliver an ultra-crisp music listening experience with 17 speakers throughout the cabin.
Two engine configurations are offered in the form of a twin-turbo 4-cylinder engine or a more powerful turbo-charged V-6. Opting for the twin-turbo V4 opens the option to configure the GV80 in either rear or all-wheel drive while the twin-turbo V6 is limited to all-wheel drive. Still, the latter V6 is preferred for added power. The all-wheel drive system with drive-mode selection provides plenty of fun and enthusiasm around corners.
While the V6 is preferred, this comes at a cost of both price and fuel efficiency with an EPA of just 20.5 mpg in both city and highway combined while the twin turbocharged V4 will get an improvement of 23.5 mpg.
The 2021 Genesis GV80 receives plenty of accolades with lavish styling and ultimate comfort. Pushing the GV80 off the line with the turbocharged V6 provides ample power with little to no hesitation while still reserving a smooth and quiet ride in a city or highway coasting environment. While the GV80 offers plenty of both luxury and performance, we’d certainly like to see more fuel efficient options made available with a hybrid, or even plug-in hybrid. Our tester 3.5T AWD Advanced trim comes priced at $68,495 with duty and freight included.
