Luxury Crossovers are Now the Latest Luxurious Cars
Although sales statistics have revealed that parents and drivers with a safety focus have been increasingly drawn to SUVs and crossovers over conventional sedans and compact cars over time, the midsize luxury SUV has become a highly competitive market, with models such as BMW’s X5, Mercedes-Benz’s GLE, and Audi’s Q7 vying to win the attention of wealthy customers.
It’s not difficult to see that luxurious SUVs such as these are all over the place, and especially in suburban enclaves in major towns across America. They’re found in the school pick-up and drop-off line, and in the parking spaces that are near your Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or Equinox, and could be the main attraction of your neighborhood’s driveway. There’s a good chance that even if you do not know anyone who owns one, you have someone who would like one. Sometimes it could be you.
While the thought of a brand new BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus at your doorstep could be appealing, the old-fashioned luxury isn’t the only option for this kind of vehicle. That’s the place where you’ll find the Genesis GV80, a fairly well-groomed and elegant mid-size sport-utility with an extensive list of standard features at the price of a premium which may prove to be a compelling choice against the German and Japanese rivals.
Genesis isn’t the Latest Baby on the Block
Hyundai’s premium name, Genesis, has been in existence for more than 10 years. It is an extremely young brand when compared to its Japanese peers, such as Acura, Lexus, or Infiniti.
In official terms, Hyundai introduced Genesis in the year 2015. Hyundai officially launched the Genesis brand in 2015 and started offering cars for sale in the U.S. in the 2017 model year. But, in that period, that time Genesis expanded from just an outgrowth of Hyundai to become a real challenge against European luxury oligarchs such as BMW as well as Audi. The mid-sized GV80 is the company’s most popular SUV model; however, Genesis engineers are working on a much bigger GV90.
The 2026 version of the GV80 range will undergo minimal changes, and new features will be added across the entire model line. Genesis has added three-row seating and is now offering them in lower trim models, such as those with 2.5T Advanced AWD, 2.5T Prestige AWD, as well as those with the 3.5T Advanced AWD and the 3.5T Prestige AWD models.
Additionally to that, the GV80 has a brand-new Terrain Mode that allows users to optimize their vehicle to handle a variety of road conditions, such as snow, mud, and sand. The feature is comparable to the ones that are found in other 4x4s, including that of the Ford Bronco, which comes with GOAT modes that enable drivers to navigate difficult terrains easily. Prestige models now come outfitted with Rear Acoustic Laminated Glass, offering improved sound insulation for quieter driving.
The GV80 is a True buttoned-up Luxurious Family Hauler
If there’s a contemporary term I could use for the feeling Genesis GV80’s appearance and feel have created for me, it’s the phrase “quiet luxury,” which I believe is a title that was really required to get.
Comparatively to other competitors in comparison to its competitors, in comparison to its rivals, the Genesis GV80 feels like a gentle, humble return to normality in an age where every popular luxury automaker attempts to be the best at the futuristic avant-garde. Instead of over-exaggerated designs set in sharp-edged bodies which resemble daggers, the GV80 has gentle curves that are more comfortable to look at and has more subtle features that reflect the mark of the brand.
From the side and back, the body of GV80 looks like an oversized, sleek ,and sporty station wagon, rather than a massive family SUV. This is evident by its upwardly swept-back roofline. This small detail makes the car appear lower from the rear, as opposed to the front, which gives it an extremely sporty look that has been meticulously sculpted by the wind tunnel. The particular GV80 I tested was finished in a stunning Storr Green color, one that could bring back memories of old-fashioned Jaguars that were finished in British Racing Green to those not familiar with the Genesis brand.
All things considered, the design language that Genesis designers have incorporated into the GV80 creates a rather handsome and stylish appearance in a way that isn’t overly ostentatious–something that seems to be lost in today’s luxury car market.
In a time when designers are free to be creative for the sake of innovation The GV80 is a masterpiece of refined restraint, as shown by the smallest of details that detract from its premium appearance. On the outside, you’re presented with the signature twin-bar headlights and grille, as well as a setof 22-inch wheels and a few elegant chrome accents that add some glam to other areas of the vehicle.
My most loved design feature is the grille on the GV80’s front. Although it’s large and bold enough to look Bentley-like, I also found the interlaced double-diamond design be reminiscent of similar features on exquisite Baccarat glassware. A classy feature that’s not revealed to people whoare aware.
A Space to Relax In
The main thing I found most impressive about Genesis GV80 was its interior, it was a heavenly sensory experience that put quality, comfort, feel, and quality over all other aspects. A lot of small, along with subtle details, Genesis engineers incorporated into this cabin gave the GV80 an appearance and feel higher-end than its price suggests.
The interior of the premium GV80 3.5T Prestige trim is finished with magnificent Earth Brown and Smoky Green Nappa leather. It was accompanied by a roof liner of suede,e which made the interior feel luxurious and comfortable. Front to rear, the seats are covered with a soft, diamond-quilted leather that has bold black piped edges.
In the front, you’ll be welcomed by a luxurious, leather-wrapped, dual-tone steering wheel that is complemented by a 27-inch LCD on the dashboard that integrates the gauges and information systems into an unbroken, seamless display. The GV80 comes with an integrated wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. However, it is not the only option. Many of the essential controls, like HVAC and audio volume controls, are operated by buttons and knobs that are easily accessible on the control wheel.
Although it’s difficult to get lost within the interfaces of software operated by the massive touchscreen, Genesis gives you a scroll wheel to keep you from cluttering the huge display. It is located in a convenient space next to the cup holders. This device has quickly become an integral part of the Genesis collection, since it lets drivers modify minor aspects such as navigation or skipping songs, without impairing driver involvement.
Other noteworthy features included an ergonomically-designed driver’s seat and high-end Bang & Olufsen audio, a Qi Wireless phone charge,r a 3-zone climate control, and LED accent lighting and two sunroofs, both for the rear and front.
The car offers plenty of space for children and adults alike, and the front seats have a huge rear space. It is designed the same way as the thrones at the front and back, the rear seats are reminiscent of a couch and powered, which allows the user to recline, adjust, and fold them flat with one touch. The trunk also has additional buttons that let you easily raise or lower third and second row seats without sweating. The ultimate sign of class.
Both front and second-row seats come with cooling and heating functions. The steering wheel and armrests in the center are also heated.
After having spent a significant length of time working with the GV80 It became apparent that the engineers and designers at Genesis have not just focused on the most essential features, but also premium material, and tactile ones, but brought everything together in a car that is designed to be ergonomic. In the end, this creates an experience for everyday driving that is relaxing and less stressful and at times, warm.
It’s not a Canyon-Carver, However, a Cloud Carver
Under the hood The GV80 is equipped with a variety of engine options in its trims: either a turbocharged, 300-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-four engine or a twin-turbo, 375-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, all of which are linked to an incredibly smooth 8-speed auto transmission. The 3.5T Prestige featured the latter, which was a bit more powerful when negotiating tractor-trailers along the highway, but very smooth and easy to get to speed and drive through towns.
But from driving the car is easy to be aware that it is far from being a canyon-carving sport vehicle. All versions of the GV80 have multi-link suspensions with high-performance shock absorbers that are high-performance. However, higher trims, such as the 3.5T Prestige I drove, had adjustable dampers and the Electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD).
Genesis claims that the e-LSD provides drivers with greater control and traction in curves or “difficult situations.” I discovered that overall, although it was quite nimble and stable, it’s an SUV for families that is ideally suited to any road that is paved, except maybe racing tracks. Driving every day on the highway is like being in a cloud. It makes commutes, shopping trips, and school drop-off seem more like a retreat rather than an actual task.
The Negatives
Although this car has outstanding features, it also has certain significant negatives, which I believe could be major issues. My main concern is the third row. It’s a feature that Genesis includes not just in the top-of-the-line 3.5T Prestige model, but it is also available in all models that start with the middle-of-the-road 2.5T Advanced trim and all models that are equipped with the 3.5T V6. Although amazingly, Genesis has taken the third row’s passengers as actual people, with the addition of vents, controls for HVAC, as well as a hole in which to keep things in, it’s not designed for children. Specifically, youngsters who haven’t reached the stage of growth.
I was able to sit in the third row several times. Each occasion, it took longer to remove myself from the vehicle than it did to enter. In addition to the discomfort that could be caused by adults who are large enough to be placed in the seat that is furthest from the back, it is possible that there won’t be enough space to store their items in the cargo area, which is reduced from a large 37 cubic feet when the third-row seatsare folded down to only 11.6 cubic feet.
Another problem I encountered with this car was its insufficient fuel efficiency. It’s a thirsty vehicle. According to the figures published by the EPA, it is estimated that the 2.5T inline-four engine gets around 19 MPG when in city as well as 24 MPG when driving with 21 combined. The V6 I tested got around 16 MPG when in city mode, 22 MPG on the highway, and 19 combined. It’s an efficient gas-guzzler and in a market where the competition has hybrids with plug-ins that stand out, but not in a positive way.
My biggest issue with the GV80 isn’t just a problem with the GV80 and is a recurring issue I’ve encountered in the GV80 and various Genesis vehicles, and it includes the cursor that I’ve previously praised. Although I am awed by the function and purpose of the device when it comes to, and the other, the only issue I’m having with it is that it’s mounted just a bit too close to the car’s dial shift,r which you can turn to the left and right to shift to drive or reverse.
In my driving experience, I’ve accidentally crossed the cursor when I was planning to switch to reverse, and reverse. It can take a while to become accustomed to which knob will actuallybe the “shift knob” or which is the cursor on the screen. I believe it could be a difficult experience for drivers with more patience and knowledge than I have.
Final Thoughts
Its 2026 Genesis GV80 has a starting MSRP of $57700, including taxes, title, and destination. However, the most expensive 3.5T Prestige I drove, which comes with all extras, is priced at $84,475, which includes the destination. The only option available on this car was the price of $650 Storr Green paint job.
In a time when the elite car industry is all about extravagant design, Genesis and the GV80 seem like a safe haven or sanctuary for those seeking the kind of subtle, timeless, classic design that is based on the quality of tradition, traditional and subtle elegance, over the blatant flash. The GV80 is a testimony to thoughtful design, providing an unhurried driving experience that appeals to those who appreciate fine aspects of craftsmanship and design,n but without a lot of luxury features.
Overall, the GV80 achieves a perfect equilibrium between practical, real quali, ty and value. This makes it an outstanding and underrated choice in a highly competitive mid-sized luxury SUV segment characterized by its brand’s presence and awe.
