Is the 2025 Genesis GV80 a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons
The Genesis GV80 is one of the more luxurious choices among three-row SUVs even if its driving dynamics are not as engaging as some of the more performance-focused offerings from German alternatives. A freshening for the 2025 model year ups the ante, bringing added tech features and an even more posh and well-equipped interior.
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Shop the 2025 Genesis GV80 near you
The update also brings minor styling tweaks that will likely be noticeable only to current GV80 owners, but it’s the cabin that gets the biggest upgrades, including a new infotainment system, a revised dash and console, and numerous thoughtful details. Under the skin, however, the GV80’s smooth powertrain and underpinnings are unchanged.
Cars.com’s West Coast Bureau Chief Conner Golden recently spent some time getting to know an updated GV80 in the top Prestige trim at a media event and found that the updates mostly add to the appeal of an already good choice. (Per our ethics policy, Cars.com pays for its own airfare and lodging when attending such manufacturer-sponsored events.) Tap the link above to read Golden’s full expert review; for a quicker look, read on to learn five things we like about the 2025 Genesis GV80 and two things we do not.
Things We Like
1. Smooth Mover
Upper trims like our test vehicle get a smooth and refined twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine pumping out 375 horsepower and 391 pounds-feet of torque and driving all four wheels. While not the most powerful choice in the class, our GV80 got up to speed smoothly and effortlessly, making quick highway merges and passes with no problem. The eight-speed automatic transmission is well matched to the engine, delivering quick and barely perceptible shifts. A 300-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is also available.
2. Inside Job
Occupant comfort is a primary part of the GV80’s mission, so most of the freshening is focused on further enhancing that experience. The most obvious upgrade is a vivid new 27-inch LED display stretching from in front of the driver to the center of the dash; it encompasses both a configurable instrument display and the latest version of Genesis’ excellent infotainment system. Other updates include a more elegant shifter and three-spoke steering wheel.
3. Excellent Infotainment
Some of the best and easiest-to-use infotainment systems are coming from South Korean brands these days, and the revised system in the GV80 is no exception. With simple menus, quick response times and sharp resolution, the system works well and is supplemented with some physical controls. The GV80 includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for the first time, as well, eliminating the need for a cable connection (though the functionality was not yet available on our test vehicle).
4. Easy Handler
The GV80’s available adaptive suspension includes the choice of a firmer Sport setting or more coddling Comfort mode. Either way, the Genesis is not one of the more athletic choices in the category, and the steering feels light with little feedback. Still, it acquits itself respectably well on twisty two-lanes and is capable and composed with impressive poise for its size.
5. Details, Details
What really sets the GV80 apart are the numerous design details throughout the cabin, right down to items that could easily be overlooked. Even the rear coat hooks are finished in an upscale-looking frosted metal, and the intricately jeweled shifter is a unique touch. A damped panel under the climate controls hides dual charging ports, while the quilted leather upholstery and massaging seats further elevate the experience.
More From Cars.com:
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Things We Don’t Like
1. Watch Those Options
The good news for value-conscious buyers is that Genesis made all of these improvements to the GV80 without raising the base price; the problem is that Genesis eliminated some standard features on the base 2.5T that now cost about $1,000 if you want them. That said, the GV80 still delivers a lot of value for a starting price of $59,050 (all prices include destination). Just be careful with options, though; our loaded Prestige trim came to just over $80,000.
2. Wireless Hiccup
We’re pleased that Genesis has finally announced the availability of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the GV80, something that has required a cable connection up to this point even as most competitors have gone wireless; however, it wasn’t ready for prime time at the launch event we attended, so we weren’t able to test it. Still, buyers should be able to rectify the issue via an over-the-air update if their GV80 still lacks functionality.
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