Is the 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 3 Cons
Key Points
- The Genesis GV80 Coupe is new for 2025 and a fastback version of the GV80, an SUV Cars.com named among its best luxury cars of 2025.
- We like that the GV80 Coupe has a posh, pampering interior and refined yet energetic road manners.
- The “coupe”-style of this SUV means it suffers for a lack of occupant and cargo room versus the SUV variant.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe is a fastback SUV version of the brand’s excellent GV80. It’s aimed at buyers looking for a luxurious and comfortable ride with a bit more style than a conventional SUV, but without sacrificing the benefits of a more traditional, squared-off design.
Related: 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe Review: Elegance and Spice Make Everything Nice
Like the competing BMW X6 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, the GV80 Coupe loses a significant chunk of cargo room in the interest of a somewhat sleeker profile, but it retains the benefits of standard all-wheel drive, room for five occupants and at least some cargo space. Like its competitors, it also has four doors in spite of its name.
Visually, the coupe gets unique LED taillights and its own 20- or 22-inch wheels. Notably, buyers have the option of a more potent supercharged powertrain, something not available with the GV80 SUV. Changes for 2026 are minor and highlighted by a new Prestige Black trim.
Cars.com News Editor Jennifer Geiger spent some quality time with a new GV80 Coupe equipped with the supercharged engine and found the Genesis has the goods to compete with its counterparts from BMW and Mercedes; whether the sacrifices are worth the added style is another question. Tap the link above for Jennifer’s expert review; alternatively, read on for five things we like about the 2025 Genesis G80 Coupe and three things we do not.
What Do We Like About the 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe?
1. Refined Muscle
The Coupe’s base engine is the same twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that’s optional in the GV80 SUV. With 375 horsepower and 391 pounds-feet of torque on tap, the engine delivers more than adequate power. Our test vehicle had the coupe-only e-Supercharger option, which adds a 48-volt electric supercharger to the V-6, raising output to 409 hp and 405 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
2. Dialable Demeanor
A choice of driving modes lets you dial in throttle, transmission and suspension response to suit your preferences. Comfort is the most benign, combining a firm yet comfortable ride with an athletic and composed feel in corners that belies the coupe’s 5,100-pound curb weight. Sport mode ramps things up with snappier acceleration and a firmer steering feel. Sport Plus is the rowdiest of the bunch, bringing the most aggressive response and feedback while adding simulated engine noises.
3. Posh Interior
On the inside, the Genesis is every bit as luxurious and welcoming as its German competitors. With its modern, clean design and top-notch materials quality, the cabin is impeccably finished and comfortable. Design details include a crystal shift dial, Nappa leather seats, a microfiber suede headliner and a Mood Curator that leverages the GV80’s audio system, lighting, massaging seats and even a fragrance dispenser to create the desired mood. Choices include Delight, Care, Comfort and Vitality.
4. Impressive Screen
The GV80 dash is dominated by a huge and vivid 27-inch-wide screen that spans a big chunk of real estate and incorporates both the configurable instrument cluster and infotainment display. A second smaller screen is used for climate controls. While that’s a lot of screen area to get used to, the Genesis menu structure is straightforward, and the system is much easier to use than those from BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
5. Luxury and Value
A generous list of standard safety and convenience features add to the value even if the GV80 isn’t exactly cheap. A 2025 base model carries a starting price slightly higher than the competing BMW X6 or Mercedes GLE, but it’s arguably more luxurious, better equipped and has simpler controls. And if you’re considering the upmarket sport-tuned versions, the Genesis is thousands less than either of the Europeans.
Read More About the Genesis GV80 From Cars.com:
- How Much Is the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe?
- 2025 Genesis GV80 Review: Subtly Supreme
- Genesis Introduces New Prestige Black Trim to Lineup
- Best Luxury Car of 2025
- Who Makes Genesis Cars?
What Do We Dislike About the 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe?
1. Reduced Passenger Room
Not surprisingly, that sloping roofline takes a toll on rear headroom, which is almost an inch less than in the SUV. That may not sound like much and our 5-foot-6-inch tester had no problems, but taller individuals might want to try the coupe on for size first. And while the coupe is designed for five occupants, the rear center position is on the narrow side and a floor hump cuts into legroom.
2. Cargo Complaints
Cargo room is another casualty of the GV80 Coupe’s sleeker shape, resulting in just 30.3 cubic feet of manufacturer-measured space behind the rear seat compared to 36.5 with the GV80. Cabin storage is limited, as well, and visibility is limited to the rear and sides.
3. Android Angst
The 27-inch infotainment screen is easy to master, and its sheer size allows for larger icons that are easier to see and operate. But Android users beware, as we experienced repeated difficulty connecting to Android Auto, and both Android and Apple devices required a wired connection with our test vehicle. (Since our review, Genesis has issued an over-the-air update adding wireless capability for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.)
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