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2025 Genesis GV80 review: Lavish living

Writer's picture: Mitchell WeitzmanMitchell Weitzman

The big SUV from Genesis sees incremental improvements

2025 Genesis GV80 review | The Road Beat

2025 Genesis GV80 review by The Road Beat

Words and pictures: Mitchell Weitzman


I was dumbstruck upon realizing it's already been three and half years since first sampling a GV80, but now it's already been an entire presidential cycle since. At the time, it was the first foray into the big and profitable SUV game for Hyundai's separated luxury arm. Impressed was an understatement, oozing experienced luxury from every nook and cranny while delivering an unexpectedly superlative driving experience. Frankly, updates were not necessary, and it's with confidence that this latest 2025-edition has only undergone the briefest of changes inside its stellar A-list cabin. Continuing their success, albeit at a new all-time high price tag, Genesis' GV80 is the luxury SUV you should be considering.


2025 Genesis GV80 interior

Let's address the wandering unmissable elephant in the room first: it costs $81,300 as equipped. Gulp. Yes, that's a big gulp indeed. Even Genesis is not immune to the reality of inflation, with this example commanding a frightening $15,000 extra compared to the 2021 model I tested. Granted, that 2021 red example was an Advanced+ trim, and this 2025 is a Prestige, but I do not remember that 2021 tester missing a single essential item. Looking into the internet archives for a 2021 Prestige model, the sticker would have been about $72,000 for a comparable unit. So apples to apples, in a few short years, this is a significantly more expensive machine and no longer can fairly warrant 'bargain' status. That said, it still costs less than a comparably-equipped BMW or Mercedes among others, and the starting price for an entry-level GV80 remains attractive at just $60,000.

Other knocks? At a time where other Hyundai group products are finally receiving wireless Apple CarPlay capabilities, the 2025 GV80 mysteriously omits this convenience. I tried multiple times connecting and repairing my phone to the Bluetooth, and never was given a choice of CarPlay. I scrolled in the menus to phone projection/mirroring, which then threw the white flag proclaimeing a USB cable was indeed required to use CarPlay. Guys, it's nearly 2025; Why can't we have wireless Apple CarPlay in an $80,000 vehicle? So, to combat this, you'll want to permanently leave a cord in your GV80 at all times for the safest and convenient operation of your Spotify and other entertainment sources. Also sort of related is the positively puny center console storage under the main armrest, revealing a shallow cubby that can barely fit certain sunglasses even. For a big people-moving SUV, this is ridiculous oversight to forgo any kind of practical and accessible storage for a driver's personal items.


2025 Genesis GV80 wireless apple carplay
Wasn't kidding you; no wireless Apple CarPlay, still.

Move past the monetary concerns of the retail price (and the $10 for a new iPhone cable to permanently keep inside), and the GV80 is so, so sweet. Elegantly beautiful inside and out, the GV80 is among the best-looking SUVs on sale today and simply looks expensive, with a style and class much closer to that of a Rolls-Royce or Bentley than that of an Audi, except it's also tastefully less vulgar than the former-mentioned British heavyweights. And while the exterior has serious curb appeal that will look especially good and impressive in the valet drop-off, it's the interior that steals the show, a commonality of all Genesis products. This is not the cheap tin can Hyundai Accent from the George W. era we all remember, but a sumptuous opulence so deserving that, in terms of shear quality of finish and materials, I don't think even Gordon Ramsay could think of any qualified insult to throw at the Genesis; It's that good.


Other cars succeed at playing pretend luxury, where only select sections have decent leather, but other touchpoints will have cheap plastic or thin and flimsy door handles and switches, but not Genesis. No stone is left unturned here, using only the finest leather available for the touch points, and gorgeous crafted metal switchgear and controls. Shoot, even the plastic in the few places it resides is solid and crafted well. There is one knock, and that was a left paddle shifter that had about a single millimeter of loose play in it if you judge really closely. That unnoticeable factor aside, the biggest single change to this 2025 GV80 is the presence of that huge and gorgeous 27-inch wide display that encompasses both the instruments and central infotainment display. The whole array is cohesive and consistent in color and background theme, lending a pleasant sense of continuity. Will it age badly in five or ten years? Maybe, but it's too soon to speculate and makes for an interesting and captivating focal point that will look just as modern for at least the duration of your potential three year lease term.


2025 Genesis GV80 interior

Yet, if there is any aspect of the GV80 exceeding its beauty and craftsmanship, that would be the way this big luxury SUV goes up and down the roads it owns. Unlike other cars tested that have great dynamics, but are let down in the engine department, or vice versa, the GV80 is a complete package harkening back to the most celebrated days of Germany's "Ultimate Driving Machines." Power comes courtesy of a twin-turbocharged V6 engine dishing out 375 delectably smooth horsepowers, and while there is no electric assist to be found here, these six pistons operate in turbine-like fashion, with zero hiccups nor distractions, while emitting a pleasant and subdued growl under the hood that sounds expensive. It's not the fastest thing in the world, nor is it slow either, striking a measurably useful balance with its 0-60 MPH time of 5.5 seconds, or fast enough for any real world need and scenario. Throttle response is a little too lax off the line at times, but it means consistently smooth and gentle takeoffs (no dreadful lurching) that are fitting of a luxurious cruise line. Would I prefer a V8? Yes, and other increasingly expensive SUVs still offer V8s, but this is worlds better than a trash can four-cylinder that others are increasingly moving toward. And I was quite surprised to average a solid 20 MPG during my week of driving in mixed conditions and on a variety of roads.


2025 Genesis GV80 exterior rear three quarter

Complementing the delightful power unit is a chassis underneath that actually welcomes the approach of corners. Displaying a command of the road that is absent in so many other crossovers and SUVs, the GV80 is a joy to drive and is a nudging reminder that normal and luxury cars can in fact be good to drive while showing some seldom seen semblance of emotion and character. Granted, the steering is too mute for my own liking, but understanding you typically would not want a luxurious barge communicating road imperfections via vibrations and the like, I can forgive this trait. Making up for the lack of feedback is a weighted steering that is anything but a toy, requiring a relative conviction and determination when maneuvering or charging down a winding country road. Some won't like that, preferring the gentle and easy one-finger driving approach of overly boosted steering that other rival cars offer, but those aren't nearly as much fun, and the Genesis just feels secure and sweetly substantial in return. And when you do find yourself on some backroad spaghetti, that's when you'll appreciate just how unique the GV80 is these days with its neutral balance and handling combined to a comfortable ride. Not mistaking it for a M-car or AMG, but relative to its mainstream luxury competition, this does legit yearn for speed and apexes, and the way it settles itself and remains composed over bumps mid-corner deserves applause. Just get the nose turned in and you can squeeze on the twin-turbo power, relying on the AWD to whisk you off and onto the next corner.


2025 Genesis GV80 review

In many ways, Genesis' GV80 is their single most accomplished vehicle they make. Even with the price increases, this is the best and most luxurious SUV you can buy at $80,000 right now. The combination of character and elegant traits are undeniably inviting and addicting, making one wonder why anyone still buys German. Really, the only concession I can make is that you need a wired connection for CarPlay, and honestly who cares when the rest of the car is this damn good. And I didn't even mention the electrically-folding third-row of seats when you need them in case of emergencies. And if the price tag of this privileged Prestige is too much, the basic entry GV80 is still a masterclass of value at 20-grand less. Life is too short to continue driving the same boring appliances or be stuck on brand loyalty; Venture out and give the GV80 a chance to win your heart.


2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD

Price as-tested: $81,300

Pros: Incredible interior and tasteful style; Great to drive

Cons: No longer a 'bargain' among other luxury brands; Cable needed for CarPlay


More photos of the 2025 Genesis GV80

Uyuni white Genesis GV80 exterior

Genesis GV80 Uyuni White exterior

2025 Genesis GV80 review

2025 Genesis GV80 interior

Genesis GV80 blue interior

Genesis GV80 glacier interior

Genesis GV80 interior detail

Genesis GV80 center display

2025 Genesis GV80 prestige interior

Genesis GV80 Prestige interior

2025 Genesis GV80 glacier interior rear seats


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Thank you for reading The Road Beat's 2025 Genesis GV80 review. For more of our candid takes on cars, please subscribe. All photos by mitchellweitzmanphoto.com.

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