2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD - Review by David Colman +VIDEO

Priced at a fraction of its luxury competition

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

The GV80 represents such a radical departure from run-of-the-mill SUVs that its South Korean maker - Genesis - is rightfully deserving of its biblical corporate name. From the moment you appraise its sleek aerodynamic shape to the instant you climb aboard its presidentially appointed cabin, the Prestige level GV80 distinguishes itself from anything else on the road. Our test sample was finished in brilliant Uyuni White bodywork, with matching Nappa Leather interior in Glacier White (new for 2025). The cumulative effect of what Genesis calls "The Beauty of White Space" makes a resounding statement for visual simplicity. One look inside the elegant GV80 made me think of that classic Marty Robbins tune "A White Sport Coat," and left me searching for a Pink Carnation.

Both the driver's and front passenger's seats obligingly slide backward to facilitate entrance and exit. Once you're seated behind the pristine two-tone white and black leather-wrapped steering wheel, you're confronted by a 27-inch long OLED display panel that dramatically sweeps across the breadth of the dashboard. This triumph of automotive theater combines multiple functions of instrumentation and infotainment into one startling pictorial mural. Its OLED clarity rivals the best TV screens you can buy today, and when you go full screen by opting for an extended map display, the net effect is mesmerizing.

Somewhat less successful is the control layout atop the center console. In a move that favors symmetry above practicality, Genesis has positioned two identically sized control knobs, one in front of the other. The forward dial controls inputs to the OLED screen, while the crystal-rimmed rear knob controls the shift-by-wire automatic transmission. I am not a fan of rotary knobbed shifters because they require way too much concentration plus visual certification to operate. Providing an adjacent control similar in size but not function creates a recipe for confusion.

To illustrate the real world impracticality of such a layout, envision the sequence of events that actually occurred in the parking lot of my local grocery store. I was sitting behind the wheel, waiting for my wife to return. The engine was idling, the transmission in Park. Suddenly, a huge gust of wind blew a shopping cart across the lot. It was headed straight for the GV80. In a semi-panic I first reached for the forward dial, instantly retreated to the back dial, then - very fortunately - managed to select Reverse an instant before the errant cart would have impacted the pristine bodywork of the Genesis.

Opt for the top echelon Prestige GV80, and your ample wheelwells will be graced with a set of 8.5Jx22 inch alloy rims mounting 265/40R22 Michelin Primacy Tour all-season radials with a long life TW 580 rating. The metallic gray 5-spoke alloys are visually arresting, with a pair of machined hash marks enlivening each spoke, and light gray brake calipers peeking out from behind the rims. The Michelin rubber proved grippy enough, but the 40 series tires provided a rather harsh ride over bumps and roadside imperfections. You can modulate suspension and steering feedback with yet another (smaller) center console-mounted rotary wheel with detents for Eco/ Comfort/Sport/Snow preferences. Handling of this 5,100 pound SUV proved surprisingly spry, with accurate steering feedback, very little cornering lean, and plenty of forward thrust from the "3.5T" 375hp twin turbo V6 that powers all four Michelins through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. If you take this Genesis to the Wednesday Nite Drags, you'll surprise the Ford and Chevy crowd by posting a quarter mile run under 14 seconds, with 0-60 flashing past in 5.4 seconds. Top speed runs out at 145mph.

You can check into the bottom rung of the GV80 ladder with a "2.5T Standard" model which retails for just $59,050. There are 5 more versions available at increasing prices before you reach the top echelon occupied by our test 3.5T Prestige AWD. The Standard model GV80 makes do with a 300hp 2.5 liter four-cylinder turbo. Upgrading to the 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 in our test SUV will set you back an extra $8,000. Our GV80 carried a retail price of $80,650 which may seem pricey until you compare it to its main competitors in the super-luxe SUV field, BMW's X5 and Porsche's Cayenne. A top drawer X5 will set you back $122,300, while a top rung Cayenne goes for $196,300. With those numbers in mind, you'll find yourself wondering how Genesis can build a legitimate luxury class contender for 50 to 100 percent less money than the vaunted competition.

2025 GENESIS GV80 3.5T PRESTIGE AWD

• ENGINE: 3.5 liter V-6, turbocharged and intercooled DOHC, 24-valve
• HORSEPOWER: 375hp
• TORQUE: 391lb.-ft.
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 16MPG City/22MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $80,650

HYPES: Stunning Build Quality

GRIPES: Poor Rearward Vision

STAR RATING: 9 Stars out of 10

©2024 David E Colman