It’s always interesting to see how mainstream brands do luxury labels. Lexus for example – big hit. Infiniti – meh. Acura – nice stuff, but doesn’t really feel like a big step up from Honda.

Some makers like Mazda thought about it – remember Amati?– and then pulled the plug. They did, to their credit, decide to make their regular stuff next level and more luxurious. Check out our CX-5 and CX-50 reviews and see for yourself.

Hyundai and Kia are having a go at it with Genesis. Interestingly, at first, they called the vehicles Hyundai Genesis – dipping their toes in the water. Well, the water must have felt pretty darn good, since they have created an entire brand with unique dealerships, upscale models and more. We’d say they’re running the Lexus script and doing an impressive job.

We recently tested the G70 sedan and GV70 SUV and came away mightily impressed. So, when Genesis offered us an even more luxurious GV80, we said “yes please!” Does the GV80 fly high in the stratified air of ultra luxury vehicles? We’re cleared for take-off to find out!

Familial Looks

The GV80 stays close to form to the smaller GV70 – in fact they can be hard to tell apart. But since the ’70 is so handsome, it’s good to share that family DNA.

Like the 70, the GV80 makes a bold first impression with a blingy “G-Matrix Crest” pentagon shaped grille, with side and lower grilles for added aero. Other family faves include two-line headlights, and a Bentley-like winged badge logo on the hood.

The profile also echoes the GV70 with a sporty swept-back profile, with a hidden pillar at the rear doors and more length – this is a 3-row SUV after all. Other highlights include some chrome grille touches on the front wings, deep cut-ins on the doors with a handsome metal lower trim, and our favorite, massive 22-inch throwing-star alloy wheels that just look awesome.

The rear is also familiar, although the GV80 has more of a pushed-in look on the hatch door, and a bit more chrome bling on the lower bumper. Taillamps that feature a two-line design echo the signature front headlamps. Finishing off our tester was a deep rich tone they call Storr Green. While it is available in a matte finish, we’re glad ours was the more traditional paint – it just looks gorgeous and makes a statement without trying too hard.

Beyond Superlatives

When we tested our GV70, we mentioned the very Bentley-ish vibe in the design. Well, we’re not sure how they did it, but the GV80 takes that luxo-goodness and brings it to an even greater level!

Open the door and you’re immediately presented with true elegance, with a creamy two-tone interior Genesis calls vanilla, with light color on the seating surfaces and center console and parts of the lower dash and steering wheel, with a contrasting color they call “smoky” on parts of the dash, doors and steering wheel. Toss in some matte finish wood trim, and the end result is breathtaking.

It’s made all the nicer by our tester’s Prestige trim, that includes Nappa leather seats, microfiber suede headliner and pillars, heated and ventilated front and second row seats(!), a heated front console armrest(!!), soft-close doors and power rear side sunshades.

Settle into the delightful driver’s seat that can also feature available massage and power lower cushion extension, and your eyes fall on a 27-inch OLED digital display that sweeps across the dashboard and serves up both gauges and info-tainment.

The driver’s gauges give an analog looking 160-mph speedometer and 8,000 rpm tachometer, and like many other Hyundai/Kia models, activating the turn signal gives you a camera view inside the instrument face for a quick view. Trick.

Also trick, the entire display is in a soothing white face during the day and switches over to black at night. The infotainment is complete and modern with all the goods including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging. While the big display is a touchscreen, there’s also a rotary dial and controls on the center console if it’s too far of a reach, or you don’t want to smudge that gorgeous screen.

It’s probably a challenge for luxury makers to continue to think up new ways to delight you, but we love, love, the Mood Curator that Genesis says is an immersive cabin wellness system that combines ambient lighting, sound, fragrance, visuals, and seat massage to match your desired state of mind. Settings include Vitality, Delight, Care and Comfort!

Choose your mood and the GV80 adjusts interior lighting themes, calming screen visuals, ambient scents, and ergonomic seat adjustments or massages depending on your specific trim. Wow.

We’ll also add we love the fragrance setting that keeps the vehicle’s interior smelling like a luxury spa. We used that every day. And the optional 18-speaker Bang & Olufson filled the cabin with lush sound quality as well. So nice….

While we might have expected captain’s chairs in the second row, the ’80 goes for some practically with a 3-person row, and it’s adjustable fore and aft, and reclines. Legroom is plentiful – especially if no-one is in the third row. It also slides and tilts forward for 3^rd row access.

That third row is pretty much kids or pets only, and it significantly compromises cargo area. On the bright side you can power it up or down from the cargo area. Drop that seat and you have impressive room, plus seats for 5.  Fold the second row flat, and you have a huge cargo hold – although we’d want to be careful not to rough up that beautiful Nappa vanilla leather!

Shall We Waft?

The GV80 doesn’t disappoint on the road, either.

While some models feature a 300-horse, 2.5-liter, turbo 4-cylinder, our tester had a more lux-appropriate 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V-6, bringing 375 horsepower to the party, and a plentiful 391 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1,300 rpm.

Combined with a standard 8-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive, our tester hustled to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds, and did it in a no-sweat, flow of power that just whooshes you along. We should note this is a subdued driving experience, leaning more towards luxury than the driving involvement you might find in BMW or Audi.

Which is fine, as the GV80 is a delight to just cruise along in comfort, and silence eating up the miles. It’s a deliberate focus on plush and posh over push and play, and it does so supremely well.

 If you’re looking for more involvement, the GV80 Coupe is available with a 409-horsepower turbo and supercharged 3.5-liter V6. We’ll try to wrangle a test drive on that to be sure!

We find the turbo V6 to be a delightful and creamy performer, and 22 EPA mpg highway is pretty darn impressive considering the size and performance of the GV80. The AWD system gives you settings for inclement weather, and we don’t imagine many owners will be doing serious off-roading in their GV80! They may want to bring some toys, however, and the 6,000 lb. towing capacity should allow for all sorts of extra-vehicular activities.

 Premium Pricing

All this goodness does not come cheap, but it still offers a smart buy in its segment. The GV80 2.5T RWD starts at $57,700 – for a handsome, well-equipped, full-on luxury dealership dealer experience vehicle, it’s a strong value.

Our GV80T 3.5T is your top-of-the-line choice and started at $82,330. The sole option being the Storr Green paint ($650). Add in $1,495 for destination, and we rang the bell at $84,475. Sweeting the deal are industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5/60 vehicle warranties.

We also like the BMW X5, and comparably equipped it comes in a bit less at $81,675. We think the BMW offers a more involved drive but serves up less luxury. It all depends on your priorities.

Those looking for extra badge appeal should consider the Land Rover Range Rover Sport. At $90,145 it’s a pricier choice and lacks the interior space of the GV80. Still, it oozes sBritish charm and luxury – and if you want to make that big first impression, driving up in one will trump the Genesis and BMW, and pretty much everything else.

Great style, a lovey interior with seamless technology and over-the-top features, the 2026 Genesis GV80 3.5T is an immensely impressive luxury 3-row SUV!