The 2022 Genesis GV80 is the latest luxury SUV challenger and thanks to strong features it looks poised to take the crown

What’s new for the 2022 Genesis GV80?

Introduced only last year, the 2022 Genesis GV80 doesn’t get any big changes for this year. One small adjustment is that the V6 Prestige trim can be had with a matte package that swaps out the flashy trim for matte-colored surfaces.

2022 Genesis GV80 - netcarshow.com

2022 Genesis GV80 – netcarshow.com |  Shop 2022 Genesis GV80 on Carsforsale.com

Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $51,295

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

RWD or AWD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

21 City / 25 Hwy (MPG)

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 5-7

The Breakdown

Unquestionable value

Great engines

So much technology

People will ask if it’s a Hyundai

Third row is tiny

Not fuel efficient

We’d love a hybrid option

2022 GV80 Specs

Trims & Pricing

2.5T - $51,295
2.5T Advanced - $54,745
2.5T Prestige - $60,145
3.5T - $61,145
3.5T Advanced - $68,545
3.5T Prestige - $73,745
3.5T Prestige Matte - $76,745

2022 Genesis GV80 Powertrain

2022 Genesis GV80 2.5T - netcarshow.com
2022 Genesis GV80 2.5T - netcarshow.com

While we’ve heard others criticize the base engine in the Genesis GV80 we don’t feel the same way. It’s no sports-focused SUV but it’s still pretty quick considering it sprints from 0-60 in almost 6-seconds flat. We really love how seamlessly it delivers power and how calmly the drivetrain can swap cogs without disrupting the cabin. The steering feels good and nicely weighted to us. There’s no question about where your front tires are on the road surface. The brakes could be slightly more communicative at this price point but they still do a great job in normal use.

Where the GV80 really shines is with the 3.5T engine. It’s a real gem and never ever leaves you feeling like you’ve missed out on power or passing ability. One thing the GV80 won’t do is keep up with the really expensive rivals in the corners. It’s composed and feels good but the Porsche Cayenne is still king around a hard curve.

Towing & Payload

While the GV80 isn’t marketed as a towing vehicle it can still pull up to 6,000-pounds behind it when called upon. That’s notably less than some rivals but Genesis seems unconcerned.

2022 Genesis GV80 Fuel Economy & MPG

2022 Genesis GV80 - genesis.com
2022 Genesis GV80 - genesis.com

There’s no getting around the sub-par fuel economy of the GV80. If there’s anything that might keep some buyers away, it’s the lack of a more fuel-efficient powertrain option. At its best, the GV80 gets 23 mpg combined according to the EPA. The V6 drops that number to just 20.

Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space

This SUV starts at just a tick over $50,000 but to sit in even the base level trim you’d never believe that. It feels considerably more expensive and luxurious just like its corporate cousin the Hyundai Palisade. Every material seems to have been considered and cared for. The stitching on the dash pad is a lovely touch and then you’ll notice little things like the texture of the gear selection dial. It’s that kind of attention to detail that a lot of brands could learn from.

The seats are comfortable and highly adjustable too. They manage to be both supportive and supple which makes longer trips a joy. Ride quality is a highlight as well thanks to some excellent suspension tuning. Poor road conditions are no match for the GV80 with regard to cabin noise either. Again, other brands could really learn from the way this SUV handles the world around it. If there’s anything wrong inside the GV80 it’s the tiny third row which is optional but not suited for adults. We say skip it if you can afford to.

Entertainment & Technology

2022 Genesis GV80 - netcarshow.com
2022 Genesis GV80 - netcarshow.com

Genesis went down a very unique road when it comes to its infotainment system. The system is wide but not very tall and it’s set quite a way from the driver instead of being up close and personal. That encourages use of the center control system and allows drivers to keep their head up and on more of the road. While we love all of that, it should be noted that getting used to the way the system works took us a little trial and error, and was, at times, frustrating.

Once over the learning curve, the experience was much more enjoyable. It should be noted that the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is a big positive that every driver can get familiar with quickly. We also love the sound system in the GV80. Sure, there’s a wild Lexicon package with 21 speakers but we think even the regular 12-unit version is good with rich full sound.

Cargo space is an interesting story in the GV80 because if you go for the three-row version, it’ll be pretty meager back there. If you go for the five-passenger setup, it’ll be properly spacious with more than 30 cubic feet. Choose wisely.

Safety Features

The GV80 comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward collision mitigation. In addition to those good qualities, it got a five-star crash test score from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. None of its rivals can beat those attributes.

2022 Genesis GV80 Trims & Pricing

2022 Genesis GV80 Sunroof - netcarshow.com
2022 Genesis GV80 Sunroof - netcarshow.com

2.5T – $51,295

Genesis starts out the GV80 with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that makes 300-horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque and sends it to the rear wheels only via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It also gets a huge 14.5-inch infotainment screen complete with Android and Apple connectivity as well as navigation and 12 speakers. Buyers will also enjoy 19-inch wheels, heated seats, simulated leather upholstery, and a power liftgate. Every GV80 comes with blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. AWD is an optional extra on all 2.5-liter GV80s. In standard trim, opting for AWD adds ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charger, a panoramic sunroof, and a 110-volt power outlet in the second row.

2022 Genesis GV80 Lexicon Speakers - netcarshow.com
2022 Genesis GV80 Lexicon Speakers - netcarshow.com

2.5T Advanced – $54,745

Those who select the GV80 2.5T Advanced get all of the features from the standard AWD version and then stack a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system on top of them. Add AWD to the Advanced trim and you’ll get 20-inch wheels, an automated parking system, leather upholstery, and a surround-view camera system.

2022 Genesis GV80 Heads-Up Display - GenesisUSA on youtube.com
2022 Genesis GV80 Heads-Up Display - GenesisUSA on youtube.com

2.5T Prestige – $60,145

As the best of the 2.5T trims, the Prestige comes with 22-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, active road noise cancellation, and a heads-up display.

2022 Genesis GV80 3.5T - netcarshow.com
2022 Genesis GV80 3.5T - netcarshow.com

3.5T – $61,145

Of course, for just $1,000 more, buyers can get the base of the V6 trims which has all the same base features of the 2.5T but with 20-inch wheels and an adaptive suspension. All 3.5-liter GV80s come with AWD standard.

2022 Genesis GV80 - netcarshow.com
2022 Genesis GV80 - netcarshow.com

3.5T Advanced – $68,545

Similarly, the 3.5T Advanced is trimmed identical to the 2.5T with the exception of 16-way adjustable front seats. Buyers can check a box for a power-folding third row if they’d like that feature.

2022 Genesis GV80 - netcarshow.com
2022 Genesis GV80 - netcarshow.com

3.5T Prestige – $73,745

Go for the top trim of the lineup and you’ll get a 12.3-inch digital driver display, forward attention warning, soft-close doors, second-row vanity mirrors, a microfiber suede headliner, upgraded leather upholstery, and 22-inch wheels.

2022 Genesis GV80 Prestigue Matte - genesis.com
2022 Genesis GV80 Prestigue Matte - genesis.com

3.5T Prestige Matte – $76,745

The Prestige Matte features the same equipment as the regular Prestige but uses matte–colored surfaces in place of brighter trim.

Warranties

Rivals also can’t touch the industry leading five-year or 60,000-mile limited warranty and the 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty offered with the GV80. Genesis even goes another step further to offer three-years or 36,000-miles of complimentary service. Not a single other company comes close to that package.

What we think

2022 Genesis GV80 - genesis.com

2022 Genesis GV80 – genesis.com |  Shop 2022 Genesis GV80 on Carsforsale.com

There’s no better SUV on the market for the money than the GV80 right now. Sure, there are some that do other things better. The Cayenne handles better, the Model X is greener, and the Escalade is roomier, but the GV80 does almost everything at a high level without any serious blemishes to us.

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Stephen Rivers

Stephen Rivers is a car enthusiast who loves all things built with passion, extending to nearly all car cultures. After obtaining an occupational studies degree in sports medicine, Stephen turned his attention to sports cars. He was employed as an auto shop manager, spent time in auto sales, and worked as a software developer for a racing company, but Stephen began writing about cars over 10 years ago. When he's not in front of a computer screen, he's racing his own Bugeye Subaru WRX in as many autocross and rallycross competitions as he can.

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