First impressions are quite a thing, and as the saying goes, you never have a second chance to make one. When this 2024 Genesis GV80 rolled around the corner to kick off my week-long stint with it, I audibly went: “Oh damn.” If you need it in meme form, I think there is one with The Rock that captures it well, perhaps from the first Jumanji. Well, technically, it was the second one, which was a reboot, never mind.
I just wrapped up a week with this 3.5T Prestige Signature version of the midsize GV80, so let’s find out what’s what.
[Related link: 2025 Genesis GV80: Refreshed and refined (First Drive)]
What is it?
You can get your GV80 with one of two engines. The base 2.5T Standard has a pretty solid 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Meanwhile, the 3.5T has, well, you probably guessed it, a 3.5-liter turbo V-6. It puts out a healthy 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive is standard across the entire model range.
And technically there are five trim levels across both engine offerings: Standard, Advanced, Prestige, Prestige Matte, and Prestige Signature. We had the top-spec Prestige Signature version with the largest engine, and, well it comes with just about everything (including the matte paint somehow). Check out the window sticker, there’s a lot happening inside and out.
It’s not an inexpensive proposition, though, and out the door you’re at almost $82,700. That’s a lot, and it starts to line up with some European competition. Let’s see if the if the 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige Signature lives up to its MSRP.
Genesis GV80 inside & out
First of all, I think the GV80 is a damn good looking thing. Add in the Brunswick Green matte paint, and it stands out in the luxury SUV crowd without being too showy. However, I feel like black wheels are on their way out of fashion, or perhaps they are already out, I’m not sure. Still, I like the multi-spoke pattern, and they are big without looking comically large.
The front grille is also pretty massive, but again isn’t as showy as something like, say, an Escalade. The overall design elements are sculpted without being overdone, like most Genesis vehicles you get split headlights and taillights which give it a brand-specific look.
I can’t really come up with any criticisms of the GV80 on the outside, like, I said, it’s a darn good looking thing.
Let’s move on to the inside.
On the interior, you get even more wow-factor. From the quilted seats to the customizable Vegas lounge lights, it’s a great mix of comfort and high-end-feeling materials. I’m at the age where I’m a sucker for massaging seats, and Genesis has some fantastic back-soothing (and butt soothing) tech under that quilted leather. All Prestige trim versions lose access to the optional third-row, so you’ll only have seating for five in your top-spec GV80s.
Actually, that number dropped to four in our tester, which has second-row captain’s chairs. There are a ton of fun features inside like the upgraded leather seating surfaces, microfiber suede headliner and pillars, power-adjustable second-row seats with heating and ventilation, power rear side-window shades (which operate using the window switches), and some cool soft-close doors. It’s an impressive thing.
Out on the road, the GV80 makes great use of it’s 375 horsepower, 3.5-liter twin-turbo engine. Its 5,104-pound curb weight isn’t light by performance car standards, but for a midsize luxury crossover it moves.
Testing has the GV80 hitting 60 MPH in around 5.7 seconds, which would have been screaming fast during my 1990s sport compact car days. You never really run out of power in day-to-day driving. From the merge lane to the passing lane, the GV80 delivers smooth and easily accessible power. It also manages 20 MPG combined city/highway which isn’t terrible for a vehicle of this size, power and weight.
The bottom line
Hyundai and Kia are bringing the heat with a variety of vehicles, and Genesis is no different in the luxury realm. I found very little to dislike about the GV80, it looks good inside and out, and it’s got a stout engine and a smooth ride. Compare the 3.5T GV80 to six-cylinder luxury vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 and Porsche Cayenne, and you’ll find that the Genesis has similar (or more) power and a cheaper starting price. It’s also competitively equipped with a ton of tech and convenience features.
Time will tell if people will adapt to spending this level of money for a new-ish luxury badge, but so far things look good. It’s clear that Genesis is aiming for some lofty competition and just might succeed.
