Refreshed and refined [First Drive]

At first blush, the 2025 Genesis GV80 might not look too different from the 2024 model. But when you dig into the details, you see some big changes. The overall effect is a more refined and tech-forward SUV.

Design & tech changes

Both the interior and exterior of the 2025 Genesis GV80 get tweaked. You’ll notice a new grille treatment with a double-bar design, new micro lens array (MLA) headlamps, a new front bumper, new emblem, new rear bumper, new wheel options and new monobloc front calipers. New. New. New.

The interior is where you’ll notice an even bigger change with a 27-inch OLED gauge cluster, updated steering wheel design, new accent pieces, B&O premium audio with specially designed aluminum grille covers and fingerprint recognition.

One of the biggest changes is that this shiny new infotainment system will now get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s worth noting, however, the initial models going into production will need to use wired-in CarPlay/Auto, but an over-the-air update is coming that will make the system wireless by the end of the year for all owners.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 also gets a digital key, which uses Ultra Wide-Band Bluetooth technology. That means you can use your phone as your key, and it acts exactly like a key fob. Additionally, Genesis Connected Services, which includes digital key, are standard (aka free) for first-time owners.

Ride & handling

I’ve always thought the Genesis GV80 was a smooth and competent handling SUV, and that doesn’t change with the 2025 model year. We were driving the top-tier models with the 3.5-liter twin turbo V-6, which delivers 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. This is a really nice power equation that provides seamless acceleration when merging on the highway or trying to pass. It has a more luxury focus with quiet power rather than a revved-and-ready sport-tuned acceleration. If I could only use one word to describe the power delivery it would be effortless.

The base powertrain is a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 has an available electronically controlled suspension, which reduces body movement, impact and aftershocks on rough pavement or speed bumps. The roads in Texas where we were driving are oddly good, so I don’t know that we were adequately able to test this feature, but the ride comfort was quite good. So, maybe it was working overtime and I didn’t realize it. Regardless, I can’t wait to get this vehicle in Chicago to put it to a true test.

The good stuff

There is so much to like on the 2025 Genesis GV80, I’m not sure where to start. So, let’s dig into the details. From the trim materials to the accent lighting to the aluminum grilles on the B&O speakers, every single piece of the GV80 is well-thought-out and luxuriously appointed. The seats are comfortable, the graphics on the infotainment screen are well-designed, and even the cup holders are well placed.

I like the dual automatic climate controls as well as the available heated-and-ventilated seats. Plus, the 2025 Genesis GV80 gets heated armrests that are activated when you turn on the heated seats.

The upgraded tech features like wireless CarPlay/Auto, Digital Key and standard Genesis Connected Services also make the good list.

The bad stuff

A lot of the items I’d put on the bad list, are more muscle memory things that an owner would get used to – like the touch controller and gearshift being the same size and in a line with each other. But there are a couple things that, while they aren’t dealbreakers, could be improved. They both have to do with wipers.

First, we got some rain on the press preview, and my drive partner and I discovered the automatic wipers don’t work very well at low speeds. So, the rain wasn’t getting cleared from the windshield unless we sped up or activated the wipers manually. It was odd.

Second, the 2025 Genesis GV80 is elegantly designed, so it was a bit of a non sequitur that the rear wiper stuck out like a sore thumb on the back window. There are other Hyundai/Genesis vehicles that move the rear wiper upwards and tuck it under a rear spoiler so it’s hidden. That could have been done here, but it wasn’t.

Trims & pricing

The 2025 Genesis GV80 is already in production and shipping out to dealers as I write this. But the Standard (base) and Select trims on the 2.5T model won’t be available until later this summer. There is also some trim name weirdness where the 2.5T model has trim called AWD, but the GV80 is standard all-wheel drive in every model.

One more thing to know before we break down trims and pricing: Prestige models don’t have a third row. So, if you want the top-tier trim, you’re ditching the extra seating.

Pricing, excluding destination, and key features are as follows:

• 2.5T Standard ($57,700): Includes the 27-inch OLED instrument cluster, 12 ADAS features, wireless CarPlay/Auto.
• 2.5T AWD ($58,700): Adds Digital Key 2, heated steering wheel.
• 2.5T Select ($61,600): Adds 20-inch wheels, panoramic moonroof, matte-finish wood trim.
• 2.5T Advanced ($65,600): Adds leather seats, surround-view monitor, B&O premium audio.
• 2.5T Prestige ($70,450): Adds 22-inch wheels, 3-zone climate control, Ergo Motion seats.
• 3.5T Advanced ($73,800): Includes 7-passenger seating, surround-view monitor, power-folding third row.
• 3.5T Prestige ($79,300): Adds Nappa leather seats, heated-and-ventilated rear seats, power second row.

The bottom line

Genesis is still a very underrated brand. You get all the luxury you’d expect from Mercedes-Benz as well as transparent pricing that includes all the goodies – instead of making everything an option. Its vehicles, including the 2025 Genesis GV80, are handsome and well-made. Plus, with the addition of wireless CarPlay/Auto, you get all the tech features you could possibly want.

The refreshed GV80 is a nice combo of tech and luxury, and you’d be hard pressed to find more bang for your buck in another similarly equipped luxury vehicle.

2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige Photo Gallery

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Email
Print