The Genesis GV80 is a large SUV that was one of the first cars Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, introduced to the UK. Although the Genesis brand was launched globally in 2015, it wasn’t until 2021 that its first models – the G80 saloon and GV80 SUV – reached the UK. The GV80 is a rival for cars such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90, although it's notably sleeker than those so is actually closer to the Audi Q8 and Porsche Cayenne in overall shape, if not character. It’s available with five- or seven seats, and has a focus on elegant design and luxury throughout.
The luxury feel really comes to the fore inside, with an interior that’s subtly stylish and has a high-quality fit and finish. Standard equipment reflects the GV80’s positioning and price, with all versions stacked with features. Safety kit is comprehensive, with all models having ten airbags, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance as standard. Just two engines are available, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol or a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel. Both come with an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive as standard.
Despite its merits, the Genesis GV80 failed to sell in enough numbers to make it viable in the UK. In August 2024, Genesis dropped the GV80 from its UK lineup, with no immediate plans to reintroduce it (in fact, only the Genesis GV60, Genesis GV70 and Genesis Electrified G80 remain in the firm’s UK line-up).
Our guide to the Genesis GV80 looks at the model’s brief history in the UK, covering which models were available and what to look out for if you’re considering buying a used one.
Genesis GV80 Models Over the Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Genesis GV80 years are the best?
The Genesis GV80 is such a rare car that there isn’t enough reliability data to suggest any good or bad years for the model as such. In the short time it was on sale in the UK it changed very little, so your choice could come down to the spec and condition of an individual example.
Which Genesis GV80 years are the worst?
There’s not enough data to single out any specific year as the worst for Genesis GV80 reliability. One thing to note is that all versions were subject to a recall regarding faulty front seatbelt pre-tensioners, but this work should have been - or will be - carried out for free by Genesis dealers. The GV80 has Genesis’ above-average warranty in its favour: coverage is for five years with no mileage limit.
Is a used Genesis GV80 a good deal?
The Genesis GV80 isn’t the most rational choice for a large luxury SUV buyer, but it could be a good deal if you simply want something a bit different to the usual suspects.
Genesis GV80 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Luxury look and feel
- Spacious, high-quality interior
- Lots of high-tech features available
Cons:
- Poor fuel economy
- No hybrid option
- You'll have to explain to everyone what it is
Genesis GV80 Generations
Genesis GV80 mk1 (2021-2024)
Body Styles:
- Five-door SUV
With its rakish, low-slung design and lashings of chrome exterior trim, the Genesis GV80 is a large luxury SUV with a character closer to that of exclusive brands such as Bentley than rivals of a similar cost and size, such as the Audi Q7 and BMW X5. The GV80’s bold design is central to its appeal, but it's also very practical and available with some impressive and innovative features.
The model lineup is fairly small, with all cars well-equipped and just two engine choices. The petrol option is the Genesis GV80 2.5T, with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 300bhp and 311lb ft of torque. As respectable as those numbers are, the GV80 is a big, heavy car, and many rivals offer more power outright. The diesel alternative is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit with 274bhp and a hearty 434lb ft of torque (a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 is also offered in the USA in the form of the Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige, along with a Genesis GV80 Coupe body style, but neither is offered here). Each comes with all-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Regardless of which powertrain you choose, mpg is pretty poor: mid-twenties for the petrol and low-thirties for the diesel.
Trim levels range through Premium Line, Luxury Line, Luxury Plus and Sport. Entry-level Premium Line models have 20-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable front seats, a powered tailgate, a 14.5-inch infotainment system with sat nav, a rear-view camera and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard, so you’re not missing out on much. Extra features for Luxury Line trim include 22-inch alloy wheels, matt wood trim, a heated steering wheel, leatherette dashboard trim, and heated front- and rear seats. Luxury Plus includes upgraded interior trim and Sport models have the same features as Luxury plus some sportier exterior design details. There are five-seat or seven-seat versions: the third row of seats were a £500 option when specified new.
Entry-level Premium Line models have 20-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable front seats, a powered tailgate, front-and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, smart cruise control, a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat nav, an 8.0-inch TFT instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as standard, so you’re not missing out on much. A range of advanced safety features is standard for all models, including collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot assist.
Extra features for Luxury Line trim include 22-inch alloys, leatherette dashboard trim, matt wood trim, a heated steering wheel, quilted leather seats, heated front- and rear seats, and three-zone climate control with second-row output. Sport models get roughly the same, but with a couple of sporty styling touches.
Luxury Plus trim is the properly tooled-up version, though. This gets adaptive high beam headlamps, a two-tone heated leather steering wheel, suede headlining and window pillars, Nappa leather seating, an ErgoMotion driver’s seat (this contains individual air cushions that inflate and deflate to either maintain comfort or to suit different conditions), a Lexicon sound system, soft-close doors, active road noise cancelling, surround view monitor 360-degree cameras, a wireless phone charger, power folding rear seats, head-up display, and extra safety measures in the form of forward collision avoidance assist, parking collision avoidance assist, highway driving assist, and remote smart parking assist. Lots of optional extras are also available, including dramatic matte paint finishes.
Since sales numbers of the GV80 were very low, it’s not possible to make a definitive judgement on its reliability. Genesis – and parent company Hyundai – have a good reputation overall, although many GV80 owners in the US have complained of problems with a leaking panoramic sunroof on their car. On the plus side, all Genesis cars in the UK come with a ‘five-year care plan’ that includes a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, five years’ scheduled servicing, five years’ breakdown cover and five years’ software updates at no extra cost.