It’s been a decade since Hyundai announced the name Genesis would debut as a stand-alone upscale brand. Gone was the top-line Hyundai Genesis executive sedan. Unveiled were the Genesis G80 and G90 sedans.
But the transition hasn’t been smooth, including consumer uncertainty.
The South Korean manufacturer’s plans for independent dealerships were delayed. Two vehicles with the same name didn’t help public awareness. Even several years after Hyundai Genesis production stopped after the 2016 edition, “What’s a Genesis?” was commonly asked.
Many industry awards, more dealerships, an industry-best warranty and an expanding lineup of vehicles, including the 2025 Genesis GV80, helped.
Approaching the end of 2024, Genesis had 224 dealerships in 39 states and in 214 cities in the United States. The luxury carmaker now has nine models and it sold a record 229,532 vehicles last year.
The 2025 GV80, available as a sport utility vehicle and new coupe, further defines the young car brand’s wishes to compete with the German mainstay leaders Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Its handsome exterior and modern-tech interior give it a chance.
Equipped with a gasoline 2.5L I-4 turbo engine with 300 horsepower or a gasoline 3.5L twin-turbo engine and 375 horsepower, the three-row SUV offers plenty.
Further appealing is the reviewed two-row GV80 Coupe. It’s offered with a gasoline 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo engine with a 48V electric supercharger and 409 horsepower.
As the sportier newbie, the GV80 Coupe is nearly a twin to the GV80 SUV — at least its interior and features lists.
The former has a sloping roofline and an overall more streamlined appearance. With its electric supercharger and additional horsepower, the carmaker’s latest advances from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds on 22-inch sport alloy wheels.
It’s a strong effort for an all-wheel-drive SUV with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but it results in the vehicle’s one major disappointment. Gas mileage averages are a sub-par 16 miles per gallon in city driving, 22 mpg on the freeway.
While not as quick as some German rivals, the GV80 Coupe’s acceleration is smooth, steady and confident and with an absence of turbo lag or other acceleration uncertainty. It has the same understated performance swagger of Bentley, a comparison that also includes similar exterior looks.
In its brief history, the Genesis reputation includes its knack for quiet rides. Cabins are insulated well and complement with GV80 Coupe’s electronically controlled suspension. It features a forward-facing camera that reads the approaching road surface and makes near-instant suspension adjustments.
The tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, heated armrests and top-line seating materials are luxury-level. The spacious front and rear seating, with its 40/20/240 split configuration, further define the GV80’s luxury vibe. The rear seat can also fold flat quickly with push-button functionality and is six-way power-adjustable. Cargo and storage areas are satisfactory, including a conveniently located bin under the center console.
Genesis models, like Hyundai and Kia relatives, offer a substantial standard feature list, including adaptive cruise control and a superior-sounding 18-speaker, 1400-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The multifunction infotainment and instrumentation screen extends 27 includes across the dash. Red seatbelts match the upholstery stitching.
All GV80 offerings have automatic high-beam headlamps, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot that can accept five devices and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services are also standard.
Standard safety equipment includes a semi-autonomous driving mode, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.
The 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe costs $87,800. Some rivals cost more, some less.
What’s impressive: Some luxury SUVs are available as part of the enduring longevity of 100-year-old carmakers. Genesis doesn’t have that legacy. But the upstart manufacturer belongs in the mix. It may not change German automobile buyers’ preferences. But it should.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also contributes business, lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications. E-mail: [email protected].