In the world of luxury sport utility vehicles, few – if any – come close to matching the overall package of the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige I recently tested.
From the gorgeous exterior styling, stunning and exceedingly comfortable cabin, to the potent twin turbo V6 engine, this SUV hits just about every right tone.
And at $96,000, one should hope that it does.
The Prestige is the top of four trims for the GV80, which can be outfitted in five or seven seat configurations. The base GV 80 2.5T Advanced is $20,000 less expensive and, while well equipped, is missing a few bells and whistles that are in the Prestige.
That includes a nice set of 22-inch alloy wheels, soft close doors, ventilated front and second row seats, Nappa leather seating with quilting, microfibre suede headliner, a heated console armrest, digital centre mirror and a feature I was most puzzled by: Mood curator.
Powertrain: There are two engine options on the GV80, with our tester being equipped with the larger and quite potent 3.5-litre V6 Twin Turbo engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The power delivery from the V6 is extremely smooth, offering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque effortlessly when called upon. Genesis powertrains have always been ones that have left solid impressions on me, and this one is no different.
My 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres fuel efficiency average was off the estimated figure of 12.7 L/100 km, but all things considered, it was a solid number given the mostly city driving I did with the GV80.
Exterior: Not only does the GV80 deliver when it comes to function, it knocks it out of the park in terms of form. The SUV’s design is one of the nicest – if not the top – in its segment.
The front end is eye-catching, with the G-Matrix grille, and your eyes won’t stop there, as there is really no bad angle from which to view the GV80.
I particularly like the symmetry between the front headlights and taillights, as well as the way the exhausts are integrated into the rear fascia in such a way to as to imperceptible. Then you have the tester’s 22-inch alloy wheels capping off the elegant design.
Interior: Opening the door to enter the GV80, you are welcomed by the finest materials as well as an elegant and modern design.
The fit and finish are what you would expect from a vehicle pushing six figures, and every possible amenity – from ambient lighting to in-car scents – are at your disposal.
There’s also a 16-way power drivers’ seat with massage function, and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The brown Nappa leather, with a nice, quilted pattern for the seating surface, only further bolsters the luxurious feel of the cabin.
Our ride was equipped with a third row that can be lowered or raised at the touch of a button.
Infotainment: The GV80 has a massive 27-inch OLED display for its instrument cluster and infotainment screen, a sleek and crisp setup that is both easy on the eyes, and a breeze to operate.
It features navigation, satellite radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Not to mention a sweet-sounding Bang & Olufsen sound system featuring 18(!) speakers and a 14-channel amplifier with 1,400 Watts max output. An audiophile’s dream!
Drive: In addition to the engine, the GV80 has several other tricks up its sleeve to make your driving experience enjoyable.
First off, the cabin is whisper quiet, with almost nil in the way of any exterior noise making its way inside.
Drivers can select an appropriate mode depending on their driving preference through Drive Mode Select (Comfort, Smart, Eco, Sport, Custom) and the all-wheel drive system features Terrain Mode Select.
Some technological wizardry in the GV80s underpinnings result is an ultra-smooth ride. Thanks to features such as the electronically controlled suspension with road preview, electronic limited slip differential and excellent steering response, the GV80s on-road experience is hard to beat. Smooth, powerful and always in control, it was a genuine joy to drive.
Conclusion: Genesis products have been a bright spot for me almost every time I get behind the wheel. It’s hard to find anything inherently wrong with the GV80, as it delivers in terms of performance, comfort and looks. One could say that if you are using all three rows, storage room is all but useless, but the same can be said for just about any three-row SUV.
The GV80 is as good as or better than anything it goes head-to-head against.
2025 Genesis GV80 3.5 Prestige
2025 Genesis GV80 3.5 Prestige
2025 Genesis GV80 3.5 Prestige
2025 Genesis GV80 3.5 Prestige
2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige
Price as tested: $96,000.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.5-litre V6 Twin Turbo/ 8-speed automatic
Power/torque: 375 horsepower/ 391 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (80 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 12.7 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 14.3 L/100 km
Warranties: 5-years/100,000 km (basic)
Competitors: BMW X5, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90.
Website: Genesis Canada