Genesis GV80 Review & Prices

The Genesis GV80 is a large family SUV that comes with a very plush finish and up to seven seats. Going up against the likes of the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, the GV80 also undercuts comparative versions, much like shopping at Aldi but getting the same high quality products. 

Design-wise though it looks a lot like a knock-off Bentley Bentayga. That being said, it looks just as smart. The front grille is quite big, but fits in with the split headlights, while there’s strong lines down the side to add extra presence. There’s some fakery but it’s not enough to ruin the overall image.

As premium as the outside looks, the inside is even better. Leatherette trim is fitted across a lot of the cabin as standard, you can also get aluminium or wood trim pieces to add further plushness. That is teamed with the quilted leather on the comfort seats on higher trims, making the GV80 supremely nice to be in.

The infotainment setup isn’t quite up to the same standard, as the control dial and overall layout feels like a poor imitation of the BMW iDrive system. It’s easy enough to use and you can connect your phone with a wire for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but it's not quite as approachable or easy as other systems. The digital display also can look a bit low-end compared to BMW’s or Audi’s systems.

In the middle row of the seven-seat version, you get a good amount of head and legroom, while models with the comfort pack allow for electronic seat adjustment to get the perfect position. For those in the rearmost seats you won’t have a lot of space for longer journeys, but for kids and adults on short trips, these are also just about good enough, but not the best around. 

Boot space is also good, with 735 litres on offer, which is better than the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE – 650 litres and 630 litres – but lags behind the Audi Q7 – 865 litres. The 727-litre area of the six- and seven-seat models is pretty good still, but that’s only available with the rearmost seats down. If you have them in place, there’s not a lot of room to work with.

You get the choice of two engines, a four-cylinder petrol and a six-cylinder diesel – both paired to an eight-speed automatic. The petrol can get from 0-60mph in 7.7 seconds, but under hard acceleration it can be very gruff and takes a bit away from the otherwise refined experience. 

The overall driving experience can also take away some of the luxury feel. The advanced suspension system – with a camera scanning the road ahead – is actually quite firm despite the clever tech, and some bumps and ruts can feel a bit sharper than you might expect around town. 

On the motorway and open roads the GV80 can wallow around a little with undulations, and there’s a bit of road noise. That being said, it’s still comfortable and the safety systems on offer means you can have adaptive cruise control to take the strain out of longer journeys. 

On a twistier road, the high-sided SUV can roll and lollop in bends and it feels like the steering has no connection to the wheels at all. That being said, it’s direct enough and it doesn’t feel too cumbersome despite being a big SUV. 

It may not have the badge appeal of the alternative Audi, BMW and Mercedes options, but the Genesis GV80 manages to be more luxurious inside and equally stylish, with the driving side the only real let down. It’s also got plenty of storage space and has plenty of kit to make it worth your while. 

If you want to check out the latest deals on the GV80 or any other Genesis, you can do that through carwow. But if you’re in the market for a used car instead, you can check carwow out too, where you’ll be able to check out a range of pre-owned cars that could be right for you.