The upscale Genesis brand, known for selling luxury sedans with relative affordability, has expanded its vehicle lineup with a sharp and well-equipped SUV called the GV80. It’s a beautiful vehicle that has been thoughtfully and meticulously designed with cues from Korean architecture that emphasize a balance of “function and tranquility,” with just enough simplicity to avoid overcomplication. The 2021 GV80 has a confident fascia with a dominating grill, and its low center of gravity delivers better stability and increased headroom. It was formally revealed in early 2020 and is slated for an autumn release, when it will go head to head against premium SUVs from Europe, Japan, and the U.S.
Trims and Powertrain
Genesis is building the 2021 GV80 in 2.5T and 3.5T trim levels, named according to which engine each has: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Both powerplants will get an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on the 3.5T and available on the 2.5T as an alternative to that lower trim’s standard rear-wheel drive. Let’s look at the standard features found on each of these trims.
The 2.5T
The 2.5T is separated by drivetrain into two distinct trims, the 2.5T RWD and the 2.5T AWD. Each subtrim gives the buyer a choice of sticking with the standard package of equipment or selecting one of the optional deluxe packages for more features.
The standard equipment on the 2.5T RWD is highlighted by 19-inch alloy wheels, quad-beam LED headlights, adaptive cruise control with machine learning, forward collision-avoidance assist, highway drive assist with automatic lane change, a driver attention monitor, lane keeping and following assist, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, five-passenger seating, simulated-leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power hands-free liftgate, a rearview camera system, and a class-leading 14.5-inch split-screen infotainment touchscreen with HD navigation.
The RWD 2.5T Advanced Package adds a panoramic sunroof, matte finish wood trim, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless device charger, NFC Digital Key (which allows your smartphone to act as the vehicle’s key fob), a premium 21-speaker Lexicon audio system, and rear occupant alert. The RWD 2.5T Prestige Package adds 20-inch alloy wheels, genuine leather seats, a surround-view and blind-spot view monitor, Remote Smart Park Assist (an innovative feature that will autonomously park the vehicle, even with nobody in it), rear parking collision-avoidance assist, a power driver’s seat bolster and cushion extender, an active-motion seat designed to relieve the stress of a long road trip, and heated second-row seats.
The 2.5T AWD should be a strong seller, since most SUV buyers want all-wheel drive. The standard features on this subtrim mostly reflect those in the RWD 2.5T’s Advanced Package, minus the Lexicon audio system. That upgrade is reserved for the AWD 2.5T’s Advanced Package, which delivers the items from the RWD 2.5T’s Prestige Package except for the power driver’s seat bolster and cushion extender, active motion seat, and heated second-row seats. Those luxuries are provided in the AWD 2.5T’s Prestige Package, along with 22-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, an electronically controlled suspension, a head-up display, and active road noise cancellation.
3.5T Trims
The standard equipment on the 3.5T includes everything from the base 2.5T AWD, plus 20-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires and an electronically controlled suspension. The 3.5T Advanced Package issues a surround-view and blind-spot monitor, Remote Smart Park Assist, rear parking collision-avoidance assist, a premium 21-speaker Lexicon audio system, a head-up display, leather seats, a power driver’s seat bolster and cushion extender, an active motion seat, and heated second-row seats. The 3.5T Advanced+ Package provides a 50/50 split power-folding third-row seat, while the 3.5T Prestige Package dispenses 22-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, an electronic limited-slip differential, active road noise cancellation, Nappa leather seating surfaces, a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, power rear side-window sunshades, ventilated second-row seats, soft-close doors, and second-row vanity mirrors.
Other Benefits of GV80 Ownership
As with all Genesis vehicles, some valuable benefits will be included with each GV80. Each buyer or lessee will get three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, three years of Connected Services (for remote functions, safety services, and destination guidance), SiriusXM All Access, 24/7 roadside assistance, and Genesis Service Valet, which provides free remote diagnostic checks along with complimentary courtesy car delivery and return. These perks are in addition to the generous warranty coverage provided by Genesis, which is highlighted by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.