4K 2023 Genesis GV80 Luxury SUV Interior and Exterior

In what seems like record time but actually isn't, the Genesis brand has climbed to the top of luxury-SUV wish lists with the richly-outfitted 2023 GV80. How do we know? Because instead of people stopping to ask if it's a Hyundai, they're instead asking if it's a Bentley. We can forgive the confusion given the GV80's stately appearance, designer interior, and luxe cabin finishes. A punchy 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder serves as the entry-level engine while a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 amps up performance on higher-end models. All GV80s come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Genesis's formula of mixing high-end materials with attractive interior design and contemporary tech features isn't unique, as established players such as the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class, and the Volvo XC90 have done so for years. Genesis's breakthrough with the GV80 stems from delivering a level of luxury that looks and feels like it should cost thousands more than it does—while actually costing the same or less than the most popular SUVs in its class.

Genesis has made all-wheel drive standard on all GV80 models for 2023, and the base price of the brand's flagship SUV has increased substantially over the 2022 model to reflect that change. The 2.5T Advanced trim—based around the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder—now comes with a panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats. Capri Blue has replaced Adriatic Blue on the color palette. The special four-seat Prestige Signature trim has been eliminated this year but the Prestige Matte trim lives on, now with Makalu Gray exterior paint rather than Melbourne Gray. All models benefit from a new oil life monitoring system, and the design of the GV80's center-console mounted infotainment knob and its second-row cup holders have also been tweaked.

Since all GV80s come with a plethora of features that include a 14.5-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and a power liftgate, even the entry-level models are suitably luxurious. Still, we crave the extra power provided by the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that costs about $7,000 more than the standard four-cylinder. Likewise, we'd opt for the Prestige trim that has 22-inch wheels, a large digital gauge cluster, nappa leather upholstery, and adjustable rear seats with heated and cooled cushions.

This mid-size luxury crossover has the same underpinnings as the G80 sedan and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The engine choices start with a 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and escalate to a 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, the latter of which delivered a brisk 5.3-second 60-mph time at our test track. With the turbo four, the GV80 delivered a slower 6.1-second 60-mph time, but many drivers won't miss the extra power. After driving both versions of the GV80, we can say that the new SUV feels athletic in corners and delivers a quiet ride, but buyers seeking more thrills could consider a Porsche Cayenne or an Audi SQ8.

The EPA estimates that GV80 models with the four-cylinder engine should deliver 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway; going with the V-6 reduces those to 18 mpg and 23 mpg respectively. We haven’t had the chance to put the V-6 version through our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, but the GV80 with the turbocharged four-cylinder delivered exactly on its promise of 25 mpg highway. For more information about the GV80's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

The GV80's interior is nicely finished with burled-wood trim, metal accents, and integrated ambient lighting; a large slim-shaped infotainment display keep things upscale but uncluttered. Despite the fancy materials, the interior design provides a sense of minimalism that feels truly elegant in person. The front seats are comfortable, supportive, and available with a massage function that feels legitimately relaxing. A standard three-across bench seat in the second row allows for up to five passengers; a third row of seats is an optional feature but space back there is limited and should be considered a place solely for kids. We fit 13 carry-on suitcases behind the second row and the GV80 swallowed a total of 28 with the second row folded flat.

A slim, 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen stretches across the middle of the GV80's tailored dashboard. The fact that the screen is touch-sensitive is most likely to provide the front-seat passenger an opportunity to change the radio station or manipulate the navigation system, because the screen itself is quite a reach from the driver's seated position. Luckily, a click-wheel controller is mounted on the center console so the driver can interact with the system, and it works quite well.

source：https://www.caranddriver.com/genesis/...