2021 Genesis GV80 Pros and Cons Review: A Seriously Impressive Luxury SUV – Motor Trend

Once we picked the Genesis G70 as our 2019 Automobile of the 12 months, we turned lots of heads from Sindelfingen to Nagoya. “Is it actually that good?” had been the primary whispers, adopted by “What are you aware in regards to the SUV?”

Properly, we now know lots. The Genesis GV80 involves the U.S. in two gas-burning configurations: a 300-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 375-hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6. The GV80 2.5T is obtainable in rear- and all-wheel drive (AWD) and begins just below $50,000. The upper-performance 3.5T mannequin instructions $10,000 extra and comes solely with AWD. Each engines spin the wheels by way of an eight-speed computerized transmission electronically shifted by a stunning jewellike rotary dial mounted on the middle console. Related bejeweled touchpoints might be discovered all through the GV80’s beautiful inside.

“Simply have a look at that diamond-shaped sample on the highest of the map lights and on the door speaker grilles,” Purchaser’s Information director Zach Gale mentioned. “One other element, from earlier Genesis sedans, are the silver beveled edges all over the place across the cupholders, window switches, and quantity and tuning knobs.”

The love Genesis designers imbued on the GV80 drew appreciative murmurs from our judges.

“This exhibits Genesis is severe about being a luxurious automaker,” senior options editor Jonny Lieberman mentioned. “I am loving the large oval steering wheel. It jogs my memory of a Citroën SM.”

Options editor Christian Seabaugh famous the inside makes an amazing first impression. “Quilted tan leather-based with blue piping, blue and tan leather-based door playing cards, and actual wooden trim—you may inform Genesis actually sweated the small stuff with the GV80,” he mentioned. “I do know options just like the sensible posture seat, which takes your peak and inseam measurements to dial within the seating place, really feel gimmicky, however luxurious is in regards to the little issues in life that make you are feeling good, and man does that make me blissful.”

MotorTrend en Español‘s Miguel Cortina was additionally a fan of the GV80’s inside styling: “The cabin is stylish and premium. It is also not attempting to repeat anybody; it has its personal identification, from the HVAC controls to the trendy colour mixtures. The whole lot appears elegant.”

Originality, creativity, and playfulness had been on show all over the place you look, from the sweep of the needles on the “3-D” digital gauges to the Sounds of Nature audio settings on the 14.5-inch infotainment display. Not each bell and whistle was pitch excellent—judges took subject with the quirky touchpad/scroll wheel controller, the sometimes wonky lane preserve help, and different unintuitive electronics. Besides, no side of the GV80 felt unconsidered.

“The second-row seats are simply as good as these up entrance,” editor-in-chief Mark Rechtin mentioned. “The diamond-pattern crosshatching is greater than a sample; it is precise indentations. And the rear seats fold totally flat, creating an enormous cargo space. That is an immensely sensible automobile.”

The GV80’s sensible packaging, considerate design, and fanatical consideration to element blew us away within the car parking zone. The Lexicon stereo is obvious and pure throughout all sorts of music. On the highway, our judges favored the “scrumptious snarl” of the three.5T, regardless of its jolting stop-start system, over the underpowered and overworked 2.5T. The GV80 actually impressed us, however there was one enormous miss: the trip.

“On a mainstream subcompact, it’d simply be thought-about unhealthy,” Seabaugh mentioned. “On a $72,000 luxurious SUV, it is atrocious.”

Options editor Scott Evans recognized the principle subject: “Even in Consolation mode, it rides like different vehicles’ Sport mode. You might be sporty and nonetheless trip nicely—and it does deal with very nicely. However I really feel every part within the highway. This does not really feel like a luxurious automobile trip.”

Even so, one factor’s clear: the younger model’s first try is stronger than these from many luxurious veterans. Resume whispering.

Present All