2025 Genesis GV80 Review and Test Drive
This flagship SUV has received significant updates, including the addition of the all-new GV80 Coupe.
Perry Stern
One of the newest luxury brands in the United States, Genesis has established itself as a maker of proper high-end vehicles. Excellent examples are the refreshed 2025 version of its flagship SUV and that vehicle's stylish new sibling, the GV80 Coupe.
In a recent review of the 2024 GV80, the SUV impressed. With updates Genesis has made for the 2025 model year, the GV80 is even more desirable.
How does the expanded GV80 family compare with rivals such as the Audi Q7 and Q8, BMW X5 and X6, and Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLE Coupe? Genesis invited me to Minneapolis to spend time with the 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe and see for myself.
It didn't take long to conclude that the updated GV80 and the new Coupe can line up tire to tire with their European competitors. The 2025 GV80 Coupe is wonderful to drive, with an elegant cabin, intuitive technology, excellent performance, and a stylish look.
I'm not typically a fan of the SUV coupe style, but I like the look of the new GV80 Coupe even more than the standard model.
Perry Stern
The 2025 Genesis GV80 SUV costs from about $60,000 to more than $80,000. The new GV80 Coupe builds on the top-level version of the SUV and starts in the low $80,000s. Those prices include the destination charge to ship it from the Ulsan, South Korea, factory to your local dealership.
My GV80 Coupe test vehicle featured Genesis's most powerful engine — a 3.5-liter V6 that's both turbocharged and supercharged. The only options were a new Bering Blue exterior color, one of two hues exclusive to the GV80 Coupe, and a near-field communications key card. The manufacturer's suggested retail price was $87,780, including the $1,350 destination charge.
Perry Stern
What's New for the 2025 Genesis GV80?
Genesis added the GV80 to its lineup in 2021, and the changes for 2025 represent the most significant update since its introduction. The lineup is expanding to include the sportier-looking GV80 Coupe, but the GV80 SUV also gets a new look inside and out.
Exterior changes are evolutionary for the standard SUV. The GV80 is still easily recognizable as a Genesis, featuring an updated version of the brand's signature Crest Grille with a double-layer mesh and smoother corners for a more premium look.
The GV80 still stands out among upscale SUVs with its unique two-line headlights that flank the new grille. It also gets larger air intakes and a refreshed front bumper, which gives the Genesis a bolder appearance.
The 2025 GV80 Coupe shares many of the new styling elements but has a unique grille pattern and larger intakes. Of course, the most noticeable difference is the GV80 Coupe's faster roofline, which flows smoothly into the integrated spoiler below the rear window, with hidden roof rails contributing to clean lines. Available 22-inch wheels exclusive to the Coupe and the visible quad exhaust outlets complete the sporty look.
Perry Stern
Sliding inside either version of the 2025 GV80 reveals the all-new 27.0-inch OLED display that houses the digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system in one seamless screen. While there is no visible divider between the two displays, Genesis has smartly kept the small portion of the display blocked by the steering wheel free of data.
Other interior updates include a new three-spoke steering wheel, a revised center console, and updated climate controls that are well laid out and easy to use. Physical knobs for volume and tuning, as well as soft-touch buttons with shortcuts to navigation and audio functions, are within easy reach of the driver.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard on all GV80 variants. However, it is disappointing that Genesis still requires a wired connection for this phone integration. The inconvenience should disappear, as an over-the-air update to add wireless capability is coming before the end of 2024.
Perry Stern
More Power With Turbocharging and Supercharging
The 2025 Genesis GV80 SUV has the same engines as the previous year: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder good for 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 375 horses.
The new 2025 GV80 Coupe comes standard with the twin-turbo V6 and is also available with a version of that engine featuring a 48-volt electric supercharger, the E-Supercharger. That bumps output to 409 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque.
All GV80 engines pair with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, and an all-wheel-drive system is standard on every model.
Getting into my GV80 Coupe test vehicle, I quickly settled into the plush, comfortable driver's seat. I headed out of downtown Minneapolis toward the beautiful countryside north of town and was immediately struck by how quiet and smooth the GV80 rides.
Perry Stern
When entering the freeway, the new, more powerful engine delivered impressive acceleration, and cruising at speed proved effortless for the big SUV. While Genesis does not offer a hands-free driver-assistance system, the adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist worked well, adding to the calm highway demeanor.
Further enhancing the drive was the outstanding sound from the standard 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
After leaving the freeway and heading onto winding back roads, I selected the Sport+ driving mode exclusive to the supercharged engine. Sport+ sets the GV80 Coupe up for more enthusiastic driving by changing the shifting pattern, adjusting suspension tuning, allowing more slip from the stability control, and altering the digital gauge cluster to a high-performance display. This mode also pumps up the driver's seat bolsters for better support when cornering.
The change in the GV80's attitude was immediately noticeable. The engine revs stayed higher, and the transmission downshifted aggressively as the vehicle slowed to keep the drivetrain at its top performance level. While I wouldn't call the GV80 Coupe an impressive performer, the steering feedback is good, and with the tuned suspension, it handles reasonably well.
Accompanying the sportier driving was a lovely engine note that sounded especially good with transmission downshifts. However, the sound is artificial and comes from the audio speakers, not the exhaust system.
A setting in the infotainment system allows the driver to choose how loud and aggressive the sound is, but it's only heard within the cabin. I turned off the sound generator and found that while there was still a pleasant exhaust note, the artificial sound was better.
Perry Stern
Genesis GV80 SUV or GV80 Coupe
While the underpinnings of the GV80 Coupe and SUV are the same, there are some distinctions aside from the noticeable exterior differences and the exclusive availability of the E-Supercharger engine option in the Coupe. For example, the Coupe gets different wheel options — including the stylish 22-inch Dark Gray Matte wheels on my test vehicle — and visible exhaust outlets. In addition, it is available in Mauna Red and Bering Blue, two colors exclusive to the Coupe.
Bespoke interiors include Smoky Green/Vanilla Beige, Obsidian Black/Sevilla Red, and Ultramarine Blue with Orange stitching. All GV80 Coupes feature premium leather, and with the supercharged engine, they also get carbon-fiber interior trim. The GV80 Coupe also has a unique flat-bottom steering wheel design and metal-trimmed pedals.
I fully expected the GV80 Coupe would sacrifice rear-seat headroom and cargo space with its sloping roofline. While both figures are less than those of the standard GV80 SUV, the reductions are minimal. Rear-seat headroom is 0.8 inches less in the Coupe, while the cargo space of 30.3 cubic-feet is about 6 cu-ft less than that of the SUV. However, you'll need the GV80 SUV for a third row and seven-passenger seating.
Perry Stern
2025 Genesis GV80 and the Competition
Genesis has come a long way in a short time, and the 2025 GV80 SUV and GV80 Coupe are perfect examples of why this Korean luxury brand has earned the respect and consideration of consumers.
With a stylish design, an elegant high-tech cabin, and spacious and comfortable seating, the GV80 checks all the right boxes. Add to that its excellent performance and serene ride, and the GV80 is easily one of the best luxury SUVs on the market, a worthy competitor to Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
With the introduction of the new GV80 Coupe and its more powerful supercharged engine, Genesis now has the Audi Q8, BMW X6, and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe firmly in its sights.
Genesis provided the vehicle for this 2025 GV80 review and paid for airfare, lodging, and meals during the evaluation period.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Perry SternI have loved cars and trucks since childhood, and that fascination with anything that drives is just as strong today. As a teenager, I knew I wanted to become an automotive journalist, and during the past three decades, I have driven, written about, and photographed all manner of automobiles ranging from affordable econocars to exotic supercars. With the idea that there is a perfect car, truck, or SUV for everyone, my goal is to help consumers determine the right one for their wants and needs.
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