Compared: 2023 Genesis GV70 vs. 2023 Genesis GV80

Putting two luxury SUVs head to head over power, design, and cost.

Benjamin Hunting | 

Apr 23, 2024 | 3 min read

Genesis | GV70 (top)

As a startup challenger, Genesis must go hard against more established luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus in the SUV segment to attract potential customers and their dollars.

Fortunately, its pair of lead-off people movers, the Genesis GV70 and the Genesis GV80, each provide compelling reasons to switch to Korean-made comfort thanks to their robust engine options, outstanding cabins, and near-bargain pricing.

Genesis | GV70

The Larger GV80 Commands a Higher Price

The GV70 is the more affordable of this pair of Genesis SUVs, which makes sense given its smaller size and its entry-level position in the automaker's lineup. The base model GV70, which features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, checks in at around $44,000.

Genesis calls its trim levels packages. The most expensive GV70 is the Sport Prestige paired with its larger, turbocharged V6, which retails for just under $66,000.

Genesis | GV80

The midsize Genesis GV80 delivers the same base drivetrain as the GV70, but its starting price is about $10,000 higher at around $57,000. The top-of-the-line Advanced+ edition of the SUV, powered by a V6, will set you back more than $76,000.

Genesis | GV70

There's a Healthy Amount of Cargo Space in Both SUVs

The GV70's cabin is less austere than those found in similarly priced German luxury crossovers, with a generous helping of colorful leather available to buyers seeking to break with monochrome interiors. Switchgear presents logically, except for the infotainment and transmission gear selector dials being evenly sized and placed side by side.

In terms of cargo space, you're looking at a little less than 29 cubic-feet behind the rear seats, or 57 cu-ft in total, which is solidly mid-pack for compacts.

Genesis | GV80

The GV80's interior turns up the heat substantially when it comes to materials and design, with quilted seats and even more extensive use of leather throughout the vehicle. It's a cut above most of its midsize rivals, with the only misstep being an unusual inverted dome infotainment controller that can be awkward to use.

Seating in the GV80 feels generous, with an improvement in legroom over the GV70 for those seated behind the driver. Cargo space jumps to a healthy 84 cu-ft. The GV80 3.5T V6 AWD Advanced+ package comes with a third row of seating, which isn't available on any other GV80 or GV70 package.

Genesis | GV70

Opting for the More Powerful V6 Reduces Miles per Gallon

Both the GV70 and the GV80 come with an entry-level turbo four-cylinder engine that's good for 300 horsepower. Matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 22/28/24 mpg city/highway/combined in the smaller of the two SUVs and 20/24/22 mpg in the larger GV80.

Genesis | GV80

Stepping up to the mightier V6 makes 375 horsepower but drops fuel economy to 19/24/21 mpg for the GV70 and 18/23/20 mpg for the GV80. Genesis includes an eight-speed transmission with the V6.

Benjamin Hunting

Benjamin Hunting is a writer and podcast host who contributes to a number of newspapers, automotive magazines, and online publications. More than a decade into his career, he enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days and always has one too many classic vehicle projects partially disassembled in his garage at any given time. Remember, if it's not leaking, it's probably empty.