[Auto] 2021 Genesis GV80

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2021 Genesis GV80 Expert Review
The 2021 Genesis GV80 is a brand-new vehicle and the first crossover SUV from Hyundai's luxury brand. Most versions of the GV80 have two rows and seating for the five, though one model can be with seating for seven via a small, optional third row. This makes the GV80 a rival to luxury midsize crossovers such as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and Lincoln Aviator.

Like Genesis’ other vehicles, the GV80 brings a lot for the money. It comes loaded with a full safety suite, and higher-trim models can be had with everything from massaging seats and 21-speaker Lexicon audio to the ability for the GV80 to pull in and out of a tight parking spot while the driver stands outside the vehicle.

The Genesis GV80 offers the choice of a 300-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or a 375-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. This new luxury SUV promises road manners on the athletic end of the spectrum, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive setup that's standard in 4-cylinder models. All-wheel drive is standard with the V6, optional on the 4-cylinder.

The new Genesis GV80 appeals to those seeking a competent and capable crossover SUV that is both luxurious and sensible. Its sub- $ 49,000 starting price is lower than most rivals, and its 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty is the best in the business. If you regularly need to carry more than five passengers, however, you’ll want to look to an SUV that offers a larger third row.

Driving the 2021 Genesis GV80
Unlike many crossover SUVs that are based on a front-wheel-drive architecture, the GV80 is rear-wheel drive by nature. This means it has the driving characteristics more associated with a sports sedan. This is also the setup used by German luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, which puts the GV80 in good company.

As with the Mercedes, the GV80's base engine is a turbocharged 4-cylinder, but the one in the Genesis is more powerful. Outputting 300 horsepower, even a base 2021 Genesis GV80 promises eager acceleration.

Those seeking even more gratifying oomph should look to the optional twin-turbo V6 in the 3.5T models. This stellar engine puts out 375 horsepower to make the GV80 downright quick. All models use an 8-speed automatic transmission, which we generally prefer over many of the 9-speed and 10-speed setups used in competitors.

The Genesis GV80's manners can be tailored to your preferences via a drive-mode selector. The vehicle can be optimized for comfort, sporty handling, efficiency, or a customized setup that lets you tweak individual parameters to your personal preference.

Kudos also go to the Genesis GV80's semi-autonomous abilities. We’ve found the latest Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system by Hyundai / Genesis to be among the best of its kind. When using the standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, this system greatly reduces stress in long, tedious commutes on freeways and highways.