2022 Genesis GV80 Review: Warning Shots Fired
The Genesis GV80 is the luxury South Korean brand's first-ever luxury SUV, if you discount all the semi-luxury offerings launched under the Hyundai banner in the USA. As a car, it's magnificent, but as a brand exercise, it's even better. Instead of copying an established German car, Genesis leaned into its own heritage and developed an SUV that is quintessentially South Korean - and Genesis needs this car to do well to succeed locally. Thankfully, it has a sound strategy, attacking German rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, and Audi Q7 on multiple fronts: It's more affordable, has more features as standard, and the pricing is either on par or considerably less than its direct rivals.
Like most of the Genesis GV80's competitors, it's available with two engines under the hood. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-pot, producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Here's the kicker, however. For the price of a base four-pot German SUV, Genesis will sell you a 2022 Genesis GV80 with a twin-turbo 3.5 V6 that produces 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque and is filled to the brim with features.
2022 GV80 Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 194.7 in | 116.3 in | 67.5 in | 77.8 in | 65.9 in | 66.5 in | 5,104.0 lbs |
2022 GV80 Performance
2022 Genesis GV80 Handling and Driving Impressions
Four-pot models come standard with rear-wheel-drive, but there is an option to go all-wheel-drive. All V6 models get the AWD system as standard. There are other SUVs available in RWD or with an RWD bias, specifically for improved handling - the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Jaguar F-Pace are prime examples.
Don't be fooled by the GV80's RWD setup, however. It's simply the result of sharing a platform with a range of RWD cars. Instead of trying to engineer some sportiness into the suspension setup, Genesis opted for a comfortable, compliant setup. That does not mean the GV80 leans or wallows about town. It simply strikes a better damping balance than most high-end SUVs. Even with the advanced adaptive suspension with road-reading sensors, the GV80 errs on the side of comfort. To us, that's perfect. If you want something sporty, buy a sedan or hatch.
The sports mode is as unnecessary as a non-alcoholic beverage at a frat party. Having said that, it's relatively easy to provoke oversteer. The front end is impressively grippy; if you push the throttle deep into the carpet, the rear will step out. It feels odd, however. Almost as if you're doing something morally questionable, like stealing ketchup sachets from a diner.
If anything, the GV80 would benefit significantly from an even softer suspension setup. We need to move beyond the point where SUVs are pointlessly tuned to offer an engaging driving experience. The average owner wants a relaxing, quiet ride home. Genesis is in an excellent position to provide that, which will give it a unique selling point in an oversaturated market.
2022 GV80 Interior
2022 GV80 Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 7 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is The 2022 Genesis GV80 A Good SUV?
Our last Genesis GV80 review mentioned that we wouldn't blame people for waiting a year to see whether the brand has any teething issues to sort out. It's now a year later, and the GV80 has two issues, according to the NHTSA's website. A minor fuel leak that affected 147 units and a company-wide seat belt pre-tensioner problem. More importantly, the NHTSA received only nine official complaints from customers.
We need to put the above in perspective to show how impressive the GV80 is. Mercedes-Benz has been building luxury SUVs longer than anyone. When it launched the new GLE in 2020, it was recalled 13 times. According to the J.D. Power Ownership Survey results, the GV80 is tied in second place with the GLE and beaten only by the Porsche Cayenne. We can now confidently say that you should place the Genesis GV80 high on your list of cars to check if you're shopping around in this segment. The GV80 sets an excellent example that other luxury manufacturers might want to investigate.