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In an era where luxury SUVs often confuse size with quality, the Genesis GV80 cuts a more disciplined silhouette. It’s stately without being overbearing, tech-forward without resorting to gimmickry, and of Korean origin but increasingly global in its intent.
For Tony Meyrele, the GV80 was a willing co-pilot for a 2,200-mile round-trip to central Texas. But even as the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine hummed along and fuel economy held steady at 24.5 mpg, the road proved to be this Genesis’s greatest adversary.
“I recently completed a 2,200-mile round trip on my new GV80 from Alabama to central Texas. I would rate the experience with the GV80 an 8 out of 10, mainly for the ride comfort with the 22-inch wheels. Some roads were in bad shape, and the GV80 transmitted all that inside. However, on semi-smooth roads, it was quiet and smooth.
Also, I still find the whole display thing somewhat confusing; I kinda wish for something simpler ( this coming from an IT guy). My 2.5 power did great during all situations on the highway or back roads, and all were using regular gas.
Overall, I got 24.5 mpg combined city (Austin and surrounding areas) and highways, which is not bad because I was not holding back.
Today, I finally got her cleaned up, and before that, I installed a trailer hitch myself.
It was simple enough, especially in 2025. Some may not like the look of it showing out the back, but that doesn’t bother me. The cost was less than $400, including the wiring harness, all from Trailerjack. Happy GV80ing.
(Official Genesis GV80 SUV Group, Facebook, 2025)”
In smooth-paved sections, the adaptive dampers hushed road chatter to a near whisper, cocooning occupants from the tumble of cotton fields and pine groves. On these stretches, the GV80 demonstrated its luxury bona fides with the luxury of a European grand tourer.
Genesis Brand Milestones & EV Roadmap: From 2015 Launch to 1 Million Sales and 2025‑Onward Electrification
- Launched in 2015 as Hyundai’s dedicated luxury marque, the first model, G90, debuted in 2017, followed by expansion into key markets like the U.S. (2017) and Europe (2021)
- Surpassed 1 million vehicles in cumulative sales by August 2023 and added racing and hypercar programs by late 2024
- Positioned increasingly as a credible luxury alternative: offering feature-rich models and cutting-edge design, challenging long-standing European brands
- Transitioning toward electrification: pledged only EV/fuel-cell launches from 2025 onward, targeting carbon neutrality by 2035
But America’s rural arteries can be unforgiving, and the leviathan 22-inch wheels revealed their Achilles’ heel. “The suspension and the 22-inch low-profile tires got really tiring, especially after hours of road impact and bouncing,” Meyreles later explained, wistfully comparing it to the more forgiving ride of his previous Hyundai Palisade.
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Inside, the GV80 remained a sanctuary until Meyreles tried to navigate its multimedia labyrinth. “The screen is very busy,” he admitted, torn between steering-wheel buttons, touchscreen taps, or the Rotary Commander dial.
In today’s drive-by-software age, an overly complex interface can distract even the most seasoned IT professional, a point echoed by several members on gvforums.com who reported similar “head-scratcher” moments with Genesis’s interface (gvforums.com, 2025).
Is The GV80 A Trustworthy Ally?
Underway, the 2.5-liter engine proved a trustworthy ally, surging confidently onto crowded freeways and galloping down two-lane blacktops. Averaging 24.5 mpg on regular gas, through city traffic around Austin and open-road cruising, Tony’s unrestrained pace underscored that a luxury SUV need not guzzle to impress. This figure situates the GV80 favorably against peers, demonstrating that efficiency and enthusiasm can indeed coexist.
2025 Genesis GV80 Specs: Engine Choices, Dimensions, AWD Performance & 6,000 lb Towing Capacity
- Base 2.5 L turbo‑4 yielding ~300 hp/311 lb‑ft, or an upgraded twin‑turbo 3.5 L V6 delivering ~380 hp/391 lb‑ft; 0–60 mph times of ~6.0 s (2.5T) and ~5.3 s (3.5T) depending on engine choice
- 116.3 in wheelbase, overall length ~194.5 in, width ~77.8 in, height ~67.5 in, curb weight ~5,030 lb
- Standard AWD, 8-speed auto, towing capacity up to 6,000 lb, ground clearance around 8.1 in
- Luxury tuned suspension, hush cabin with sound insulation, and 0–60 mph in ~5.3 s for V6, making it competitive with BMW X5 xDrive40i
The trip’s most hands-on moment came not at the pump, but in the driveway. Meyreles rolled up his sleeves to install a third-party trailer hitch from Trailerjack, keeping costs under $400 with harness and hardware included. The straightforward process showcased the GV80’s thoughtful underbody design and hinted at the versatility Genesis intended for real-world owners who demand both elegance and utility.
Back on social media, the Official Genesis GV80 SUV Group buzzed with analysis. Greg Tiller prepared his own 2,000-mile trial on 20-inch wheels, while veteran road-warrior Felipe Rodriguez recounted a 7,000-mile Rockies loop in a 2022 Prestige on 22s, complete with a cracked windshield but otherwise unwavering performance.
Meyreles’s eight-out-of-ten verdict may strike some as conservative, yet it resonates with authenticity born of real-world miles and perspectives shared in a digital town square. The GV80 emerged as a capable long-distance cruiser, quiet, efficient, and handsome, yet not immune to the rough edges imparted by oversized wheels.
Image Sources: Genesis Media Center
Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.
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Source: torquenews.com
