2024 Genesis G80 Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
What was once known as the Hyundai Genesis has evolved into the Genesis G80. The vehicle played an instrumental role in establishing Genesis as a standalone luxury brand, contending with recognized names in the luxury midsize sedan category such as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6. The current version of the G80 was introduced for 2021, and it's now offered with a choice of gasoline engines or an all-electric powertrain.
What's New
- AWD becomes standard on all versions
- Mid-range Sport Advanced trim level introduced for 3.5T V-6 engine
- Wi-Fi hot spot functionality now standard
- Advanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Highway Driving Assist 2 now standard
- Power door closure feature removed across all 3.5T variants
- Bond Silver Matte exterior color now available
- Valencia Gold, Verbier Matte White, and Siberian Ice exterior colors no longer available
What We Think
Stylish, well appointed, and decently powerful, the Genesis G80 offers a lot to like. If only its rivals in the luxury midsize sedan segment didn't overshadow this budding automaker's efforts.
The G80 certainly looks the part, with a suave and understated body flowing from behind its assertively large grille. Inside it's even more appealing, as the cabin is bestowed with impressive tech features and beautiful trim details, all finished to a high standard of quality. There's a good amount of space, too.
As its strong value proposition is factored in, the G80 would appear to give the European establishment a run for its money. But the driving experience shows where those rivals justify their higher costs. Although the G80 is comfortable and quick enough, its chassis and powertrain refinement simply isn't as great as top competitors.
In a few short years, Genesis has proven itself as a viable, desirable luxury car manufacturer, but other vehicles in its lineup have done more to advance that status than the G80 has.
Performance and MPGs
As standard, the G80 is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 engine that produces 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to AWD, which is newly standard for 2024; RWD is no longer available. In MotorTrend testing, a G80 with the I-4 engine and AWD accelerated from a stop to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 22/30 mpg city/highway.
For more power and performance, Genesis offers the G80 Sport with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine. It makes 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, delivered through an eight-speed automatic to AWD. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes as little as 5.0 seconds, but fuel economy also drops, to 17/25 mpg.
What Is the Range of the Electric Genesis G80?
Genesis is going all-in on EVs, with the GV60 crossover the first of many dedicated electric vehicles to come from the automaker. But Genesis' first EV was based on the G80. The so-called Electrified G80 packs a dual-motor AWD powertrain, making it the quickest model in the G80 range. Range is rated at a solid 282 miles, but the car may not still be a fit for everyone—literally and figuratively. Read all the details on the Genesis G80 EV here.
Is the G80 Sport Actually Sporty?
To get the G80 with the V-6 engine, you have to choose the Sport specification, which brings along cosmetic updates including 19-inch wheels and aluminum interior trim. However, it's also equipped with electronic adaptive suspension, and the available Sport Prestige package adds rear-wheel steering for greater agility. Despite its name and impressive acceleration, the G80 Sport still feels tuned more for . That said, it's still quite a nice driver.
Safety Ratings and Features
Expect the 2024 G80 to earn impressive safety scores like it did in 2023. Last year, it achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA five-star overall status, each the highest possible result.
Like all Genesis models, the G80 is generously equipped with driver assist and active safety features. Among these are adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, rear and side cross-traffic alert, and front and rear automatic emergency braking. Camera-based blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera are added on higher-end trims.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Passenger and cargo space in the G80 is good, and comparable to many of its segment competitors. However, these measurements pertain to the gas-powered versions—the G80 EV loses cabin and trunk capacity due to its electric powertrain components.
Technology
Every 2024 G80 comes equipped with an impressive 14.5-inch infotainment display, controlled from a touchscreen or via a knob on the center console. Built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all included. As an upgrade from the 8.0-inch digital gauge display, a 3D-effect 12.3-inch unit is available; range-topping models gain a head-up display. A wireless charging pad can be optioned to supplement the standard USB charge ports. Above the standard audio system, speakers engineered by Lexicon are offered. Phone-as-key functionality is a useful available feature. Wi-Fi hot spot functionality is a new standard feature for 2024.
Recommended Trim
Given that the 2.5T I-4 engine feels quite coarse and unrefined for luxury car duty, it's best to option the G80 with its available 3.5T V-6 engine. At that point there's little reason to spend for more than this variant's standard Sport trim level, which includes niceties like heated and ventilated front seats, a Lexicon premium audio system, leather upholstery, and a slew of tech and driver assist features. Starting at just over $65,000, the 2024 G80 Sport is about $3,000 less expensive than the next-step-up Sport Advanced trim level.
