The Genesis GV80, launched in 2020, was the first SUV from Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand. A mid-size luxury SUV with rear-wheel-drive-based architecture, striking “Two Lines” design and an upscale cabin, it made Genesis a genuine contender against the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and Lexus RX. A two-row configuration is standard, with an optional small third row, and a sleeker GV80 Coupe was added in 2024.

At a glance
Launched 2020
Built Ulsan, South Korea
Engines 2.5L turbo four; 3.5L twin-turbo V6
Seats Five, or six/seven with optional third row
Variants GV80, GV80 Coupe

Why it mattered

SUVs are the core of the luxury market in the U.S., and Genesis needed one. The GV80 arrived with a bold design, a crest grille and quad lamps, and an interior that critics compared favorably with far more expensive German SUVs.

Inside

  • Crystal-like rotary controls and a wide infotainment display.
  • Heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with posture-adjusting “Ergo Motion”.
  • Active road-noise cancellation.
  • Tri-zone climate and a quiet, well-insulated cabin.

Family use

The optional third row is best for children or short trips. For larger families or groups with luggage, a full-size SUV is more practical — see choosing the right vehicle for your group.

Genesis’ SUV family

The GV80 was followed by the smaller GV70, the electric GV60 and Electrified GV70, and a larger model is expected in the brand’s future. Genesis also debuted the GV80 Coupe, with a more sloping roofline.

GV80 in context

The GV80 shows how quickly a new luxury brand can gain credibility with design and value — the same story Lexus wrote in 1989. Read the Lexus LS 400 story and the Genesis G90.