2025 Genesis GV80: Details That Make a Difference

Genesis sales in Canada increased 15 percent last year and are up 17 percent through the first quarter of this year. Here and in the U.S., the GV80 accounts for roughly a third of the luxury brand’s volume.

For 2025, this key model gets a mid-cycle update that includes a number of cosmetic revisions as well as new technologies and safety features. Engineers have also made the chassis stiffer.

• Also: 2025 Genesis GV80 and GV80 Coupe Land in North America
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The Car Guide flew to Fort Worth, Texas earlier this spring for an opportunity to test drive the 2025 Genesis GV80 in top-line, US-spec trim which, unlike ours, features two rows of seats instead of three.

Sportier Looks

Styling hasn’t changed that much from the outgoing 2024 model. The refreshed GV80 still looks classy and sporty, but at the same time it proudly displays a newly designed front grille and headlights, a Guilloché-patterned emblem and a wide skid plate on the front bumper. New 20- and 22-inch wheels are available. In the rear, the tailpipes are now hidden and the lower bumper gets a body-coloured line. 

The biggest change inside the GV80 is a 27-inch-wide OLED display integrating the instrument cluster and infotainment system. While it makes for a gorgeous interface, the numerous menus and apps are a lot to deal with. We like the sportier-looking, three-spoke steering wheel and the redesigned wireless charging tray that enables easier access and provides improved visibility of the phone while it's charging.

As for colour selection, the 2025 GV80 offers nine different options for the exterior (including new glossy and matte Storr Green) and 10 for the interior. Newspaper Wood is a new trim option that uses a mix of, well, newspaper and wood. Overall, fit and finish is impeccable.

Time to Relax

On the road, the GV80 continues to shine with outstanding ride quality. The electronically controlled dampers adjust to road imperfections in real time, resulting in a smooth and stable driving experience. Given its weight and soft suspension, it’s no surprise that this midsize SUV suffers from a significant amount of understeer and body roll in corners.

The revised front seats are heated and cooled, but only the driver benefits from a massage function. The second row is electrically adjustable. No matter where you sit, comfort is what the GV80 is about. Oh, and it’ll make sure to please your senses, too.

Similar to the G90 full-size sedan, the GV80 is available with what Genesis calls a Mood Curator, adapting the cabin to suit the driver’s mood and preferences. For example, Delight mode aims to boost your morale through uplifting jazz music, inspiring display graphics and ambient lighting, plus a fragrance system that disperses a pleasing scent throughout the interior. 

And it works. We found the atmosphere inside the GV80 to be much more enjoyable thanks to this new system. Just so you know, Mood Curator is programmed to turn off after nine minutes. Completing the package is a new 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system that replaces the previous Lexicon unit.

The twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 is a mostly discreet performer that lets out a lovely purr under acceleration. With 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque on tap, sprinting ahead of traffic is never a problem. What’s more, the transmission is so buttery smooth that gear shifts are virtually impossible to notice.

The AWD system can send up to 100 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, making the drive more pleasant. To be clear, the GV80 will never make you feel like you’re driving a sports car. What about fuel consumption? Depending on road and traffic conditions, our tester achieved 10.7-11.2 L/100 km combined.

The media event down in Texas didn’t allow us to spend some time with the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, but know this: the lighter powerplant makes for more agile handling than the V6. Plus, with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, it’s definitely no slouch, either.

How Much?

In Canada, the 2025 Genesis GV80 comes in four models. The base Advanced and Advanced Technology Package come standard with the 2.5T engine and offer seating for five. The Advanced Technology Package can also be had with the 3.5T engine. Just like the V6-only Prestige model at the top of the range, it adds a third row and accommodates two more passengers. Here are the prices including freight and PDI: 

• Advanced (2.5T): $75,000
• Advanced Technology Package (2.5T): $80,000
• Advanced Technology Package (3.5T): $85,000
• Prestige (3.5T): $95,500

By the way, if you’re interested in a sportier-looking and more powerful option, Genesis is introducing a GV80 Coupe for 2025. You can read about it by clicking on the link. Or you can wait for our first driving impressions later this year. By the way, this model starts at $104,000.

Watch: 2025 Genesis GV80 Gets Mid-Cycle Update