The Genesis GV80 is the largest SUV in the Korean automaker's lineup, facing stiff competition from European rivals like the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, and Volvo XC90. Despite being one of the industry's best-kept secrets, this exceptional vehicle deserves renewed attention, especially with the introduction of a more dynamic variant: the Genesis GV80 Coupe. Our friend, Connie Peters, has already shared her thoughts on the GV80; we felt it was time to share ours! Let's jump into it. The Genesis GV80 Prestige has an MSRP of $96,118, and the Genesis GV80 Coupe has an MSRP of $104,636, and both are built at the Ulsan, KOR plant.
From a design perspective, the Genesis GV80 has maintained a commanding presence since its debut in 2020. The updates are subtle, with a redesigned lower bumper and headlights showcasing rows of small LED cubes, while the signature shield grille remains as bold as ever. The side profile retains chrome accents near the wheel arches and doors, and the Prestige trim introduces a fresh design for the 22-inch wheels. The rear has only received minor tweaks, with a slightly revised lower bumper. We appreciate that Genesis avoided significant overhauls, as the original design perfectly balanced boldness and luxury. The GV80 Coupe borrows heavily from the GV80's design but adds unique elements, such as reduced chrome upfront, exclusive 22-inch wheels, and a distinct rear end featuring a small spoiler and a bespoke bumper. The Mauna Red colour of the Coupe version brings out the vehicle's best attributes. All in all, this is a well-executed refresh for a vehicle that was already visually impressive.
Inside the Genesis GV80, the updates are immediately apparent. The steering wheel, infotainment system, and dashboard have all been enhanced. The luxurious Brown Nappa leather, paired with the cool blueish-grey tones of the dashboard, highlights the premium quality the brand aims to deliver. Every surface you touch exudes a level of sophistication that surpasses other luxury models. In the GV80 Coupe, the contrast is less stark since the interior is Obsidian black with red stitches, but the same level of sophistication is very much present. On the driver's side, the electronically adjustable steering wheel feels great in the hands, and its buttons are easy to use but feel plasticky; we wish the paddle shifters would've been in metal and a bit bigger. The large 27-inch display, which includes the digital gauge cluster and infotainment display, is impressive and very responsive; both sides of the screen work independently and flawlessly integrate into one another, as seen in our pictures. The other buttons look and feel nice; even the diamond-cut gear shifter is unique. Small details make a big difference when the vehicle's price approaches 100 grand.
The GV80 and GV80 Coupe are packed with luxurious amenities. Both models feature heated and ventilated seats in the first two rows, offering plush comfort and even massage functionality for front occupants. The GV80 showcases elegant brown Nappa quilted leather seats that exude richness, while the Coupe's black leather seats and red seat belts give it a sportier vibe. An intriguing feature on the front passenger side allows rear passengers to adjust the seat for extra legroom, even if someone is sitting in it—so be cautious of those who might take advantage of this clever functionality! In the second row, you can find plenty of amenities, including small mirrors for quick touch-ups before stepping out of the vehicle, a nice touch, an individual climate control zone, power-operated door-mounted window sun shades and many charging points. The GV80 offers additional luxuries for third-row occupants, such as a dedicated automatic climate control zone, a cup holder on each side and a comfortable and premium feeling, although the space is narrower. It is better suited for children and teenagers; getting in and out of there is a breeze (as long as a parent is in charge since the seat is a bit heavy).
Cargowise, the GV80s can handle some cargo, even the Coupe version with its sloped roof. What's great is that you can recline the second and third rows in the non-coupe version using buttons on the right-hand side. In the Coupe version, you can similarly recline the second row. As for car seat installation, you can find the ISOFIX ports marked on the second row in both vehicles and rear anchors.
Under the hood, the Genesis GV80 and GV80 Coupe have some notable differences. Starting with the similarities, both models have a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and an all-wheel drive (AWD). They also share a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. However, the Korean automaker added a 48-volt e-Supercharger to the Coupe version, giving it more power. This upgrade boosts the Coupe's output by 30 hp and 14 lb-ft of torque, though the numbers alone don't fully capture the difference. The GV80 delivers a solid and confident driving experience. The power delivery is smooth and linear, offering a luxurious feel for all passengers. It's no slouch in performance either, accelerating from 0-100 kph in about 5.7 seconds, which is more than sufficient for its target audience. This brings us to the GV80 Coupe, which doesn't feel drastically faster but does trim the 0-100 kph time by roughly half a second. Its enhanced agility, particularly in corners, stands out compared to the GV80. The Coupe feels sharper, with less body roll, and the Vehicle Stability Management system further enhances steering and handling, making it a more dynamic drive. During the launch presentation, Genesis indicated they wanted to make the GV80 Coupe stand out from the GV80: from a driving perspective, we can confidently say mission accomplished!
In short, both the Genesis GV80 and GV80 Coupe are outstanding vehicles. They deliver a high level of luxury, sophisticated exterior and interior design, and are competitively priced within their segment. Genesis' focus on enhancing the ownership experience often goes unnoticed, and the GV80 Coupe has a unique advantage. Specifically, Genesis offers the Seasonal Care Plan in Canada at no additional cost. This plan includes Michelin winter tires, black gloss wheels, five years of seasonal tire installation, and off-season storage. It also offers five years of at-home valet tire service and the Genesis Complimentary 5-Year Care Plan, which is available for the GV80 and all other Genesis models. These thoughtful details set Genesis apart, helping build strong customer loyalty in an intensely competitive market in 2025. You can read our review of the GV80 Coupe presentation here. When it comes to the tough decision of choosing between these two vehicles, it's no easy task since both are exceptional. However, the additional features and perks offered with the GV80 Coupe make it a more compelling value for your money.
Disclaimer: Genesis has lent us this vehicle as a press vehicle for one week. We have no affiliation with Genesis Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
