High-quality midsize sedan sailing through these times practically anonymous
Roseville, Calif.- Genesis makes a high-quality midsize sedan that is sailing through these times practically anonymous.
And to take it a step further, the Genesis brand gets mostly ignored as well. People still ask the question: Hyundai has a luxury brand? Yes, it does. Around since 2017, Genesis is producing some fine sedans and SUVs that are not selling well.
A test drive of the 2025 Genesis G80 was nothing unexpected, since we’ve sampled it before. It has style, lots of comfort, good performance, strong technology, and a sticker price that’s reasonable for a luxury sedan, starting at approximately $57,100. Despite all the positives, the G80’s combined sales figures for 2022 and 2023 are a mere 9,465.
Value
Value continues to be a reliable trait for the Genesis G80. The starting price has been increasing, yet remains less than its German and Japanese counterparts. Genesis is a dark horse in the U.S. luxury market that is starting to gain ground among younger car buyers. Overall sales for Genesis reached 68,798 in 2023, roughly seven times more vehicles sold than in 2018.
In the Genesis lineup, the G80 resides between a smaller sedan (G70) and the larger G90. The G80 is far more affordable than the G90 and more luxurious than the G70. When all is considered, we feel the G80 offers the best bang for the buck.
The G80 has two engine choices and both come with standard all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission. More performance-minded individuals will pick the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter, V6 that generates 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0-60 mpg in 5.0 seconds and gets 16-24 mpg.
The standard engine is a turbo 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It’s quick as well, traveling 0-60 mpg in 5.7 seconds, and is more fuel efficient than the V6 at 20-29 mpg.
AT A GLANCE – 2025 GENESIS G80
- Performance: turbocharged 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 300 horsepower; twin-turbo 3.5-liter, V6, 375 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 20-29 mpg; 16-24 mpg
- Price estimate: $57,100 to $77,000
- Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; Drivetrain: 10 years/100,000 miles; Roadside assistance: 5 years/unlimited; Corrosion: 7 years/unlimited
While the G80 might not be as sporty as its German and Japanese counterparts, the ride is still commendable. The Genesis takes corners well and delivers the kind of handling that gives a driver lots of confidence.
Safety & redesigned interior
The G80 has a generous list of standard safety features, including driver attention warning, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot intervention, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system, evasive steering assist, and rear passenger safe-exit system.
New this year is a redesigned interior that has a massive 27-inch infotainment screen that includes the instrument panel. It’s attractive and covers two-thirds of the dashboard. Also new are wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
We like that the dashboard also has physical buttons for controls. The downside is the touchpad/wheel infotainment controller comes with a learning curve.
The interior has an upscale look that combines leather, faux leather, wood and aluminum. The seating is comfy for both front-seat passengers and two in the back will also experience good leg and head room. Trunk space is modest at 13.1 cubic feet that includes a wide and long opening.
Part of the second generation, the 2025 Genesis G80 is a visually appealing luxury sedan that delivers in many areas. It remains to be seen if this leads to a much-needed increase in sales.
