I've said it before---the hardest thing in the car business is to update something that worked. Everything you do runs the risk of ruining a good thing.
Very few people, myself included, saw anything wrong with the previous Genesis GV80. But stand still and you risk falling behind. So Genesis applied the updates to the 2025 model with an eyedropper.
The grille has a different texture and smoother corners. There are larger air intakes, a wide skid plate design on the front bumper, sleeker chrome trim that surrounds the car, new 20 and 22-inch wheel designs, and more cleverly integrated exhaust tips.
Under the hood of the GV80 3.5T AWD, Genesis has wisely left well enough alone. No changes were needed to the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 powerplant with its 375 horsepower. Mated to an eight-speed transmission, the EPA estimates a fuel economy average of 19 mpg combined city/highway.
Cargo space is excellent, with 36.5 cubic feet behind the second-row seats. Fold those and it's 71.7.
Second-row passengers get 38.4 inches of legroom.
The influence of the electric Genesis GV60 (and its cousins, the Kia EV9 and EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 5 can be seen in the re-designed interior, with a 27-inch OLED display.
The base price of the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD is $80,650 including destination. A lot comes standard at that price, including 22-inch Alloy Wheels, Nappa leather seating surfaces, microfiber suede headliner and pillar trim, power heated and ventilated second row seats, heated front console armrest, power door closure and power rear door sunshades, digital rearview mirror, 2nd row vanity mirrors, and a rear electronic limited slip differential.
There's also a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 90-day trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio, three-zone automatic climate control, wireless device charging, a panoramic sunroof and a comprehensive suite of active safety features.
Thanks to Genesis' one-price policy per trim level, that's it. The window sticker reads $80,650.
Not only is that a reasonable price these days for an upscale SUV---the GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD's style, refinement and appointments will have your neighbors guessing it's a six-figure rig all day long.