3.5T 4dr All-Wheel Drive
2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80 is the newest model from the newest luxury brand, a midsize crossover with a grand grille, a plush interior and more than a whiff of Bentley in its proportions and detailing. Considering that Genesis is to Hyundai what Lexus is to Toyota, it would seem logical that the GV80 is just a tarted up Palisade, but that actually isn't the case. Instead, it shares its rear-wheel-drive platform with the also-new G80 sedan, which graces the GV80 with more elegant long-hood/short-overhang proportions and grants it superior driving dynamics. It also makes the GV80 a more convincing answer to comparably laid out luxury SUVs, including the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and Lincoln Aviator, and quite frankly makes it harder to dismiss. And after getting time behind the 2021 GV80's unusual monospoke wheel, it would be a mistake to dismiss it. Although Genesis is a new brand, Hyundai has been churning out dependable, high-quality cars for years. People dismissed Lexus in the beginning, too. The GV80 isn't just festooned with the requisite amount of leather and fancy features, it's cabin is uniquely designed, slathered in rich details and comes standard with an abundance of technology that's actually user friendly. Space inside is less than you'll find in bigger, pricier luxury SUVs (BMW X7, Mercedes GLS), as well as big non-luxury crossovers like the Palisade, but it should be more than enough for those also considering the similarly sized X5, GLE, Aviator or perhaps the smaller Lexus RX. The driving experience isn't quite as memorable, but the ride and handling balance are appropriately sophisticated, the steering is precise and both engine choice offer more than enough power for such a large luxury vehicle. It definitely fall more on the comfortable-yet-controlled end of the spectrum with Mercedes and Range Rover.  While Genesis has been around for a few years now, its really the GV80 that stands the best chance of getting noticed by luxury buyers who are used to looking to Germany or Japan. SUVs are obviously what most people want and in the GV80, they'll find a good one.   What's new for 2021? The GV80 is an all-new model. What are the GV80 interior and in-car technology like? The GV80 cabin is just as impressive in person as it is in pictures. It's tastefully unique and genuinely luxurious. Keep in mind the diamond-quilted leather seats, fancy digital gauges and sumptuous multi-tone color schemes aren't in every model, but the design and materials quality are common throughout all models.  That includes the high-quality switch gear unique to Genesis (as opposed to be pilfered from the Hyundai parts bin), most notably the various knobs with a knurled finish similar to what you get in a Bentley. True, most are knurled plastic, but it's at least nice plastic and the rotary shifter surround is the real metal deal. Also common throughout the lineup is the immense 14.5-inch dashtop touchscreen with supporting center console controller that basically acts like an old iPod thumbwheel. This …
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