Test-Driving The Refreshed 2025 Genesis GV80

The Genesis GV80 rolls into the 2025 model year with a mild facelift, new wheels, fresh colors, and a slew of interior enhancements to make this mid-size luxury crossover even more appealing. Earlier this month, I was able to test drive the updated and upgraded GV80 at a special media event in Southern California.

"The 2025 GV80 brings a new level of elevated cabin experience to the Genesis SUV lineup, making all occupants feel like honored guests," said Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. "Its new 27-inch widescreen display and array of new interior colors, materials, and finishes introduce an even greater sense of elegance to GV80."

Starting with the exterior, the automaker has meticulously re-sculpted the front fascia and fine-tuned the Genesis signature diamond-crest front grille. The G-Matrix façade now boasts the company's latest MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology for headlight illumination—smaller, lighter, and more efficient than last year's offering. The emblem has been carefully tweaked with more texture, adding to the vehicle's overall aesthetic appeal. A closer look reveals more oversized front air intakes and the lower skid plate has been cosmetically enhanced with a silver-tone

Two new wheel designs (20- and 22-inches in diameter) are available, and monobloc front brake calipers are now standard to deliver more robust braking performance. Regarding exterior colors, Genesis has added Storr Green and Storr Green Matte. Genesis says the new hue was "Inspired by the deep green landscape of the Isle of Skye in Scotland."

Opening the doors reveals the more significant year-over-year improvements—and a passenger cabin more opulent than that found in a Gulfstream private jet. An expansive 27-inch OLED screen is now used to display the instrument cluster and infotainment screen—everything is controlled by a new rotary controller conveniently mounted on the center console. The two-spoke steering wheel has grown an extra spoke—the objective was to optimize ergonomics, says the automaker. Genesis designers have also reworked some of the minute details to bring the cabin even more upmarket. Lastly, many new interior colors exist, including Smoky Green / Vanilla Beige, Ultramarine Blue / Glacier White, Smoky Green / Earth Brown, and Slate Gray / Bordeaux Brown.

Under the tested 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD hood is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 rated at 375 horsepower. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, it propels the 4,100-lb crossover from a standstill to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. (Lower trim models are offered with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 300 horsepower, which adds nearly a second to the same 0-60 mph sprint.)

I tested the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD—the range-topping model—with an MSRP of $79,300 (USD) (plus $1,350 freight and handling). The Storr Green Matte paint, a real head-turner, added $1,500, bringing the as-tested MSRP to $82,150 USD.

The Genesis GV80 Prestige's passenger cabin is practically unrivaled. Passengers relax on quilted Nappa leather seats in an environment beautifully contrasted with matte-finish wood trim and polished brightwork. A soft microfiber suede headliner surrounds the panoramic glass room and wraps down the A-pillars. Kudos to the automaker's design team for masterfully using the proper textures and colors where appropriate—the overall look is striking, elegant, and pleasing to the eye. The interior doesn't just look good—it's exceptionally comfortable and logically configured, too.

On the road, the twin-turbo V6 provides strong power when prodded, and the 8-speed automatic is silky in operation (the start-stop system deserves an honorable mention—it works nearly transparently). The ride is buttery-smooth, and the cabin is impressively isolated from the outside environment.

Luxury is its principal mission, which means it prefers to be driven in a dignified manner where it will glide down the highway covering hundreds of miles effortlessly—it's a wonderous vehicle for long distances, commuting, and running errands. Yet, push it too hard, and the steering begins to feel a bit numb, and the brakes a bit soft. While it has high levels of lateral grip and stops well, the crossover doesn't like to be hustled like a sports car (I bet that few owners will ever get their GV80 even close to the limit).

Overall, I am very impressed with the luxury crossover. It offers gorgeous styling, luxurious cabin appointments, a capable and powerful powertrain, and a confidence-inspiring warranty. It’s a compliment to say that the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD reminds me of the prestigious Bentley Bentayga—a vehicle costing about three times the price. Yes, the Genesis is that good.

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Written by Michael Harley for Forbes Magazine