I Drove an Eye-Popping Luxury SUV: The Genesis GV80 Coupe Turns Heads
Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury brand that initially started as a sedan nameplate for the South Korean automaker. Now a decade into being a standalone brand, Genesis is all grown up, and its new GV80 Coupe shows it.
I drove the Genesis GV80 Coupe for a week to see whether it lives up to its Car and Driver Editors’ Choice and Parents Magazine Best Luxury 5-Passenger SUV awards.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T E-SC Prestige Black all-wheel-drive model I tested is the highest trim of the luxury two-row SUV, and it starts at a little over $89,000. Entry-level Genesis GV80 Coupe models start at just under $82,000. The 3.5T E-SC Prestige Black all-wheel-drive is one of two hybrid versions of the Genesis GV80 Coupe. The base model is gas-powered.
I’ve recently tested other crossover SUVs, including the fully electric Toyota bZ, Lexus RZ and Chevrolet Blazer EV. I have also reviewed the Mazda CX-50 and Toyota RAV-4 hybrid.
Here’s what I learned after a week behind the wheel of Genesis’ two-row crossover SUV.
What Makes the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe Stand Out?
The Genesis GV80 Coupe stands out from its rivals for its luxury features, smooth handling and appealing exterior that will stand out on any curbside.
In a week of testing, the Genesis GV80 Coupe’s interior and cargo area felt spacious for daily driving needs. I also enjoyed the GV80 Coupe’s large infotainment screen and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The gear selector’s placement on a knob in the center console rather than a traditional gear shift took some getting used to, especially since it was placed near the knob that controls the infotainment system.
How Does the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe Drive?
The 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe offers a smooth, comfortable ride with sturdy handling. Its acceleration is quick enough to keep daily driving fun.
The standard Lane Keep Assist steered me back into place a few times when I started changing lanes without signaling.
A daily driver might easily forget they are driving an SUV because the GV80 Coupe handles like a car. The GV80 Coupe gets an estimated 17 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on highways. The model I tested got over 370 miles on a single tank of gas in mostly local driving.
The GV80 Coupe comes with a 3.5-liter twin turbo V6 engine. The hybrid versions have a 48-volt e-Supercharger battery. Genesis said the GV80 offers up to 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.
Will the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe Fit Your Lifestyle?
The Genesis GV80 Coupe is 196.7 inches long, 77.6 inches wide and 66.1 inches tall.
The 3.5T E-SC Prestige Black all-wheel-drive model I tested offers 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, which I found sufficient for luggage and grocery hauls. With the rear seats folded, cargo space expands to 58.9 cubic feet.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe seats five passengers, and the rear seats felt spacious enough for a 5-foot-9 adult male.
Is the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe Worth It?
The Genesis GV80 Coupe starts at just under $82,000 before taxes and additional fees, making it an expensive option compared with many other new crossover SUVs on the market. The GV80 Coupe costs more than the average price of a luxury midsize SUV, which was $73,948 in June 2026, according to Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book.
The GV80 Coupe is available in three trims, ranging from the gas-powered entry-level 3.5T, starting at $81,850, to the 3.5T E-SC Prestige Black all-wheel-drive retailing for $89,400.
The 3.5T E-SC Prestige Black model I tested comes with 22-inch black alloy wheels and black Nappa leather seats that can be heated or ventilated for front-seat and back-row passengers. It has a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with a center speaker, subwoofer and amplifier, a panoramic sunroof and soft-close doors.
I enjoyed the 3.5T E-SC Prestige Black trim Genesis GV80 Coupe model I tested, but I probably would opt for the slightly cheaper 3.5T E-SC hybrid trim that starts at $87,650 if I were looking to get the most bang for my buck. If I were really looking to maximize my car-shopping budget, I’d probably go for the top-trim 2026 Hyundai Tucson hybrid, which starts at $41,825. Hyundai doesn’t have the cachet of the luxury Genesis brand, but the cars are built on the same platform.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe competes in the luxury two-row SUV segment with models from competitors such as the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and Audi Q8.
Who Should Buy the 2026 Genesis GV80?
The 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe is worth considering if you need a luxury SUV with sturdy handling and a powerful engine that appeals to car enthusiasts. It can also haul a family of up to five people.
The 3.5T E-SC Prestige Black trim Genesis GV80 Coupe model I tested comes with a 27-inch OLED instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system that has wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity. It has a surround-view monitor and is equipped with safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Attention Warning, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Smart Cruise Control and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.
Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY.
