Review: 2023 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD

I never thought id say this, but I really like the 2023 Genesis GV80 Prestige. It is a very good-looking SUV both inside and out. It is a very classy looking SUV; it does not scream for attention, but it sure does get it.

Engine/Transmission

The 2023 Genesis GV80 Prestige has a 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo engine. It produces 375hp and 391lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GV80 is rated for a combined 11.8L/100km which I came close to at 12.1L/100km. 0-60 miles (96k/h) is said to be done in about 6 seconds. Now I’m sure there are faster midsize SUV’s but this GV80 has features and just something about it that I think has the potential for people to look deeper than a fast SUV.

Handling/Performance

I must say the GV80 is a beauty to drive. I mostly drove on the highway and windy roads, and it was a fun drive. Whether you decide to drive it in sport mode or comfort, you will still get that sports-like feeling. Although the steering is a bit on the heavy side, especially while driving on curvy roads, it will still be great on straight roads. Again, there are other SUV’s that will be sportier to drive hence more fun but the GV80 still drives great, very smooth, comfortable, and quiet ride as well. I could barely hear the road noise or engine noise as I cruised around town which is a great thing. The GV80 is more for comfort, elegance, and luxury. When you think of luxury, I’d assume you expect comfort to be at the top of the list and the GV80 does a great job at that in my opinion.

Comfort

The seats in the GV80 Prestige are comfortable enough to sit for long periods of time. It has enough seat adjustments to find comfort and has massaging seats as well. One very cool feature I experienced while driving through a tunnel was that the windows rolled up on their own. I didn’t even know this was a thing! The message that prompted on the infotainment system was “closing windows, blocking air for comfort.” The GV80 was made for you to feel as comfortable as possible and again I think they managed to do that. During my time with the GV80 Prestige I had the 5 passenger SUV, but you can also opt for the 7-seater. The 5-seater SUV also had comfortable passenger seats, quite spacious too. I was able to sit comfortably behind the driver seat without my knees touching. Head room is also enough to sit comfortably given that you are of average height. Trunk space is also decent as you can easily fit quite a few items.

Interior

The GV80 Prestige is equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen. I like that it is not complicated to use, I prefer the simple to use and straightforward screens. One thing I like about the GV80 is that the ‘important’ controls, like the climate controls, are separated from the infotainment. The climate controls are still touch as well so it’s a nice look. The SUV is equipped with Nappa leather upholstery seats, it is equipped with heated and ventilated seats which on a side note, I’ve realized how important these are. I’ve noticed myself using this feature quite often lately.

Exterior

I’m sure you’ve heard quite a few people say the GV80 resembles the Bentley Bentayga. I can see this happening if you’re not too familiar with vehicles but other than that, doesn’t that say a lot about this GV80?! That goes to say that Genesis has done a great job at trying to keep up with luxury vehicles. It is equipped with 22-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights to name a few. It is a great looking SUV front and back that lets its presence be known in a subtle way.

Pros/Cons

So, by now you’re probably wondering what the price tag is on this GV80 3.5T Prestige. The starting price for the base model which isn’t so base in my opinion is $76,000 CAD ($55,800 USD) and for the Prestige it is $90,500 CAD ($62,950 USD). The reason I say it isn’t so base is because all GV80s are now standard with all wheel drive, and still have quite a lot of features that typically add on to the cost of a vehicle. The GV80 drives great, is comfortable and decently spacious, it is loaded with a lot of features and still at a reasonable price compared to its German rivals. If your priority is comfort, luxury and want to be different, then the GV80 Prestige is a great SUV to consider.