I drove a Genesis GV80 for a week — here’s my pros and cons

2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige test drive.
(Image credit: Future)

After exclusively driving EVs for the past three months, I’ve finally switched back to an all-gas powered car for a week. The Genesis GV80 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV with extravagant features I haven’t come across in most of the EVs I’ve tested, including the Genesis GV60 and Cadillac Lyriq.

With a starting price of $57,700 for the base 2.5T Standard AWD trim, it’s definitely on the pricier side — but the one I actually drove for a week, the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige, balloons up to a starting cost of $79,300. It’s grossly overpriced, but with most luxury cars, there are reasons that justify their cost.

Of course, going back to all-gas is a sobering experience on its own, like how it doesn’t have the same instant acceleration. I don't often get the chance to check out luxury cars, which makes me more attuned to what they offer that you don’t typically see in other mainstream vehicles.

2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige: Quick specifications

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Row 0 - Cell 0 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige
Engine3.5L V6
Fuel Economy16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway
Horsepower375 hp
Wheels22-inches
MSRP$79,300

2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige: Driving summary

Steering wheel of the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige.

(Image credit: Future)

As I’ve pointed out, the biggest change for me going from EVs back to all-gas is how the Genesis GV80 accelerates from a complete stop. While it boasts a powerful 3.5L V6 AWD engine with a 375 horsepower performance, it works harder than any EV I’ve tested accelerating from a complete stop. It needs to shift gears obviously, whereas EVs have 100% torque for instant acceleration without the stutter.

Nevertheless, it does drive smoothly and it’s also deathly quiet on the inside — but I’ve experienced the same on some EVs. The most pressing thing about my driving experience with the GV80 has nothing to do with how it drives. Instead, it’s about how much gas it consumes, which in the long run turns out to be its biggest cost because it requires premium unleaded gasoline.

  • 259.7 total miles driven, mixed between city and highway driving
  • 21.7 mpg fuel economy
  • Requires premium unleaded gasoline

2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige: What I Like

Ultrawide panoramic console

Panoramic display in 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige.

(Image credit: Future)

No other EV I’ve tested has the same panoramic touchscreen display that the Genesis GV80 offers. It’s a sprawling size that spans nearly the entire length of the dashboard, making it an instant attention grabber.

What makes it better is that it’s broken up as two separate displays, where one would be the main console and the other would be the cluster display for the driver. Instead, it’s a single panel with go gaps whatsoever — making for an immersive experience that even does this neat trick of mimicking the weather conditions with its home screen.

Automatic sun screen covers

2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige sun screen shade animation.

(Image credit: Future)

This is another feature I haven’t seen in any EVs I’ve tested. With the rear passenger windows, the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD features automatic sun screen shades that help block out the sun. Usually these are covers that have to manually be pulled up or down, but the GV80 does all the work by controlling it automatically. It’s an extra convenience feature that helps with keeping my passengers cooler on those extra sunny days.

Automatic rear folding seats

2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige rear folding seats animation.

(Image credit: Future)

Making extra space for the trunk can sometimes be painstaking, especially when the seats take forever to adjust manually. Surprisingly, they’re all powered with the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD — making it effortless in folding them down. With a simple tap of a button, they fold down on their own to make way for the extra room for larger payloads. No fuss or hassle with this one.

Bentley style grill

Grill of the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige.

(Image credit: Future)

This wouldn’t be a luxury vehicle if it doesn’t share a design cue that I’m familiar with another brand. Clearly one part of its design is inspired from another vehicle because the Genesis GV80 features a Bentley style grill, complete with a criss cross pattern that’s hard to miss. It screams luxury and gives it a refined, sophisticated look to match its price point.

Massive trunk space

Trunk space in the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige.

(Image credit: Future)

Sitting inside of the Genesis GV80 for the first time, I know it’s a huge sized SUV. And with that comes an equally massive trunk that easily accommodates my folding electric bike. With the rear seats pulled down all the way, it’s more than spacious to comfortably accommodate a 55-inch OLED TV without taking it out of the box.

Dazzling interior ambient lights

2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige test drive.

(Image credit: Future)

If the mostly white interior surface isn’t enough to get your attention, then you’ll be in for a bigger surprise when it gets dark because the GV80 has one of the most dazzling interior ambient lights I’ve come across. It’s much more polarizing than the Kia EV9, as every nook and cranny tucks away an ambient light that can be customized to any color I want.

2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige: What I Don't Like

It’s your typical gas guzzler

2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige trunk opening up.

(Image credit: Future)

As I’ve detailed in my driving summary, I average about a 21.7 mpg fuel economy during my week’s worth of driving. Factoring its size and powerful engine, I’m not too shocked by its fuel economy, but it’s worth making a point that filling up on premium gasoline will have a bigger impact on your wallet. Gas prices for premium unleaded was around $3.96 when I was driving it, which means it would cost $83.55 to fill its 21.1 gallon tank.

I asked Google Gemini how much money I’d spend on gasoline over 5 years if I drive 1,000 miles per month. It gave me an estimate of about $14,211 on the high end assuming with the expectation of gas prices being $4.50/gallon. In contrast, I asked Google Gemini to do the same calculation with the Cadillac Lyriq I previously drove — which is similar in size and scope to the GV80. At most, I’d spend $3,575 on electric charges at home with the rate of $0.18/kWh. 

2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige: Bottom line

If comfort and convenience are your top priorities, the 2025 Genesis GV80 3.5T AWD offers plenty of it. Of course it commands a high cost, but with that comes features that really set it apart from most other vehicles. Compared to other luxury cars I’ve tested, like the Lexus TX550H+, you’re getting a more premium design and style — while also getting more convenience features.

The only downside is its dismal fuel economy, but you shouldn’t be surprised about that. I only hope that Genesis could offer it as a PHEV or EV, even if it means adding more to its bottom line. 

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John Velasco
Senior Channel Editor for Phones

John’s a senior editor covering phones for Tom’s Guide. He’s no stranger in this area having covered mobile phones and gadgets since 2008 when he started his career. On top of his editor duties, he’s a seasoned videographer being in front and behind the camera producing YouTube videos. Previously, he held editor roles with PhoneArena, Android Authority, Digital Trends, and SPY. Outside of tech, he enjoys producing mini documentaries and fun social clips for small businesses, enjoying the beach life at the Jersey Shore, and recently becoming a first time homeowner.

  • YankeeDocNJ
    So the big negative was the cost (which is the same as all the other luxury SUVs in its segment) and the gas mileage (also similar to the others) and the acceleration. You don’t mention that you can usually get 500 miles on a tank of gas instead of the 250-300 with an EV. Would this car be better as a hybrid? Absolutely! But comparing it to EVs is apples to pumpkins. Compare it to an X5 M (worse acceleration but much better ride) or an Audi Q7 ( better in all respects - no comparison).
    Reply
  • benboy73
    I don't want an EV. They become a multi -ton brick if the powe goes out, they can short out in high water, and traveling long distances can be a risk. Do I really want to plan a 1000 mile trip around the available charging stations? No thanks.
    Reply