Genesis's GV80 AWD SUV has garnered top safety and reliability ratings, and it's an eye-grabber

For the short time Genesis vehicles have been on the market, theyÕve been receiving top safety ratings, numerous accolades as they all have roomy and exceptional interiors, impressive engines and outstanding value.

This luxury brand of Hyundai has made a name for itself. One of the newest in their line-up is their 2023 GV80 Turbo AWD SUVs. ItÕs an eye-grabber with a coupe-like styling, a grille that resembles that on an ultra-expensive Bentley, and a back end that sports a hint of a spoiler on the liftgate that together with rectangular tailpipe extensions, give the GV80 a sporty, classy look.

The GV80 Turbo (T) is offered is several flavors starting with the 2.5T, 2.5T Advanced, 3.5T, 2.5T Prestige, 3.5T Advanced. 3.5T, Advanced Plus 3.5T (that adds a third seat) and Prestige that we had the privilege of testing. GV80T is not only attractive on the outside, itÕs equally as beautiful on the inside. The entire cockpit is luxurious with sueded pillars and ceiling liner for an exquisite touch along with dual sunroofs. And get this. Upon pulling a door handle, the door power opens enough for easy egress/ingress.

This AWD SUVs dash melds ever so nicely with instrumentation and the super comfy quilted Nappa leather heated/ventilated seats. Both front seats have powered lumbar support that tightens up a bit when selecting Sport mode. And driverÕs seat also includes a massage function. The front passenger seatback even powers down to allow a passenger to snooze on a long trip.

GV80Ts interior reeks of sophistication and ultra-comfort. The heated/ventilated rear seats tilt/slide fore/aft to extend cargo space have sufficient leg room for two average size adults with ample head room. With a low transaxle hump, a youngster can actually fit in the middle seat and have decent leg room.

With a 14.5-inch infotainment display, it serves a host of functions including rear and front cameraÕs, audio, navigation, Genesis Connected Services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, satellite radio, sounds of nature and much more.

Below it is a HVAC display with touch sensitive selections and below it a phone charging pad. Residing on the console are two rotary switches one for display controls the other for the automatic transmission gear selector that may take some getting used to coming from a stick or column selector.

Across from these is the Drive Mode rotary switch that offers Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom modes. Included here is a Lock switch to lock the drive wheels when encountering deep snow for improved traction. Over on the digital gauge cluster that includes a Driver Information Display for alerts, features functions and side view cameras. The speedometer does double duty by displaying a left blind spot view when activating the left turn signal, while the tachometer displays a right view camera when activating the right turn signal. Both cameras are embedded in the sides of the outside mirrors. Both are safety features especially when a vehicle sneaks up on the cars blind sides while the driver is attempting a turn.

GV80TÕs cargo area is spacious and has a low 31-inch lift-over. With the second row upright, thereÕs 34.9 cubic feet of space that measures 43.5 inches deep, 45 wide and 29.5 high. Press two buttons and the second-row seatbacks power down for 84 cubic feet of space that expands cargo loading depth to 75 inches. And below the cargo floor is a multi-partition deep bin for small item storage.

The GV80 offers Remote Smart Parking Assist that using the key fob while out of the SUV, the GV80 can park itself in/out of a parallel and perpendicular parking space. Another neat feature is Highway Driving Assist that combines adaptive cruise and land-keeping assist to keep the vehicle between the highway lines and it can automatically pass on the highway. Features youÕd never think would be offered on cars a mere 10 years ago.

As indicated in model offerings, GV80s are offered with two engine choices. The 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder produces 300-hp and 311 lb/ft of torque. The one we tested that came with the 3.5T Prestige is the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that generates 375-hp and an impressive 375 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 18 city, 23-highway mpg. ThereÕs certainly no want for power from this engine. And in Sport mode, itÕs even more exhilarating. Both powertrains couple to a quick shifting 8-speed automatic that came with paddle shifters and rates a tow capacity of up to 6,000 pounds.

Driving the GV80T was a super smooth and quiet experience on 20-inch Michelin tires. It parked easily with its tight 39.3 foot turning diameter. And with GenesisÕs Road Preview feature, it uses cameras to read the road and adjust the suspension for an exceptional ride. The Prestige trim GV80 carried a base price of $62,950 with a very long list of safety and convenience features. Added to that was the Advanced Package ($6,200) that included the Nappa leather, remote park assist, collision avoidance system, Lexicon premium audio, power cushion extension/bolstering and more. Add the Prestige 20 package ($4,950) and that includes the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster power door closure, rear door shades and more. All totaled GV80T carried a bottom line of $75,800.

As an added incentive to buy the GV80, it scored impressive government safety scores of a full five overall stars, four each for driver/passenger frontal crash, five each for front/rear seat side crash and four stars for rollover. In addition, J.D. PowerÕs 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study rates Genesis as the second out of 32 brands with the fewest problems per 100 vehicles. For comparison purposes, Tesla is ranked last. Combine this with a class leading warranty of 5 years/60K basic, 10/100K powertrain, and youÕre not only buying a superb AWD SUV, but having a warranty coverage that is as attractive as the GV80 is itself.

​When friends and acquaintances ask what luxury SUV I like best, itÕs always the GV80T.