The mid-size G80 sedan, one of the longest running products promoted since the Genisis Brands 2016 inception and breakaway from the shadows of South Korean parent company Hyundai, undergoes a mid-cycle makeover in the 2025 model year.
Genesis brings value-added luxury to the forefront, in the same manor Hyundai combined together affordability and dependability within the mainstream marketplace during past decades.
Two competent G80 powertrains unchanged from the 2024 model year return along with five trim levels all featuring Mid-west friendly all-wheel drive. All mate to a well-orchestrated eight-speed automatic transmission. An all-electric EV version also adorns G80, one of two high-volume 'Electrified' EVs on sale in 2025 through Gensis (the other, an electrified version of the compact GV70 crossover).
After debuting three sedans of differing sizes nearly a decade ago, all with capital G prefix identifiers (representing the newly minted Brand), the Genesis brand began pivoting to a cadre of five-door crossovers. Five-door constructions utilize GV lettered prefix with the V signifying 'Versatile.' Suffix numbers denote vehicle size, the larger the digit (80 vs. 90 as an example) the bigger the body.
It's interesting Genesis debuted a trio of sedans initially. Starting in the late twenty teens, U.S. automakers slowly began to retire the once mighty four-door sedan to add production volume for trendy five-door crossover body styles, leaving the market wide open to Eurasian builders. Four-door sedans, with lower-to-the-ground builds and generally better front-rear balance, tackle asphalt with a smooth operation and handling other bodies can't precisely match. Full disclosure: this scribe's a seasoned pilot who grew up and grew old appreciating four-doors and admit a bias and mystic pull to the sedan's majesty.
Mid cycle G80 enhancements circa 2025 include four-piston fixed monobloc front brake calipers, new front/rear facias, center console layout with a stretched rectangular screen and three-spoke steering wheel. The exterior design best describes as gorgeous, a real regal eye pleaser. A new Vatna grey exterior color, one of ten, joins the palate and adorned this week's tester resembling a textured milky silvery cloud.
Genesis employes 'Athletic Elegance' when describing G80 born out of a prominent pentagon-shaped grille flanked by a pair of band-like two-line (one atop the other) headlamps now with micro lens array (MLA) technology maximizing performance in low light areas while not intentionally blinding oncoming drivers in the process. Look closely and one band employs about a dozen diminutive bulbs. Both bands perform double duty as portions illuminate with amber highlights upon summoning the turn signal stalk overriding frosted-like areas performing daytime running light functions. A pair of narrow amber side strips build into front fenders, adding style and function as secondary exterior blinkers. The rear trunk lid also employs narrow double bands at each end, but with a red scheme.
Above the diamond-filled grille, the Genesis winged medallion serves as a base of the long, raised hood with creases extending up towards the windshield. Below, a wide diamond-shaped air dam. The tail end's smoothly diminutive deck lid largely follows the back window's 45-degree contour. At night, puddle lamps built into side-view mirrors send a Genesis winged logo projection to the pavement below. Also built into the side mirror housing, s blind spot view monitor, employing cameras feeding a live temporary broadcast video of hard-to-detect side activities into the instrument panel. Summon the left turn signal and driver's side live-action activity gets fed into an IP's left-side orb. Signal right and passenger side activity gets highlighted. Once the turn or lane change is complete, the orbs return to their respective speedometer/tachometer IP functions. This comes standard in both top-level Sport Prestige trims.
Sport trims include an optional, eye-catching red hue working side-by-side with a black two-tone and brushed aluminum accents. The same diamond pattern within the grille make an interior appearance within the Nappa leather seat surface patterns. Other selections include black and camel monotones along with a beige/gray two-tone.
Our Sport Prestige tester's 3.5-liter V-6 twin turbo cranking out 375 horses makes an appearance in several other familiar products including the mid-size GV80 crossover. This engine also adorns the 3.5T Sport Advanced. Three trims power by the 2.5-single turbo: base 2.5T, Advanced 2.5T, and 2.5T Sport Prestige. The V6's twin turbo architecture helps alleviate turbo lag, a slight delay common within single scrollers when punching the floor accelerator pedal.
Both engines recommend premium octane fuel for optimal results with the V-6 gas tank registering 19.3 gallons, slightly more than the four-cylinder's 17.2 gallons. The four-cylinder turbo averages 20 miles per gallon in city travel and 29 highway while the V-6 twin turbo dials down to 16 and 24 respectively, not the most fuel-friendly results within the mid-size segment.
The lowest-priced five-rider G80, a base 2.5T checks in at $57,100. Each arrives nicely equipped with minimal options in lower trims. Higher trims pare down options even finer easing the purchase process. For example, our fully-loaded 3.5T Sport Prestige started at $77,000 with a bottom line ending at $78,280 with a $1,250 destination charge and a $30 NFC card helping start and unlock the vehicle remotely. It's sold 'as is' with no extra options available.
The Sprots Prestige trims exclusively include 20-inch sport alloy wheels (the largest available), head's up display, the blind-spot monitor described above, power side door closure, microfiber suede headliner/pillar materials, carbon fiber interior trimming and parking collision avoidance assist.
All trims include front and rear multi-link suspension. The front suspension works in tandem with a small camera scanning the road ahead for imperfections to smooth out on-road experiences. The G80 packs a smooth, luxury experience with excellent body control rather than an overly bumpy connect-with-the-road sporty feeling. A rather hefty curb weight contributes to a planted experience. Braking remains predicable and adjustable as one of two choices are available through the information screen.
A new long, flat unibrow color screen extends behind the steering wheel along a duo-layered dashboard joining together the left-side instrument panel and right-side multi-function flat-back screen for a 27-inch-wide view. This upgrade replaces a 14.5-inch center screen from last year separated from a hooded stand-alone IP region. Two small dashboard twist knobs provide on/off/volume and station selection. Between the dials reside a half-dozen or so short cut push button commands (radio, map, etc.). The updated three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel also offers a third-degree option in the form of a volume-shifting thumb scroll at the 3 o'clock wing.
The multi-function touch screen includes 18 menu selections each designated with artful photo and prose. It's relatively easy to digest with a bit of practice and muscle memory and many redundant/duplicate options. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interaction come standard.
Those wishing wireless charging pads for Smartphones need to ante up for the top 2.5T and 3.5T Sport Prestige trims. Newer USB type C plug ports adorn all trims with front ports inside the arm rest with a vertical sectioned top (heated in our 3.5T Sport Prestige trim) opening up like a side-by-side refrigerator door.
Climate controls operate independently below the IMAX screen with pressure-sensitive tactile operation in a rectangular with updated physical controls. It's not a twist knob design but commands utilize artistically icons denoting fan direction and speed. Framing the area, physical front/rear defrost buttons.For those with a need to HVAC controls through the wide screen expanses, redundant screen operation is available through one of the 18 menu selections.
A jewel-like rotary dial motivating the eight-speed automatic transmission locates between the front buckets and carbon-fiber trim artistry. Park engages with a push of a prominent 'P' within the top center. Choose reverse, neutral or drive and an illuminated letter designates (RND) to the fore of the dial glow with a red hue. Another circular dial with different tactile nature closer to the center dash monitors the multi-function screen's curser in addition to the touch sensitive option. Drivers must stay alert as not to confuse one for the other. Three quick key buttons near the command dial (home, back, menu) quicken the pace. Dual, in-line beverage holders with a cover reside to the right.
Our Sport Prestige also included a driver's bucket seat with a back message feature kicking in automatically after an hour of consistent seat time (which Genesis labels 'Ergo Motion').
The trunk's 13.1 cubic-foot volume measures a bit smaller than other mid-size rivals but larger than its G80 'electrified counterpart. Interior goose-neck style hinges includes carpeted overlays minimizing the possibility of cargo crunches during closing maneuvers.
Genesis Motor North America continues opening and adding additional stand-alone dealerships to sharpen the upscale buying experience. In the Chicagoland area, three such 'Premier Showroom' experiences include Genesis of Algonquin, Genesis of North Aurora and Genesis of Elgin. As of this writing 60 showrooms dot the North American landscape. Genesis products may also be found at participating Hyundai dealerships where both brands share the showroom floor (until additional Genesis buildings/showrooms arrive).
These new digs remain an integral piece of Genesis growth and development as many consumers still operate under the assumption that Genisis remains a model with a Hyundai badge as it once was from 2008-2016. Established European luxury brands (BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz) already enjoy a hundred-year head start. Genesis continues slowly chipping away at their market share with pricing below that of the legacy brands.
Genesis sales in the U.S. reached 70,816 in the 2024 calendar year, an all-time high and up more than 5,000 units from 2023's 65,398. Mid-size G80 sedan sales totaled 4,155 during that period.
One important aspect Genesis continues sharing with parent company Hyundai, the very successful 10-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, one of the longest available within the automotive community bringing an additional peace of mind layer to the buying journey.
Also part of the pampered experience; complimentary service valet and maintenance checkup for three years or 36,000 miles. If ever the G80 needs servicing, Genesis will arrange for pick up and return at/to your place of residence or work and provide a loaner vehicle for the duration of your G80's time away.
2025 Genesis G80
Price as tested: $78,280
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 turbo
Horsepower: 375
Wheelbase: 118.5 inches
Length: 197 inches
Height: 57.7 inches
Width: 75.8 inches
Curb weight: 4.619 pounds
Fuel Economy: 16 mpg city/ 22 mpg highway
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
Assembly: Ulsan, South Korea
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