2021 Genesis GV80 review: Is it a cut-price X5, GLE or Q7?

The Genesis GV80 looks like a Bentley, but is priced like a BMW X5. But, does it do enough to justify the price tag? It's plush inside and has one of the biggest grilles we've seen on a new car. Paul Maric reviews the entry-level 2021 Genesis GV80 2.5T with the optional luxury package. Do you think it's worth the value?
Hardness tester results: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior 00:50
Interior 04:06
Infotainment 06:58
Safety Tech 12:15
Practicality 14:04
On the road 18:49
Verdict 26:09
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#genesis #gv80 #review

[@Splits-man]

Speaking from personal experience I would rate the Genesis as a far more reliable long term investment than a BMW or a Mercedes Benz. The Koreans are producing vehicles that are better value for money, longer warranties and more reliable than most other cars on the market. I would definitely buy it if I was in the market for a new luxury vehicle.

[@IamJay02]

@@sleepyjoescumbag1663 Man he must have struck a nerve lol

[@obidean3964]

Couldn't agree more. Asian cars are typically more reliable than Western cars (European, American)

[@gregsullivan7408]

Not longer warranty for me, as a chauffeur - the main German make I'm interested in is Audi, and they have 3 years unlimited km, whereas Genesis is 130,000 for commercial use.

[@alienchaser636]

@@obidean3964 Asian?? You comparing GREATWALL to a TOYOTA you are full of it..Chinese vehicle comparing a Japanese, you are tripping

[@EricBeertsen]

The city is Seoul. You can see the two HQ’s of Kia and Hyundai

[@user-sl309jd90]

Not sure... used to see the HQ every day while commuting but there is no river nearby it.

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

I love it. Genesis are nailing it. Genesis & Mazda are really the two brands keeping me excited for the future of motoring.

[@dwade3202]

yep, mazda really surprised me today. I learned that they're gonna redesign a lot of their models in 2022 and they're bringing all new inline 6 engines, petrol AND diesel. when everyone else is downsizing, mazda bringing bigger engines, I like the that shiet

[@micheal2312]

I see Tiger Woods was testing out it's safety features 😂

[@kpopkpop5235]

and ALMOST DIED.

[@autonewstv86]

*I like how genesis made a unique looking SUV, and not something that looks like everything else on the road.*

[@olinblackwell5211]

Seriously? It’s a bitsa. Bitsa F-pace, Bentayga, Caddy, Q7... it literally looks like everything else on the road. All at once.

[@niharpotluri9472]

@@olinblackwell5211 I like it coz its like a cheaper bentley, (GV80 has the same designer as the bentley). But to be honest, I like the GV70 more than the GV80.

[@teish8393]

@@olinblackwell5211 You are not the brightest bulb in the shed are ya mate?

[@olinblackwell5211]

@@teish8393 it only took you a month to come up with that comment? Your genius is inspirational

[@teish8393]

@@olinblackwell5211 lmao you’re just proving my previous statement. Just because a comment is a month old doesn’t mean all replies have to have seen them a month ago..

[@TheTripleDubya]

Looks a bit like a Bentley, hence the reason I call it the Gentley.

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Nice; just FYI same designer!

[@TheTripleDubya]

@@pastorofmuppets8834 ha ha, well that explains that then !

[@SCELO_MYEZA.]

Brilliant. 😂

[@Kwame_Citizen]

@@TheTripleDubya you got me 😂😂

[@new1st569]

The korean desinger of Bentley Bentayga backed to Korea, Genesis, and designed Genesis. So it is not copy or imitation of Bentley, but revison of Bentayga in Design.

[@jake8114]

Great review as always. It would be nice to see a bit more about build quality as shaking the center console shows only a small part of the car. Would be good to see interior/exterior panel gaps, paint quality, servicability, chassis thickness on ladder frame vehicles etc. Obviously this isn't the standard review methodology but could set this channel apart from the rest.

[@hughventer2934]

I absolutely love the fact it’s different, inside and out and the fact they’re owning it by putting it on all their cars is great.

[@johndoe-wh6td]

Hyundai and kia came along way from cheap affordable car into still affordable and nice looking car.

[@jethrohaha]

@@hojushigolsaneunsaram lol

[@victordo9408]

Pretty sure the city in the infotainment system is of Seoul, South Korea where the car is assembled.

[@dylee90]

I think so too - the bridge crossing the river with multi coloured lights suggest it’s most likely

[@camwaters29]

Ordered mine back in October 2020 and it was delivered to my home 2 weeks ago, am loving it. 3.5 lux pack with matte paint. If you are considering a larger suv, seriously try and get a test drive, you will be impressed!

[@harmansaroa8055]

Great review as always Paul. One thing you might have forgot to mention is that the price includes, I think, 5 years servicing with pick up and drop off facilities. So pretty much the major costs are covered for first 5 years.

[@kingwillbisthebest]

I really like it. Thanks for the vid

[@BenjaminMutuku]

I see Bentley elements and design features such as the front grill, or the gear control knob and the infotainment controls. Upholstery is exclusive and I agree - it will stain easily. The infotainment screen is cinematic - I like it. All around but curious if the price tag matches it. Wonderful review Paul.

[@dylee90]

The designer of this car worked previously at Bentley

[@BenjaminMutuku]

@@dylee90Oh, I didn't know that. That's interesting. Explains it.

[@ckcl78]

Sangyup Lee was the designer in charge of the Benttyaga so the elements in its design are quite visible on the G80

[@JamesZ888]

amazing review as always, please review the 2021 mazda cx5 the one with the updated infotainment screen

[@swanblake]

Absolutely love the GV80 inside and out. Such a elegant and bespoke design. I would easily take this over the frumpy GLE or the Boring RX. Love the colors and the materials used. So impressed by Genesis. I wish Paul was this hard on the German competitors on there reviews.

[@simoncouch1523]

Another wicked review thank you

[@tariqamjad863]

Hyundai/Kia has already proven to be very reliable cars. They’ve come a long way and they have the best warranty. They have the money to invest, and I believe Genesis has the opportunity of becoming the ‘new’ Lexus brand per se. Hands down this is the best value for money in the luxury segment and I would take it over the German competitors. I wish in this review it had the 22” wheels I’ve seen in other reviews/pictures.

[@ezekielwebb9335]

Awesome review Paul really like this car also do you think you could do a review on the genesis g80 sedan that would be great thanks

[@sebastiangorner7499]

Awesome Review! Please do BMW x5 and x7 Reviews, would love to know more.

[@mohamedarthil6249]

thats really a class interior design than any other brands.. infotainment screen looks super cool man

[@pdeep1981]

Great review man

[@joed545]

Great looking car, Hyundai and Genesis are really coming into their own. The Hyundai stigma is no more in my opinion.

[@nealphore]

Great car, great review

[@beograd07]

Paul, all your videos are great to watch. High quality and professional approach but light enough for a pleasant experience. I will never unsubscribe. There is only one suggestion. While you always start with design and you spend a fair bit of time explaining the looks which we can actually see (your video - your prerogative), you almost always miss to show us the blinkers in action. If you do sometimes then it may be just those on the side like in this video or those at the back only but never front and back. They add to the looks of the vehicle at night time and some of them like Skoda and Audi and other German brands have those LED animated which do add to the looks. So please can you add those few seconds to your videos and show them to us in action. It will take only a few blinks...

[@andrekleyn727]

I just love the Genises brand from Hyundai. It sets itself apart by a big margin and is more affordable than the German brands. Wish it was available in South Africa, not that I can afford one anyway.

[@JimmyjimmyJimmyjimmy-ih3yd]

Loving the LH Torana rear light treatment.

[@inderpreetsingh7823]

Another great review. Still waiting when you you will review BMW X7.

[@space787870]

Love to see a comparison review with the genesis 👍

[@faizxahmad]

I have to agree with you. This is an incredible start for the brand imho. Can’t wait to see the development of their vehicles in 5-10 years. All luxury brands start somewhere right? While this GV80 is a bit too big for my taste they recently launched the GV70 and I’m excited to see that review when the car becomes available.

[@steveh3949]

The Genesis looks great and a little different to other boxy large SUVs, with this positive review it must be a vehicle worth looking at in this class of car

[@gilbertbormate]

Hey can you do a comparison? Excited to see how this one rank between luxury car

[@kmuinde]

Paul is our Australian version of UK car wao, his reviews are just right

[@johnlarsson1475]

I like the styling. Very cool.

[@technical_radar7689]

nice and detailed review.....

[@Richard-sl8we]

Good review Paul, can the rear seats move back and forward? Also, when will written review + score be published on CE website?

[@mustang1000pk]

Another great review mate. Genesis have done an impressive job but i would rather like to go with V6 turbo engine

[@arshmalik6940]

My dream car

[@utsavratti]

Interesting that you like the front license plate’s effect on the grille. I’m driving mine naked at the moment because I don’t like the look with the front plate.

[@vuyomat25]

I must admit the car looks good. It's different from other SUVs & looks majestic inside.

[@ankurjohar1141]

I’ve purchased the 3.5T & have been driving for over a month. Loving it so far. The only thing I would complain is the poor fuel economy.

[@harrymaan2490]

Where did you buy it ?

[@ankurjohar1141]

Genesis Macquarie Park, Sydney NSW

[@therealjeffg]

Another great review Paul....when are we going to see you review your Tesla?

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

I really don't mind the looks!

[@andrewd7586]

Not into SUV’s but a great alternative to the mainstream brands AND up to spec! I’d definitely go a darker interior 😏👍🏼😎

[@ankurjohar1141]

Hi @PaulMaric - any chance you could review the 3.5T? Happy to lend you mine ☺️

[@clivehaynes2183]

Good video. Sadly it is not available in the UK.

[@RyanPlaysRamjet]

Hi Paul Are you able to make a review on the new 2021 BMW X3 20i M Sport as I’m interested in buying one just wondering if it would be possible for you to do a video on it. Would really appreciate this if it was possible Thanks Ryan

[@SCELO_MYEZA.]

Whenever I'm seeing Paul I'm reminded of his comment on the Land Rover Defender..." it's looks good , especially in this color. I might end up buying one, watch the space. If I can convince my wife enough " 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅 If you haven't bought it to this day, it means you didn't convince her enough. 😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@gregrae280]

Hi Paul , could you when reviewing a car do a night time test on the cars headlights . As a person who lives rural car headlights differ a lot with each car . Also it would be something different to all the other car reviewers on you tube .

[@henrikkoukku2896]

Genesis G and GV series (design: premium-luxury and design together) are and looks/looks like...😎👍🏼WOW🔥!.😍 The full Off-Road package (Full size=GV90🤔) model should still come in the range!.

[@Your.Uncle.AngMoh]

20:48 *Reversed. Inverted means it's upside down. This also comes as a seven-seater. There's also a feature in the upspec models where the speedo and tacho turn into blindspot mirrors when you put the blinkers on. If Genesis can build up its reputation, and maybe cut its price, the personal transport guys might preference it over a Merc GLE or Audi Q7.

[@Saksnav]

Great review! Genesis is a luxury bargain brand.

[@tpv59]

I might buy two!!!

[@al151]

This is not like buying apples from a grocery store lol

[@gregsullivan7408]

Given that I want second row climate controls, I'd need the Luxury Pack, which makes the base model about $110K in NSW. The base Q7 is $116K and has everything I need, but Audi discount, whereas Genesis don't, so I'd probably be able to get the Q7 for LESS than the GV. Additionally, the Q7 would have better fuel economy, AWD, height adjustable air suspension, is roomier, has a German badge, and has better commercial-use warranty. I'd get the Q7, despite the fact the GV has other features that aren't very important to me. I'm a chauffeur btw.

[@scottallison2296]

I like the styling and the interior looks extremely classy. The 2.4 would suit me just fine if I had that sort of money to spend. The GV70 will be interesting once released

[@Tomoyo0827]

After look at this car, you just know you paid way to much for a Mercedes or BMW badge

[@numpty94]

Well no shit right, they're established luxury brands

[@al151]

With the Germans, you are paying for a well proven history of luxury brands and not a new one trying to gain a spot in the big boys club. I still feel about Lexus the same way. Acura wouldn’t even qualify in my opinion.

[@Liriqos]

A FANTASTIC CAR TO BUY

[@erichyun6065]

Really love the colour, better than the bold white, black and silver luxury cars

[@dushenepaulusha7210]

do a review of the gv70

[@HughRussell06]

The infotainment system looks like they’ve stuck an ultrawide monitor in the car lol Ps: the infotainment system is actually a touchscreen

[@IamJay02]

Ps. He said that in the video

[@holidaymail]

I can see a few of these in front of caravans for the grey nomad set. What is the tow rating like?

[@chuckhpnwx]

It's gorgeous and the large grill works here. The GV70 is going to be even better looking.

[@-TJ-]

23:17 The "analogue" speedometer is running about 5km/h behind the digital one.

[@-TJ-]

@@DukeBen316663 My bad

[@adriancooper78]

GENESIS should have sent you the 3.5 turbo and a different color. Damn the prices for cars in Australia are as high as a satellite!!!😖 Your video is the only one that covered the 'quirks' of the infotainment system. Genesis will have to work on that, I suppose. Always an EXCELLENT REVIEW!!! I can't wait for them to send it to the United States. Waiting for the new GV70.

[@allanrobinson872]

Inside or outside I love it Beautiful. AR, Melbourne, Aust.

[@vasilidedousis4627]

The image on the infotainment system would have to Be Seoul as that's the capital of South Korea where the car is manufactured.

[@ezekielwebb9335]

I saw a gv80 on the road last weekend quite surprised to see one

[@ziggyzedly]

Anyone notice the phone cable changed from white 9:28 to black 9:44?

[@hadtobe4502]

The length of the infotainment screen is 14.5 inches, but it has a very narrow width. It may be good when going through the menus, but hopeless when viewing navigation, song lists, 3d camera etc.

[@LuvvSURYA]

You do so well and extensively detailed review. I wish you had the top end 3.5t for the review.

[@archechme]

With all the boring, predictable blobs that occupy our highways nowadays, it's nice to see something so fresh and original with the GV80. Only thing i have noticed is that the rear end is extremely reminiscent of the Volvo S90.

[@mr.forster2939]

Paul, is it good enough to save Tiger's life ?

[@gauravmangal1850]

Please make a video on Fortuner 2021

[@Gaurav4716]

Can you do a review for Palisade please

[@peace4myheart]

Genesis has come a long way in such a short period of time. Well done. Love the design.

[@gabrielhoegarden7140]

genesis? long way? they only been out for few years after hyundai recruited german engineers...

[@arnelbool154]

Any review on gv70? 🙂

[@haha-eg8fj]

Can the infotainment system store your favorite channel so you don't have to choose from a long list? In that case, it's always one or two clicks away if you use the steering wheel.

[@Leon-lp9fl]

A sniff of Bentley with Mazda,s grill. Looks rather good.

[@-TJ-]

Lots of knurled metal in the interior around the stalks and knobs is quite Bentley too.

[@justtime79]

Chief designers from Bentley. Luc donckerwolke and sang-youp Lee. That's why you can smell Bentley :)

[@craigstevenson7708]

How is that base model so speced out!?

[@laiseniaqorovakatini6882]

Do a review on the Jeep Gladiator

[@Grant0610]

This actually looks pretty decent. Looks fresher and classier than a lot of the German models!

[@silentrefusal9911]

Damn! Paul actually forgot contents of his review for a few seconds and had to remind himself interior review starts from the Key. Goes on to say how impressive this interior of GV-80 is

[@amanhunjan1116]

Looks stunning. Is it just me or the front looks like Bentley Bentayga. 2 rounds lights replaced by 2 rectangular ones 🤔

[@kylieballard2123]

I love the genesis 😊

[@HolidaysWithHumour]

It's a pity Genesis has NO dealership in Melbourne or anywhere in Victoria Australia......

[@figjam5181]

Is that true, your key is in your pocket and the tailgate opens if you approach the rear. That can be a real problem and unsafe. You’re in a car park and standing next to your vehicle and someone else walks by the rear of your vehicle and the tailgate opens.

[@aerienix]

Huh, I had thought it’d be a 7-seater. Might be an option, though.

[@obidean3964]

In some regions, u can get 7 seats, not sure in Aussie tho.

[@tonymillar5342]

The newest 21st Birthday Present in Sunnybank.

[@hedydd2]

Lovely car and obviously on the same platform as the Kia Sorento. Even nicer styling and extra-luxury trim and toys. I wonder whether the extra cost over and above a Sorento, whatever that figure might be, is justified?

[@daveb8745]

No it's not, the Sorento is on a FWD platform and the GV80 is on it's dedicated RWD platform

[@hedydd2]

@@daveb8745 Oh. They are very much alike in so many ways dimensionally and stylistically where it matters.

[@daveb8745]

@@hedydd2 Actually thought so before, I did some research on this, they are not related at all, Genesis has its own platform, it does not share anything with Hyundai/Kia in terms of it. You can look it up, I was quite surprised as I thought it was the same platform

[@edstraker8451]

Is it just me or do I see echoes of a Jenson Interceptor in the side rear?

[@lamborghini0610]

Great review! I think most people buying a luxury SUV would get a GLE450 or X5 40i before this. It's a lovely car but I just don't see most buyers choosing this over one of those.

[@sleepyjoescumbag1663]

Thank you someone with common sense in this comment section. 🙂

[@gabrielhoegarden7140]

hyundai + bentley + bmw + vw group designers = genesis 🔥🔥🔥 theyre killing the car industry with korean - german engineering 👍👍👍

[@dragospahontu]

But i like Honda

[@skippysdead]

You need to test the diesel model which will be more popular, they say. The interior shots were very well lit and showed it well, leaving me with the feeling that I need to drive one; a diesel that is with AWD and clever suspension. Fawn leather might be a better choice inside, but thank God for something other than the ubiquitous black.

[@cyberflex6243]

Looks fantastic, didn't realize it was Hyundai

[@obidean3964]

It's not Hyundai really because technically Genesis sits on bespoke RWD platform (ala German), not shared with any Hyundai Kia which unlike Lexus which has most of its lineup (ES, UX, GX, LX) based on existing Toyota models (Avalon, CH-R, Prado, Land Cruiser) accordingly

[@fengfan3996]

is the $90,600 include on-road costs?

[@Mark-de4hj]

It's interesting that you mention taking something from Lexus and implementing it here. I also see a lot of Mercedes going on which is generally good. However, I think that could also be its downfall. l get an 'old' vibe when I look at this car; like it's been done before. I would expect newer "luxury" to be more youthful, fresher and innovative but instead I get a kind of throwback vibe which makes it hard to imagine younger folks in it. But then that may not be the demography this car is trying to appeal to. Even the Lexus RX, one of its competitors and the best seller in the segment, has a more youthful lighter futuristic vibe, and Acura, BMW, Infinity and even Tesla, has a freshness. Additionally, upscale dealership experience is an integral part of luxury and is missing from the Hyundai/Genesis brand so that would be a huge bummer coming from another established luxury brand.

[@jesuscarus2161]

You have a Tesla, Quick question please, wait for the new Model S-X or or this Genesis?

[@markward2824]

Mate do you reference Toyota as much when you’re reviewing Lexus? The diesel is an inline 6 not a V6 as you mentioned Also didn’t mention services are included Didn’t mention that it’s available in a 7 seat variant 🤷‍♂️

[@harrymaan2490]

Most of these reviewers are partial , they get paid good money 🤫

[@park.t.s9944]

good

[@tempestv8]

The front doesn't do anything for me but the rear looks like it has Aston Martin DB9 DNA.