Styling Updates and Exterior Changes
The 2025 Genesis GV80 has received its first major refresh, focusing mainly on the exterior styling and some feature updates. While the changes to the exterior are relatively minor, they enhance the overall elegance of the SUV. The front grille now has double bars to match the lights and fender accents, and the headlights feature a new array of small LEDs. The front bumper has a new pseudo-skid plate garnish, and the rear bumper no longer has exhaust cutouts. However, one notable update is the new all-metal hood badge with etched guilloche-style detailing, which adds a touch of luxury to the vehicle’s appearance.
Revamped Interior
The interior of the 2025 GV80 has undergone significant changes, making it even better than its predecessor and positioning it as a class-leading SUV. The most notable update is the new 27-inch OLED screen that encompasses both the instruments and infotainment. Despite its silky-smooth and crisp display, some might find the light beige graphics lacking in contrast and readability. Nevertheless, Genesis has retained the redundant infotainment control setup, offering both a touchscreen and a rotary controller on the center console. The new controller has a more tactile and responsive knob that replaces the previous iPod-like disk. Additionally, both the controller and the shifter dial feature “crystal-like” surrounds that add an expensive feel and aesthetic appeal. While the touch buttons and display for climate controls may seem unnecessary, they are still functional, and the temperature-setting knobs are appreciated.
Improved Materials and Colors
Genesis has gone above and beyond with its selection of interior color and materials options for the 2025 GV80. The SUV offers brown or crème-colored leather seats paired with a distinctive pale forest green on the dash, doors, and steering wheel. Alternatively, there is also a blue dash/door/wheel option with white seats. For those who prefer a more conservative look, there is an all-black and a dark gray with a dark reddish-brown option. However, the standout choices are the two-toned interiors, which come with intriguing trim options. One notable choice is a hardened woven fabric made from recycled PET plastics and basalt, creating a unique and sustainable material. Another innovative option is the use of newspaper wood, where stacks of newspaper are transformed into composite wood and cut and sanded to fit the trim pieces. These new materials set the GV80 apart as a true luxury vehicle that offers something truly unique.
Enhanced Features
The 2025 GV80 also receives several enhancements to its feature set. The most significant update is the addition of standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a long-awaited feature for many consumers. Additionally, the SUV now features laminated cabin glass and improved sound insulation throughout, resulting in an impressively quiet interior. The available active noise canceling further enhances the driving experience. The Digital Key is now compatible with Apple, Samsung, and Google phones, and the key can be shared via Apple’s iMessage. For added security, there is also a fingerprint reader for additional authentication. Genesis offers Connected Services complimentary for the first owner of every GV80, providing WiFi hot spot access, remote access, post-crash assistance, and image capture from surround-view cameras. Lastly, the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system boasts 350 more watts of power than the previous Lexicon audio upgrade.
Ambient Mood Features
While some features may fall into the gimmick category, Genesis has introduced a unique ambient mood feature in the GV80. Building upon the previous “Nature Sounds” ambient noise player, Genesis now combines moody sounds with lighting and scents. The SUV is available with various perfume cartridges that can put occupants in a particular mood, from invigorated to relaxed. While this feature may seem gimmicky, it adds an element of fun and personalization to the driving experience.
Driving Dynamics and Pricing
Mechanically, the 2025 GV80 remains largely unchanged. It offers the same options of a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The V6 model delivers impressive power and the steering is weighty and accurate, although it is noted to lack feel. The SUV’s adaptive suspension provides a soft and comfortable ride, though it may feel somewhat floaty and roly due to the vehicle’s weight. The eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth, but it falls short of the smoothness and quickness found in German luxury SUVs. Nonetheless, Genesis has made some improvements, including monoblock front brake calipers and slight steering corrections to compensate for crosswinds.
In terms of pricing, Genesis has maintained its competitive position in the luxury SUV segment. Most starting prices remain unchanged, with the base four-cylinder trim starting at $59,050. The trim with the largest price increase, the 2.5T Advanced, is only up by $1,400 to $66,950. Compared to its key rivals, such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, the GV80 offers a few thousand dollars’ advantage. The V6 models start at $75,150, with the most expensive option being the 3.5T Prestige at $80,650. These prices remain unchanged from the previous model. While the BMW and Mercedes alternatives may offer similar power at a lower cost, they lack many of the features included in the base V6 GV80. When equipped similarly, the BMW is only a few hundred dollars away from the GV80, and the Mercedes ends up being a few thousand dollars more expensive.
Conclusion
Despite the limited mechanical updates, the 2025 Genesis GV80 stands out as an outstanding luxury SUV, primarily due to its revamped interior, enhanced features, and competitive pricing. The new 27-inch OLED screen and the selection of high-quality materials elevate the vehicle’s luxury appeal. The addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, laminated cabin glass, sound insulation, active noise canceling, and the Bang & Olufsen sound system further enhance the overall driving experience. While some features, such as the ambient mood feature, may be viewed as gimmicky, they add a sense of fun and personalization to the SUV. Although the driving dynamics could benefit from more refinement, the GV80 remains on par with its predecessor, providing a solid driving experience. Ultimately, the combination of these factors makes the 2025 Genesis GV80 a compelling and value-packed luxury SUV that should not be overlooked.
