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Genesis must be proud of the youngest addition to its family. J.D. Power just awarded the team behind the GV80 its engineering award for the highest-rated all-new vehicle. Genesis engineered its first SUV from the ground-up and the result won multiple awards including our own SUV of the Year.

Promo shot of a Hyundai GV80 crossover SUV parked by the water.
Hyundai GV80 | Hyundai

J.D. Power brands itself as a consumer insights company. It pioneered leveraging data analytics to help consumers make intelligent decisions since 1968.

According to Genesis, J.D. Power compiles consumer evaluations in two categories: initial quality and overall appeal. The watch group conducts an initial quality study (IQS) by tracking the percentage of new vehicles with unexpected problems. It also surveys new owners on how happy they are with their purchase after they’ve had a few months to live with their new car.

After all the data is in, J.D. Power chooses one newly introduced vehicle with the highest ratings for its new vehicle engineering award. The way the GV80 won overall was being light-years ahead of the average score in its segment.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 rides on an all-new chassis

For years, Hyundai’s Genesis brand has dominated the luxury car market. The GV80 is the brand’s first-ever SUV. With advanced features such as navigation-based intelligent cruise control and remote parking assist, it is already winning over luxury SUV fans.

The Genesis GV80 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV built by the Hyundai Motor Group. Depending on the trim level you order, your GV80 will either be an RWD with a 2.5-liter turbocharged I4 or an AWD with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6.

The Hyundai Motor Group went to a lot of trouble to get the GV80 right: they engineered an all-new platform named “M3.” Presumably, we’ll see similar vehicles with Kia and Hyundai badges soon. But right now, the only vehicle on this chassis is the GV80.

J.D. Power loves Hyundai

For its part, Hyundai is very proud of its new GV80:

“ We are pleased to receive this recognition from J.D. Power. With its refined performance, bold design, leading technologies, and exceptional comfort, it is no surprise that GV80 continues to be a favorite of our customers and industry observers alike.”

Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America

This is far from the first award J.D. Power has awarded Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis). For the 2021 model year alone, multiple Hyundai vehicles took home trophies:

  • 2021 Hyundai Accent won J.D. Power’s best small car.
  • 2021 Kia Sportage is J.D. Power’s best compact SUV.
  • 2021 Kia Forte won J.D. Power’s best compact car.
  • 2021 Kia Telluride earned J.D. Power’s best upper midsize SUV.
  • 2021 Genesis G80 took home J.D. Power’s upper midsize premium car.
  • 2021 Kia Sedona is J.D. Power’s favorite minivan.

The Genesis G80 had to beat out the BMW 5 Series, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the Audi A6 to win best of its class. J.D. Power gave the upper midsize premium car an 80/100. Its strongest category was Quality & Reliability (86/100).

See all of our finalists for MotorBiscuit SUV of the Year. Or watch a review of the GV80 in the video below:

Related

2021 Genesis GV80 Review, Pricing, and Specs

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.