Today, most consumers like to buy SUVs, so it’s tough for an automotive brand not to offer one. This has been the problem for Genesis, which sold only luxury sedans until the recent addition of its SUV, the GV80. The Genesis GV80 may be late to the show, but it has plenty to offer and is ready to go.

The brief history of the Genesis GV80

Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury division, but the first Hyundai Genesis model was introduced in 2003 as a concept car. The first Hyundai Genesis model debuted for the 2007 model year, Genesis of South San Antonio reports. The Genesis brand was formed in 2015. And by 2020, the brand offered three sedans and one SUV, the GV80. In today’s climate, where buyers prefer SUVs to sedans, the new GV80 is a strong addition to the lineup.

The Genesis GV80 is already a top luxury SUV

The 2021 Genesis GV80 earns a 7.8 out of 10 for its interior score from U.S. News. This SUV might be new, but it arrives with high-quality comfort. U.S. News says that “its interior exudes classic luxury.”

It has excellent materials, along with “gorgeous, elegant styling.” The seats are “deliciously comfortable” and provide passengers with plenty of headroom and legroom. A third row is optional, although it’s a bit snug.

The Genesis GV80 features luxury technology as well. It comes with a 14.5-inch display screen, which is usually user-friendly. A 12-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and HD Radio are standard. Also standard are navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and four USB ports. Wireless device charging and a 21-speaker Lexicon audio system are available options.

In addition, dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, and tri-zone automatic climate control can be added. A panoramic sunroof is also available.

Trim options for the 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offers three trim levels: the base model, Advanced, and Prestige. The Advanced+ version of the second trim is the only option with a third row, U.S. News reports. All three trims have available with all-wheel drive. They come with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp. A 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 generating 375 hp is also available, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Base trim

The base trim starts at $48,900. In addition to the standard technology features, it comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery plus power-adjustable and heated front seats. Its myriad advanced safety features include “a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, front and rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane change assist, blind-spot monitoring, vehicle exit warning, and driver drowsiness monitoring,” U.S. News reports.

All-wheel drive is available with the base engine for an additional $5,750. AWD and the V6 engine add $10,250 to the price. Models with all-wheel drive also have “a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a rear-seat reminder, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging,” according to U.S. News.

Advanced trim

The Advanced trim starts at $52,800. With all-wheel drive, the trim costs $59,000. With the V6 engine and all-wheel drive, it starts at $64,350. The Advanced+ trim, which has a third row, the V6 engine, and all-wheel drive, starts at $65,050. This trim has “a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a rear-seat reminder, a heated steering wheel, wireless device charging, and a 21-speaker Lexicon audio system,” U.S. News says.

In addition to all-wheel drive, this trim provides leather upholstery, a surround-view parking camera, and additional safety features. That includes remote smart parking assist, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a blind spot camera. Models with the V6 engine have “heated rear seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a head-up display.” The Advanced+ includes these features plus a power-folding third row.

Prestige trim

The Prestige trim starts at $57,050. But with all-wheel drive, it starts at $63,400. Adding the V6 engine and all-wheel drive increases the starting price to $70,950. This trim provides leather upholstery, heated rear seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. It adds “a blind-spot camera, a surround-view parking camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and remote smart parking assist.”

With AWD, this trim adds a head-up display. And with the V6 engine and AWD, the Prestige trim provides “Nappa leather upholstery, power door closure, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and power-adjustable rear seats.”

The 2021 Genesis GV80 is a newly available SUV and the first from Genesis. It’s a strong offering from the brand and provides buyers with plenty of luxury features in a comfortable and stylish vehicle.