If you’re driving around with your family, you likely want a vehicle that offers safety, comfort, and a great driving experience. The new Genesis GV80 is an excellent SUV to consider. Here’s why Good Housekeeping chose the GV80 as the best luxury midsize SUV for families in 2021.

Good Housekeeping’s ‘The Best New Family Cars of 2021’

In partnership with Car and Driver, Good Housekeeping evaluated hundreds of vehicles to select the best new family cars of 2021. These vehicles “stand out for performance, value, and bonus features” and occupy several segments. The GH team chose the vehicles that are the safest and provide a great ride. Car and Driver also gave these vehicles high marks.

The reviewers test-drove the vehicles on different roads and checked car seat installation and infotainment ease of use. They also assessed the vehicles for comfort and convenience, checking for storage space, seat adjustments, and easy-to-use technology features. Some vehicles also offer something a little extra, whether they’re extra USB ports, special storage spaces, or extra cargo room.

Good Housekeeping also considered value and fuel efficiency. Genesis ended up with two winners on the list: the G90 for the best luxury full-size sedan and the GV80 for the best luxury midsize SUV.

How the 2021 Genesis GV80 won for the best luxury midsize SUV for families

Good Housekeeping chose the Genesis GV80 for its “style and sophistication” as well as performance. It also offers “agile handling” and “an ultra-quiet interior.”

Notable features include a semiautonomous driving mode and automated emergency braking as part of its standard suite of driver-assistance features. The GV80’s Smart Cruise Control uses “machine learning to better understand a driver’s unique style.” This SUV also has an “upscale and modern” interior, and it comes with a long warranty for peace of mind.

However, Good Housekeeping points out not everything is perfect in the Genesis GV80. The third-row seats are a bit small, although not all GV80 SUVs have a third row. Also, the touchscreen is short and wide, so the physical buttons are easier to use.

Overview of the 2021 Genesis GV80

Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury brand, and the GV80 is its first SUV. In fact, it recently debuted for the 2021 model year. U.S. News also likes the GV80, calling it “the total package … posh, enjoyable to drive, and loaded with tech.”

The GV80 generally has two rows to seat five people. The Advanced+ trim has the third row and can seat seven, although the third row is snug. The space for cargo is also quite small when there is a third row. The second row provides two sets of LATCH connectors for child car seats, plus a tether anchor for the middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the system Acceptable (the second-highest rating) because some lower anchors are deep in the seats and tough to reach.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offers has two engine options: a 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder or a 375-hp turbocharged V6. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes with either engine. The base engine is rated for 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is a bit better than average for the class. The V6 is rated for 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

The GV80 comes standard with a 14.5-inch touchscreen primarily controlled with a rotary controller. It also provides “navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto,” U.S. News reports. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, and tri-zone automatic climate control is available. Other optional features are wireless device charging and a 21-speaker Lexicon audio system.

The IIHS rated the GV80 as Good (the highest rating) for all six crash tests. The institute also gave the SUV the highest rating of Superior for its standard front crash prevention systems. For headlights, the GV80 received Acceptable (the second-highest). It has a long list of standard advanced safety features.

U.S. News says the 2021 GV80 “is one of the most affordable vehicles in the class, making it a stellar value.” Starting prices for its three trims range from $48,900 to $57,050. The top trim with all-wheel drive and the V6 engine starts at $70,950.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offers luxury and value in an attractive package. It provides families with plenty of advanced safety features plus the comfort and tech expected from a luxury vehicle.