Names like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Infinity dominate the U.S. luxury midsized sedan market. But those old-school car brands should take note as the new Genesis G80 makes its way toward the front of the class. The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport dials up the performance from previous G80 versions thanks to standard issue all-wheel drive (AWD), a twin-turbo V6, and performance-tuned suspension. 

Road and Track had a chance to review the 2022 Genesis G80 

Raphael Orlove from Road and Track recently had the opportunity to test-drive a 2022 Genesis G80 Sport on California State Route 74. Route 74 is a twisty stretch of asphalt that winds from the desert into the California mountains outside of Palm Springs that Orlove describes as “a necklace splayed out on a dresser.” 

Orlove’s description of the G80’s suspension, power, and braking suggests it could be the perfect midsize luxury sedan, even going so far as to say, “It’s as good to drive as any German sports sedan.” According to Orlove, Genesis, a subsidiary of Hyundai, likely has former BMW M division’s Albert Biermann to thank for many of the G80’s finer performance points as Biermann left BMW for Hyundai; because “he felt that corporate was making the cars too soft and bland.”

The romance between Orlove and the G80 Sport turned sour after the mountain test-drive phase. Orlove commended the G80 Sport’s handing, power, and braking but did not find the same level of craftsmanship inside the car, noting that “the G80’s interior does not feel luxurious.” Orlove found the interior space less than spacious for a relatively large vehicle and was particularly offended by the faux carbon fiber trim inside the cabin that “looks like carpet.”

Car and Driver shared its thoughts on the luxury sedan

The Car and Driver team notes that the 2022 Genesis G80 Sport improves upon the previous year’s complete redesign. The G80 Sport issued to the Car and Driver crew featured the top-of-the-line Prestige trim that allows adaptive suspension settings for a stiffer front and rear ride. The G80 Sport Prestige also features rear-wheel steering for more stable handling above 37 mph and a tighter turning radius at lower speeds. The team also points out that the 2022 V6, AWD-equipped model weighs 4495 pounds, 163 pounds less than the similarly equipped 2018 G80 they tested previously. 

The similarities between both reviews include admiration for the G80 Sport’s adaptive suspension and AWD, the power generated by its 375-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, and its 391 lb-ft of torque that’s available from 1300 to 4500 rpm for smooth power whether exiting a hairpin turn or passing a dump truck at highway speeds. 

Although included in its review, Car and Driver did not find the same level of dissatisfaction with the G80’s interior finishings. Instead, the reviewers remained neutral on the aluminum and carbon-fiber trim, replacing previous versions’ woold trim. 

How much does the Genesis G80 Sport cost?

Car and Driver reveals the base price for a 2022 Genesis G80 is under $65,000, while the loaded test car comes in at around $72,600. Comparing the loaded G80 to a similarly well-equipped rival makes the G80 a relative bargain. 

Is the Genesis G80 worth buying?

If you’re looking for a sporty sedan that checks some of the significant performance-related boxes and can overlook the G80’s apparent lack of luxury touches, then the Genesis G80 is worth a test drive. On the other hand, if you can’t ignore the G80’s interior shortcomings, don’t need racecar-like handling, and have room in your budget for another $5,000, look at the Genesis GV80 SUV.