What’s the Best 2021 Genesis GV80 Trim? Here’s Our Guide

So you know you’re interested in a Genesis GV80, the first SUV from the luxury division of Hyundai/Kia. Great first step, but now there are some decisions to make.

Genesis offers each of its powertrain combinations (four-cylinder RWD, four-cylinder AWD, and six-cylinder AWD) at different feature levels (Base, Advanced, and Prestige), but the content included at those levels changes depending on the running gear. There can be a lot of information to sort through, so let’s dive in.

One of the GV80’s greatest strengths is its feature-per-dollar value. Even with a starting price below $50,000, Genesis includes a generous list of standard equipment. Starting with the exterior, the base GV80 rolls on 19-inch wheels and sports LED headlights and taillights, plus automatic high beams. Heated power-folding side mirrors are standard, too, as are approach lights that project the Genesis logo on the ground alongside the vehicle.

Stepping inside, the base GV80 dons leatherette seat upholstery wrapped around a 12-way power driver’s seat and 12-way power passenger seat, both of which are heated. All models include a 14.5-inch center infotainment display, with integrated navigation plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 12-speaker audio. There’s also an 8.0-inch instrument cluster display with analog gauges. Dual-zone automatic climate control and ambient interior lighting are both standard.

Genesis also includes most of its driver assist content on the base GV80. Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control is standard as is Highway Driving Assist II, a semi-autonomous lane following and adaptive cruise feature that now includes functionality for lane changes. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are included as well. The base GV80 also features automatic emergency braking, driver attention warning, and safe exit assist. Front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and a hands-free power liftgate are standard, too.

Shelling out a few extra grand for a GV80 2.5T RWD with the Advanced package adds worthwhile luxury features to the already impressive base model. To start, the package includes a panoramic sunroof and rear window sunshades.

Other additional features include ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, Lexicon 21-speaker premium audio, and rear occupant alert. The Advanced package also grants digital key functionality, which enables drivers to use their smartphone in place of a conventional key fob.

Prestige is Genesis-speak for the highest level of luxury and feature content with any given powertrain. In the case of the four-cylinder, rear-drive GV80, that starts with swapping the 19-inch wheels for 20s and changing out the leatherette seat upholstery for leather. In place of the 12-way driver’s seat, Prestige package cars feature a 16-way seat with Ergo Motion air support which claims to reduce fatigue.

Springing for the Prestige package on the GV80 2.5T RWD also adds heated second-row seats and three-zone climate control, and there are a couple convenient safety features, too. The blind-spot view monitor displays in the instrument cluster a video feed of the corresponding blind spot upon turn signal activation.

Looking at parking assistance, a 360-degree camera system and rear collision avoidance braking minimize the chance of an accident, and remote smart parking assist (remember that “Smaht Pahk” ad?) can help you squeeze into or out of a tight spot.

Opting for a base four-cylinder GV80 with four driven wheels instead of two yields a few of the luxury features included in the RWD SUV’s Advanced package. The base GV80 2.5T AWD includes all the content of its rear-driven counterpart, plus the panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and digital key functionality. A wireless charging pad and heated steering wheel are also standard, as is rear occupant alert. Prices for this model jump to around $55,700.

Adding the Advanced package yields all of the same content it does on the RWD car, plus a few extras. The 20-inch wheels will be the most noticeable, but Advanced 2.5T AWD variants also gain those bonus safety and parking features (blind-spot view monitor, 360-degree camera, rear collision avoidance braking, and remote smart parking assist) plus leather seating.

Spending the extra cash for the GV80 2.5T AWD Prestige means all the content of the rear-drive Prestige-package car (fancy driver’s seat, three-zone climate control, heated second-row seats) and a few noteworthy additions. The 20-inch wheels get swapped for huge 22-inch alloys, and the compact spare tire is replaced with a fix-a-flat tire mobility kit. Prestige models also add active noise cancellation and a head-up display.

The entry-level six-cylinder GV80 includes all the same equipment as the base GV80 2.5T AWD. Only what’s under the hood changes; a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 that develops 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque takes the place of the 2.5-liter turbo I-4. For this model, expect to pay more than $60,500.

Dropping additional dough for the Advanced package on a six-cylinder GV80 results in the same features as on the 2.5T AWD model, with certain content from that car’s Prestige package. In this case, Advanced brings the 16-way power driver’s seat with Ergo Motion, heated second-row seats, three-zone automatic climate control, and the head-up display.

The Advanced + package is exclusively available on GV80s with AWD and the twin-turbo V-6, and it includes all the same content as the Advanced package with one notable exception. In addition to the five-passenger seating of most GV80s, Advanced + vehicles add a power-folding third-row bench, expanding seating capacity to seven. We don’t recommend it, though; leg- and headroom are cramped to say the least.

This is it: the most expensive, feature-packed GV80 you can buy. With the exception of three-row seating, the 3.5T AWD model’s Prestige package includes every goodie we’ve mentioned so far—including the 22-inch wheels, noise cancellation, Ergo Motion driver’s seat, and clever safety tech—plus exclusive extras.

The first thing you’ll notice are the power-closing doors, which we’re more used to seeing on Rolls Royces than on Genesis vehicles. This top-spec GV80 continues to impress inside, with Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable second-row seating.

Rear passengers also benefit from second-row vanity mirrors and power sunshades. For the driver, the Prestige package also adds a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster plus an attention warning that can detect closed eyes or a lack of focus.

The sweet spot of the GV80 range seems to be the 3.5T AWD with the Advanced package. We found the turbocharged four-cylinder not quite up to the task of motivating this heavy luxury SUV. Opting for the Advanced model means 20-inch wheels yielding better ride quality than the Prestige trim on 22s, plus you get the fancy seats and head-up display. That said, we wouldn’t fault anyone for taking advantage of the base model’s value; considering the feature content included under $50,000, it’s a steal.