The G80 might seem like a toddler running in the veteran land, but Genesis sure knows how to impress. Adopting a simple business philosophy Genesis delivers a better product at a lower price than most competitors. This earns them a bulletproof blend of price, quality, and performance with which Hyundai's sister concern aims to reach its zenith soon. While Genesis's stable is filled with solid cars one sedan stands out for the third time in the row- The G80.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Features
8.0
Interior
8.0
7.6
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
7.6
Overall Rating
Genesis conjures three engine options to pair with the G80’s 8-speed automatic transmission. The basic G80 comes with a 3.8 L V6 engine which generates the maximum power of 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque. The G80 might offer a great price to power ratio but still has a long way to beat it's Japanese and American counterparts.
2020 Genesis G80 Angular Front View
2020 Genesis G80 Angular Rear View
8.0/10 Features
8.0/10 Interior
2020 Genesis G80 Features
8.0/10
There are a total of 3 engines on offer on the Genesis G80 sedan. The base 3.8 V6 is available as both AWD and RWD. It can be bought for 3 configs, standard, premium and ultimate.
Features such as cruise control, heated power adjusted seats, LED DRL, Lexicon speakers, etc. are standard on these trims. Then, there is the newly introduced 3.3T V6 motor on the Sports trim of the G80. It is also available as RWD or AWD and in the same Premium and Ultimate trims. Sporty features such as adaptive dampers and visual features such as sporty front and rear bumper help differentiate these trims from others.
At the top is a 5.0L V6 engine which is offered in both AWD and RWD. The trims on offer are again the same, premium and ultimate. 19-inch alloy wheels, 17 speaker Lexicon system, 9.2 inch HD screen are some of the features that are standard on these trims.
All the trims are paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Trims
Standard 3.8 RWD
3.8 Premium RWD
3.8 Ultimate RWD
Standard 3.8 AWD
3.8 Premium AWD
3.8 Ultimate AWD
MSRP
$42,050
$46,750
$51,850
$44,250
$49,250
$54,350
Features
Smart Cruise Control with stop/start
Includes Standard features
Includes Standard and Premium Package features
All Wheel Drive System
Includes Standard features
Includes Standard and Premium Package features
Bi-Xenon HID headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
LED foglights
Shift-by-Wire
Smart Cruise Control with stop/start
All Wheel Drive System
Shift-by-Wire
Heated dual power side mirrors with turn-signal indicators
Power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof
Full LED headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL)
Bi-Xenon HID headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
LED foglights
Full LED headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL)
Power folding auto-dimming side mirrors with Genesis logo approach lights
Lexicon 14-speaker surround-sound audio
Premium leather seating surfaces
Heated dual power side mirrors with turn-signal indicators
Power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof
Premium leather seating surfaces
Integrated Memory System for driver seat, side mirrors, and steering column
7-inch color LCD Multi-Information Display
Power driver seat cushion extender and side bolster
Power folding auto-dimming side mirrors with Genesis logo approach lights
Lexicon 14-speaker surround-sound audio
Power driver seat cushion extender and side bolster
Leather-wrapped power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
Wireless Device Charging (front) Qi standard
Genuine matte-finish wood trim and aluminum trim
Integrated Memory System for driver seat, side mirrors, and steering column
7-inch color LCD Multi-Information Display
Genuine matte-finish wood trim and aluminum trim
Haptic steering wheel/steering wheel audio, cruise, and phone controls
Front and rear parking sensors
Full-color Heads-up Display
Leather-wrapped power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
Wireless Device Charging (front) Qi standard
Full-color Heads-up Display
4.3-inch color LCD Multi-Information Display
Ventilated front seats
Multi-view Camera System
Haptic steering wheel/steering wheel audio, cruise, and phone controls
Front and rear parking sensors
Multi-view Camera System
An 8-inch touchscreen navigation system
Heated rear seats
9.2" HD touchscreen
4.3-inch color LCD Multi-Information Display
Ventilated front seats
9.2" HD touchscreen
Rearview camera with parking guidelines
Power rear sunshade
Lexicon 17-speaker surround-sound audio
An 8-inch touchscreen navigation system
Power rear sunshade
Lexicon 17-speaker surround-sound audio
AM/FM/Sirius/HD Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with 7 speakers
Manual rear side window shades
Power trunk lid
Rearview camera with parking guidelines
Manual rear side window shades
Power trunk lid
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Dual-mode front vent control and CO2 Sensor
AM/FM/Sirius/HD Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with 7 speakers
Dual mode front vent control and CO2 Sensor
Front: 1 USB data/charge + 1 USB charge only
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Heated steering wheel
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
Front: 1 USB data/charge + 1 USB charge only
Leather seating surfaces
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
12-way power heated front seats including power lumbar
Leather seating surfaces
Power windows with front and rear auto-down/up with pinch protection
12-way power heated front seats including power lumbar
Proximity Key with push-button start/Intelligent Drive Mode
Power windows with front and rear auto-down/up with pinch protection
Dual automatic temperature control
Proximity Key with push-button start/Intelligent Drive Mode
Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink
Dual automatic temperature control
Rain-sensing wipers with an auto defogging windshield
Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink
Hands-free smart trunk with auto open
Rain-sensing wipers with an auto defogging windshield
TPMS with individual tire pressure indicator
Hands-free smart trunk with auto open
Genesis Connected Services Telematics System with Connected Care, Remote & Guidance (3 years complimentary)
TPMS with individual tire pressure indicator
Sirius Travel Link (3 years complimentary)
Genesis Connected Services Telematics System with Connected Care, Remote & Guidance (3 years complimentary)
Sirius Travel Link (3 years complimentary)
We Recommend
We recommend that you go for the newly introduced sport trim with its 3.3L twin-turbo V6. The engine feels great and offers the perfect balance of sportiness and luxury. The extra visual appliques add to the overall character of the car. Importantly, it's not more expensive over the standard 3.8L engined trim and is actually fun to drive as well.
2020 Genesis G80 Engine and Performance
This G80's focus isn't performance, but it offers enough of it for most owners. Most European competitors will be quicker and more engaging to drive, but the G80 is no slouch either. We do wish its electronic safety aids were far less intrusive"- Edmunds
Engine and Transmission
Genesis delivers a plentiful with three engine options, they kick start the G80 line up with a naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 engine, followed by a 3.3L twin-turbo V6 engine and ending it with a range-topping 5.0L V6 engine. All of them are paired with a slick 8-speed automatic transmission. The standard 3.8L V6 engine is an okay-ish engine at max which satisfies the needs of people who desire the only luxury from their vehicle. The new twin-turbo, on the other hand, is a delight to drive while the beastly 5.0L V6 is an out and out powerful engine that is an enthusiast's darling.
Model
Genesis G80 Standard
Cadillac XTS
Lincoln Continental Premier
Lexus GS 350
MSRP
$42,050
$46,895
$49,945
$51,245
Engine
3.8L DOHC 24-valve V6
3.6L SIDI DOHC V6
3.7L Ti-VCT V6
3.5L V6 24V DOHC
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Power
311 hp
304 hp
305 hp
311 hp
Torque
293 lb-ft
264 lb-ft
280 lb-ft
280 lb-ft
On paper, the G80 is one of the better-powered cars amongst its rivals. The Lexus GS 350 features more or less the same power setup. The Cadillac XTS and the Lincoln Continental Premier while being thousands of dollars more expensive than the G80, fall short in terms of performance.
Acceleration
The acceleration on the G80 Standard is laid back, to say the least. The car takes its own sweet time to build up some momentum. Even when it is in the process of building speed there is absolutely no drama from the chassis or the engine in terms of sound or performance.
Model
Genesis G80 Standard
Cadillac XTS
Lincoln Continental Premier
Lexus GS 350
060 mph
6.4 sec
6.9 sec
6.8 sec
6.1 sec
Quarter Mile
14.7 sec
15.3 sec
14.9 sec
13.8 sec
Engine
3.8L
3.6L
3.7L
3.5L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
8.0
8.0
8.8
7.7
In comparison with rivals, the G80 takes 6.4 sec to go from 0 to 60 mph and the quarter of mile comes up in 14.7 sec. It is second to only the Lexus GS 350 which about 0.3 seconds faster in the 0-60 mph run and 0.9 seconds faster in the quarter-mile run. The Lincoln is closely behind the G80 at 6.8 seconds for 0-60 mph and the Caddy falls at the back of the pack with 6.9 seconds for 0-60 mph run.
Braking
The braking aspect of the G80 sedan will not for one moment let you forget that you're driving a luxury sedan. The pedal in itself is spongy and the response is relaxed, to say the least. The car requires a decent push of the pedal for the brakes to become active.
Model
Genesis G80 Standard
Cadillac XTS
Lincoln Continental Premier
Lexus GS 350
60 0 mph
109
116
110
119
Curb Weight (lbs.)
4195
4021
4224
3726
Brake (Front)
13.6
13.6
13.9
13.1
Brake (Rear)
12.4
12.4
13.6
12.2
In comparison with the rivals, the Genesis comes out on the top with 109 ft stopping distance in a 60-0 mph halt even after sporting a curb weight of 4195 lbs. The Lincoln Continental is the second best at 110 ft while both the Lexus and the Caddy take over 5-10 feet more to stop than the G80.
Ride and Handling
The ride and handling of the G80 is calm and composed, to say the least. The car is tuned to be the best of luxury sedans and is not aiming at enthusiasts at all. The new 3.3T V6 engine does its bit to try to add a little sportiness to the persona of the car. But, all in all, the car suffers from being a hefty vehicle.
The steering response is just a little over nonexistent as is the case with most the luxury cars of the present times. The suspension, however, is pretty sweet at what it does by swallowing potholes and bad roads like they're nothing.
2020 Genesis G80 Fuel Economy
Fuel economy on the Genesis G80 is nothing that the company would put under the spotlight. The engines on the G80 are fuel guzzlers as most of them return a substandard fuel economy figure. The twin-turbo V6, however, is much better at it than the other engines.
In direct comparison with the competition, the Lexus GS steals the crown with only 1 mpg combined more than the G80 at 23 mpg. The Caddy offers pretty much the same FE as the G80 while the Lincoln is at the back end of the line with only 20 mpg combined.
Model
Genesis G80 Standard
Cadillac XTS
Lincoln Continental Premier
Lexus GS 350
MPG (City)
19
19
17
20
MPG (Hwy)
27
28
26
28
MPG (Combined)
22
22
20
23
2020 Genesis G80 Interior
8.0/10
The interior space and controls are well-designed, with an easy-to-use interface and lots of adjustability for the driver. The most glaring oversight is the obstructed forward visibility while making left-hand turns. Together, the pillar and sideview mirror create considerable interference"- Edmunds
Seating and Comfort
Genesis continues its tradition by keeping the interiors as minimalistic as they can. Sure they are plush with a lot of soft touches like suede, leather, and high-quality plastics but the mediocre design may not appeal to a young buyer. Rather its a car for aged elitists with a matured taste in cars. Thanks to heightened roofline there is not short of room in the back or the front. However, the front passengers have it best as there are a number of features such as heat, ventilation, power adjustment, etc that are on offer to keep the plush-o-meter sticking to redline. Although the massage function is missing from the list, one can do without it easily.
Model
Genesis G80 Standard
Cadillac XTS
Lincoln Continental Premier
Lexus GS 350
Passenger Capacity
5
5
5
5
Passenger Volume (Ft.3)
107.7
104.2
106.4
99.0
Headroom (Front/Rear) (in.)
41.1/38.2
39.0/37.8
39.3/37.7
38.0/37.8
Legroom (Front/Rear) (in.)
45.7/35.0
42.1/40.0
44.4/41.3
42.3/36.8
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear) (in.)
58.3/57.1
57.9/56.3
58.3/55.9
57.3/55.7
The Genesis G80 is at the top in terms of passenger volume at 107 ft.cube. The headroom/legroom/shoulder room is best amongst the list of rivals. The Lexus GS 350 is the least spacious car in the list of rivals.
Infotainment System
The infotainment system on the Genesis G80 is straight out of some geek's basement. All the top of the line features such as Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Navigation, etc are standard throughout the line. The standard 8.0 inch HD screen is great to look at but the optional 9.2-inch screen is even better. The MMI system is similar to most tablets and smartphones of the day and provides fluid performance most of the time.
Cargo Capacity
The Genesis G80 is a notch lower than rivals in terms of cargo capacity. Despite being the larger one amongst its rivals the trunk volume is only 15.3 ft.cube. The engineers at the manufacturer have not made the best of the large dimensions of the G80
The Lexus GS 350 leads the race here with 18.4 ft.cube. Of boot space. The Cadillac XTS is second in line with the 18.0 cubic.ft. space and the Lincoln Continental is 3rd with 16.7 ft.cube. Of boot space.
Model
Genesis G80 Standard
Cadillac XTS
Lincoln Continental Premier
Lexus GS 350
Trunk Vol. (Ft.3)
15.3
18.0
16.7
18.4
Interior Features
Power adjusted heated or ventilated front seats
8.0 inch or 9.2 inch HD screen
Analogue Clock
Voice Command and Sat Nav
Leather Upholstery
2020 Genesis G80 Exterior
The 2020 Genesis G80 has subtle, clean styling that won't attract too much attention"- TheCar Connection
Design and Dimensions
The G80 is not exactly a head-turner though the harmonious design and roman shield-like front grill exude luxury in a very plain way. The clean design may be an attraction for some but a huge turnoff for others as the luxury sedan market is dominated by more provocative designs.
The Genesis G80 is a big and hefty car weighing in at around 4195 lbs. It also features the biggest wheelbase amongst its rivals which translated directly into segment-leading legroom for the passengers. The track width at the front and the rear is also something that the G80 has triumphed.
The Lincoln Continental is the only vehicles that come close to the Genesis G80 in terms of dimensions. As a matter of fact, it's the only car that is heavier than the G80.
Model
Genesis G80 Standard
Cadillac XTS
Lincoln Continental Premier
Lexus GS 350
Curb Weight (lbs.)
4195
4021
4224
3726
Wheelbase (in)
118.5
111.7
117.9
112.2
Length (in)
196.5
200.9
201.4
192.1
Width (in)
74.4
72.9
75.3
72.4
Height (in)
58.3
59.4
58.5
57.3
Ground Clearance (in)
5.3
5.0
5.5
5.1
Track Width Front (in)
64.1
61.7
63.2
62.0
Track Width Rear (in)
65.3
62.0
64.1
62.6
Exterior Features
Led DRL
Sunroof
17 or 19-inch alloys
Projector headlamps
Hexagonal grille
Chrome appliques
2020 Genesis G80 Safety
The 2020 Genesis G80 is actually one of the better-equipped cars in terms of safety. A host of active features are always on the alert to keep the safety of the passengers under vigil. The NHTSA rating achieved by the G80 is 5 stars in under all categories. The IIHA too has given a superior rating to the Genesis G80 in under all the segments. It all culminates to prove that Genesis has left no stone unturned to ensure the well being of the passengers
2 Front Headrests
2 Rear Headrests
Auto Delay Off Headlights
Dual Front And Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags
Engine Immobilizer
Traction Control
Post-Collision Safety System
Front And Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Rear Door Child Safety Locks
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests
Turn Signal Mirrors
Blind-Spot and Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
2020 Genesis G80 Competition
Genesis G80 vs Cadillac XTS
The Cadillac XTS is one of those sedans which are meant to be primarily enjoyed from the rear seats. The comfort and opulence the rear seat is unparalleled by a lot of cars in the segment, That said, the driver might not be the primary consumer but he sure as heck won't be disappointed. The car offers fair spirited performance to the driving counterpart as well.
All in all, the Caddy is about $6k expensive than the G80. But, it offers fair value for the extra price. If you want a chauffeur-driven vehicle, the XTS should be your choice but for anything else, the G80 is better value for money,
Genesis G80 vs Lincoln Continental Premier
The Lincoln Continental is on old school luxury car. The car offers traditional luxury that is big on form and function and offers clutter-free performance. The 3.7 Ti VCT engine fails to provide snappy performance but its actually adequate if you will take insights from the back seat.
One can never forget that the car is $10,000 expensive than the G80 and is significantly less snappy than the Lincoln Continental. All in all the Lincoln is a good car but the G80 offers better driver dynamics and greater driver-centric experience.
Genesis G80 vs Lexus GS 350
The comparison between the Lexus GS 350 and the Genesis G80 is a tough one. The styling element on the Lexus will most appeal more the masses. The interior quality of the Genesis takes it away by a thin margin mainly due to its stronger ergonomics. The engine response and stats of both cars are more or less the same.
Hence, it depends more on your personal preference as there is very little to differentiate these vehicles.
2020 Genesis G80 Final Verdict
While other automobile extremists fight over their version of the mid-sized market, Genesis flips the coin to infuse a simple approach. The G80 is a simple yet refreshing design forged in the most expensive materials which are clearly seen in the car's cabin. Apart from that, the G80 performs on multiple levels, it hammers out more horses and squeezes out more miles. Both these aspects topped with the class-leading luxury and on a below-average price make it a winner in every way.