It’s no accident that Genesis’s winged logo resembles Bentley’s badge. This similarity symbolizes Genesis’s ambitious quest to join the elite ranks of luxury automakers with a century of prestige behind them. Although Genesis hasn’t yet become a household name, its brand recognition and sales have surged since 2020, the year the Genesis GV80 debuted. This model quickly garnered acclaim, earning the 10Best award and propelling Genesis’s U.S. sales from 5,099 in 2020 to 15,301 in 2021. Now, as it enters its fifth model year in 2025, the GV80 has undergone a redesign that enhances its appeal.

At first glance, the changes to the GV80 may not be immediately noticeable. Its distinctive split headlights and large pentagonal grille remain, but a closer look reveals a new twin-spoke mesh design that adds depth to the grille and new microlens-array headlights borrowed from the flagship Genesis G90 sedan. Additionally, the front end now features larger air intakes and a faux skid plate, giving the vehicle a wider, sportier appearance.

The GV80 Coupe, set to arrive later this year, will introduce a 409-hp V-6 with an electric supercharger. Meanwhile, the rest of the lineup continues with the standard 300-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four and the available 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 Prestige with the V-6, though not as powerful or loud as the V-8 engines in the BMW X5 M60i or Porsche Cayenne S, remains a more affordable option, with competitors costing at least $10,000 more.

While we wish the GV80 had more off-the-line punch and passing power on highways, the 3.5T’s smooth operation and responsive transmission are generally satisfying.

Previous tests showed a V-6 GV80 reaching 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and achieving 24 mpg on a 75-mph highway route. However, for 2025, the GV80 3.5T’s EPA estimates have dropped to 16 mpg city and 22 highway from the previous 18 city and 23 highway.

The GV80 3.5T Prestige features standard 22-inch wheels, adaptive dampers, and an electronic limited-slip differential. Despite the large wheels, it offers a quiet and comfortable ride, a testament to its luxury aspirations. Genesis has added more soundproofing and thicker laminated glass to make the back seat even quieter. The serene cabin and intuitive controls create a relaxing driving experience, though we’d prefer more steering feedback to fully appreciate the SUV’s athleticism. Perhaps the sportier Coupe version will address this and offer performance tires.

Every GV80 now comes with a redesigned interior featuring a 27.0-inch OLED screen that dominates the dashboard, integrating both the instrumentation and infotainment systems. The new display is touch-responsive, and the center console has a more intuitive rotary knob, replacing the previous clickwheel. Additionally, volume and tuning functions are now controlled by knobs positioned higher on the center stack. Genesis finally offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, resolving a minor complaint from the previous GV80. This feature will be available as a free over-the-air update later in the year.

Genesis may not have the long history of other luxury brands, but it stands out with its distinctive style and high-quality execution. The GV80’s build quality is impressive for its price, with attention to detail evident in the stitched door panels and the feel of the switchgear. For 2025, new two-tone interior color schemes, such as Earth Brown/Smoky Green and Glacier White/Ultramarine Blue, are available. Our GV80 featured the latter combo with new Storr Green paint, creating an almost perfect look. It lacked the optional third row, which is only available on the lesser 3.5T Advanced and is too small to be practical.

The previously polarizing two-spoke steering wheel has been replaced with a three-spoke design that offers better button placement and a richer look with the new Genesis emblem. The center console includes useful updates, such as a fingerprint scanner for starting the car without a digital key and larger cupholders without the space-stealing cover. There’s also a new covered cubby below the climate controls, with a wireless charging pad inside.

The top-spec Prestige trim is loaded with new features, including a Bang & Olufsen sound system, replacing the old 1050-watt Lexicon stereo with a 1400-watt setup. This system includes a Beosonic function for sound profile adjustments. There’s also a new “mood curator” feature borrowed from the G90 that plays atmospheric music, adjusts ambient lighting, closes window shades, activates a fatigue-fighting seat, and emits a cabin fragrance.

Since its debut, the Genesis GV80 has been a standout among mid-size luxury SUVs. The 2025 updates, though mostly small, make meaningful improvements. The GV80 remains refined, stylish, and packed with technology, all at a price that undercuts its competition. The four-cylinder 2.5T starts at $59,050, while the GV80 3.5T starts at $75,150, reflecting newly standard features. The V-6 Prestige’s price is $80,650, making it a bargain compared to top-tier rivals.

Returning to the Bentley-like badge, the refreshed GV80 now sports a metal emblem instead of plastic. This subtle change highlights Genesis’s ongoing efforts to elevate its status. Such attention to detail continues to set Genesis and the GV80 apart.