2020 Genesis G80 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2020 Genesis G80 is a returning model for the Korean luxury brand. Slotted between the smaller, sportier G70 and the flagship G90...

The 2020 Genesis G80 is a returning model for the Korean luxury brand. Slotted between the smaller, sportier G70 and the flagship G90 luxury sedan, the G80 carries over into 2020 with only minor changes.

Blind-spot monitoring is now standard across the G80 line, and an optional 9.2-inch touchscreen replaces the 8.0-inch touchscreen in certain packages. Three trim levels are available, each named according to the displacement of its engine: 3.8, 3.3T Sport, and 5.0. Each comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

The G80’s base engine, a 311-horsepower V6, offers more power than the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder base engines found in many of its rivals. But its range-topping 5.0-liter V8 (420 hp) lacks the power of the top engines available in the G80’s German competition. The middle ground, however, the 365-hp twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6, delivers both the performance and price that make the G80 a compelling midsize luxury sedan. Fuel-economy estimates vary, ranging from a high for the 3.8-liter with RWD of 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined to a low for the 5.0-liter with AWD of 15, 23, and 18.

Starting at $42,550 without destination, the base G80 comes with many features you’ll pay more for with established luxury brands. Check every box—including AWD, which adds $2,500 to any trim—and a fully loaded G80 will top out at less than $62,000.

Armed with a stout list of standard equipment, including a suite of safety-related technologies, even the base G80 makes a strong feature-to-cost argument. Multiple drive modes, HID headlights, and LED taillights are included at the base level, as are 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, and rain-sensing wipers. Although the base car still comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup. Every G80 gets forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, rear-cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and nine airbags. Moving up through the package options on the base G80 brings 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, a 17-speaker audio system, and the larger 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Opt for the 3.3T Sport and Genesis adds adjustable dampers (the only way to get them on the G80) and more aggressive styling, including restyled bumper covers and four exhaust tips. Inside it features carbon-fiber trim and sport seats. The 5.0 Ultimate is more luxury than sport, as opting for the big engine delivers all the package content from the top-package base car plus the V8.

Any entry point into the G80 lineup provides a car that’s amply equipped. The 3.3T Sport’s buff styling, responsive engine, and more aggressive chassis tuning gives buyers a livelier option in the otherwise luxury-oriented lineup. But every G80 makes a solid value statement.