Hyundai is stepping up again. The Korean carmaker already surprised its rivals with the expansion of the lineup. Telluride is the new largest SUV in the squad. The next step for the manufacturer was to enter the premium market. They didn’t waste any time and the 2021 Genesis GV80 is the first premium SUV by Hyundai. Like most other companies, the luxury division comes with different badging. The Korean carmaker is not far away from catching up with class leaders and their vehicles are already proven as reliable and durable.
Reservations for the 2021 Genesis GV80 are open. The vehicle will be available later this year. The base price starts just under $50,000, but it will go over with a destination fee. Buyers of the new luxury SUV will get something totally different. The interior is unique and the company did not save advanced features even for the base trim. Experts had a chance to test the vehicle before it comes out, and its handling and maneuvering is not as good as it should be. Also, the third row is not offering too much space, so it won’t be recommendable for adults. Still, for a debut vehicle in the premium SUV segment, we give Genesis thumbs up. Don’t worry, Koreans will expand the lineup pretty soon, with GV60, GV70, and GV90 in future plans, according to multiple sources (Motoring, Carscoops, Motor1).
2021 Genesis GV80 Engines
A pair of petrol units will be under the hood for the 2021 Genesis GV80 at US dealerships. The carmaker is trying to offer as many options as possible. A hybrid unit is possible in the future, and diesel will be in the offer in other markets. Some fans already expressed dissatisfaction with missing a diesel powerplant. Still, turbo-four and V6 gasoline configurations can offer enough joy in the ride.
The smaller block is a 2.5-liter displacement. A four-banger is turbocharged and the GV80 will offer 300 horsepower. This was one of the suspicions for Hyundai’s premium segment since the company has never offered such a powerful unit. The power goes to rear wheels by defaults. Of course, the luxury SUV also exploits an all-wheel drive. An eight-speed gearbox is standard all across the lineup.
Upgrade for the turbo-four is a turbocharged V6 engine. In this case, the 2021 Genesis GV80 gains 375 ponies and 390 lb-ft of torque. According to the company, the setup will launch you to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. A four-pot needs a second more. Be aware – the twin-turbo setup will consume a lot of fuel.
Diesel vs Hybrid
We can be disappointed with the 2021 Genesis GV80 missing a diesel drivetrain, but some experts see this as a part of a larger plan. This kind of engines is dying. It is a matter of time when diesel is going to be forbidden for its emissions. Still, some companies are using its popularity and efficiency until this happens. Most of them already started to clean up their lineups and deliver more hybrid units. This could be a reason why GV80 is not going to bring a diesel engine to the US. Sources claim the Korean engineers are working on a hybrid configuration, which will earn them more respect in the market. We will see when this one is going to appear, but that is not happening next season.
Meanwhile, a 3.0-liter diesel motor is producing 280 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, 200 more than the twin-turbo V6 petrol. Still, it is slower than the turbo-four, since GV80 needs almost 7 seconds for 0-60 mph. The same transmission and drive modes are available on the oil-burner.
2021 Genesis GV80 Prices, Versions
The preorder for the 2021 Genesis GV80 has already started. The entry-level model comes with options to upgrade with Advanced or Prestige packages. Panoramic moonroof, wooden accents, ventilated the first row, and 21-speaker audio system are the most notable add-ons that will cost you $5,000. If you are willing to spend $9,000, then you will get 20-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, and heated second row. Advanced package will cost less with the AWD model.
In case you took a V6, the Advanced+ is also available for $6k with the third row of seats and 50/50 power-folding split. Prestige model will cost you $12,000 more than the base version, and it brings larger wheels (22 inches) and infotainment display (12 inches). Nappa leather and noise cancellation system will boost the overall comfort. So, the most expensive version of the 2021 Genesis GV80 will cost $73,000. The SUV is available eight colors: Cardiff Green, Lima Red, Alta White, Adriatic Blue, Himalayan Grey, Gold Coast Silver, Savile Silver, Vik Black, and Uyuni White. Depending on a package, you can take Black or Blue interior combination.
Genesis GV80 rivals: Lexus RX, Cadillac XT5, Infiniti QX60, Acura MDX, Audi Q7
