“We think that it is a great value. Top safety, great ride, we compared it to the Mercedes and the Genesis came out ahead and was over $20,000 less. Head's up display and safety devices like adaptable cruise control are important to us. Plus that it's a pretty car.”
2018 Genesis G80: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Genesis G80 is the arrival of the 365-hp 3.3T Sport, a new performance-focused model with a twin-turbo V6. The rest of the range also receives a substantial mid-cycle update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2018 Genesis G80
1st-generation Genesis G80 (2017-2020), second model year; substantial model-range update and first year for the 3.3T Sport
Genesis positioned the G80 as a spacious midsize luxury sedan centered on quiet comfort, strong standard safety equipment, and substantial features without forcing shoppers into higher trims. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, optional AWD, and three distinct engines let it cover relaxed luxury, sport-oriented performance, and V8 power. Compared with established luxury sedans, its main differentiators were a long list of standard driver aids, a roomy cabin, and straightforward controls.
The 2018 G80 range spans three distinct personalities: the comfort-focused 3.8, the driver-focused 3.3T Sport, and the smooth, V8-powered 5.0. The Sport has adaptive suspension, stronger brakes, supportive leather seats, and carbon-fiber trim, while the 5.0 emphasizes comfort with ventilated front seats, a head-up display, multi-view cameras, and premium audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new 3.3T Sport adds a 365-hp twin-turbo V6, a sport-tuned 8-speed automatic, adaptive suspension, and upgraded brakes. The 8-speed automatic was updated across the range, and AWD expanded to the V8 model.
Styling
Genesis revised the grille, headlights, front and rear bumpers, and rear lighting details. Inside, it updated the controls, analog clock, rearview mirror, gauge cluster, speaker grilles, and trim.
Safety
Automatic emergency braking gained pedestrian detection, and driver-attention monitoring became standard.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, and Genesis added a second front USB charging port.
Structural
Additional work to reduce noise and vibration made the cabin quieter, while chassis tuning improved ride comfort.
2018 Genesis G80 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.0 Liter | V6, 3.8 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 19 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 420 hp | 311 hp | 365 hp |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft | 293 lb-ft | 376 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 35 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Side View Cameras | |||
| Top View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Genesis G80?
The biggest change is the new 3.3T Sport. It has a 365-hp twin-turbo V6, a sport-tuned 8-speed automatic, adaptive suspension, stronger brakes, and unique interior and exterior details.
Is the 2018 Genesis G80 a full redesign?
No. The 2018 G80 is a substantial mid-cycle update of the first-generation model, with refreshed styling, revised cabin details, added technology, upgraded safety features, and a new Sport model.
How is the 2018 Genesis G80 different from the 2017 model?
The 2018 G80 adds the 3.3T Sport and updates the existing range with revised exterior styling, refreshed cabin controls, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, pedestrian-detecting automatic braking, driver-attention monitoring, and better noise isolation. AWD also extends to the V8 model.
Does the 2018 Genesis G80 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the 2018 G80 range, and Genesis also added a second front USB charging port for this model year.
Does the 2018 Genesis G80 V8 have AWD?
Yes. For 2018, AWD extends to the V8-powered G80 5.0, so every engine in the range is paired with either rear-wheel drive or AWD.
2018 Genesis G80 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Genesis G80.
4.4
2018 Genesis G80
(260 reviews)
“It is an exceptionally well designed and well constructed vehicle that is a pleasure to drive.”
“Great value of the money, amazing workmanship, lots of extras, comfortable ride, great looking vehicle”
Sources
- newsroom.genesis.com — Genesis Debuts 2018 G80 Sport Trim With 33 Liter Turbocharged Engine And Performance Styling
- newsroom.genesis.com — Genesis G80 Named Highest Ranked Near Luxury Car In Strategic Vision Total Quality Awards
- newsroom.genesis.com — Genesis Showcases All New 2018 G80 Sport Trim At North American International Auto Show