“This car gets more positive attention than any other car I've owned, which is nice. Practically, very little goes wrong and it's not high maintenance.”
2021 Genesis G80: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Genesis G80 is a full redesign that begins the sedan’s third generation on a new rear-wheel-drive platform. It also gets new turbo engines, a modernized cabin, and a broader set of standard safety features.
About the 2021 Genesis G80
3rd generation, first year of the all-new redesign.
Genesis positions the G80 as the core sedan in its lineup: a midsize luxury sedan that blends quiet comfort, smooth power, distinctive styling, and generous standard equipment. More than a sport sedan, it is aimed at drivers who want an upscale cabin, advanced safety tech, and rear-drive luxury-sedan proportions without paying German-brand money. Its big differentiator is value: the G80 delivers a rich feature set and premium materials at a price that undercuts many rivals.
The 2.5T is the entry version, but it still has a 300-hp turbo engine, a 14.5-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and a 12-speaker audio system. The 3.5T adds a 375-hp twin-turbo V6 and more comfort equipment, including leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof, road-preview suspension, and a 21-speaker audio system.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
New turbocharged engines replace the previous engine lineup: a 300-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the 2.5T and a 375-hp 3.5-liter V6 in the 3.5T. These two trims replace the previous three-trim lineup.
Styling
The exterior and cabin are completely redesigned, with Genesis’s quad-light design outside and a cleaner dashboard layout inside.
Safety
A broader driver-assistance package becomes standard, including smart cruise control, Highway Driving Assist II, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping support, blind-spot collision avoidance, and 10 airbags.
Tech
A new 14.5-inch touchscreen anchors the redesigned cabin and includes navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Structural
The G80 moves to a new rear-wheel-drive platform. Greater use of aluminum reduces weight and helps create a quieter cabin.
2021 Genesis G80 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 375 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.7 in | 38.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Rear Window Shades | ||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Genesis G80 fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2021 Genesis G80 is the first model year of the third generation, with a new rear-wheel-drive platform, completely redesigned styling and cabin, new engines, and expanded safety technology.
How is the 2021 Genesis G80 different from the 2020 model?
The 2021 G80 is a ground-up redesign rather than a light update. It has a new two-trim lineup, new turbo engines, a new platform, redesigned bodywork and interior, a larger touchscreen, and a broader standard safety package.
What engines does the redesigned 2021 Genesis G80 have?
The 2021 G80 has two new turbocharged engines. The 2.5T uses a 300-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while the 3.5T uses a 375-hp 3.5-liter V6.
What safety features became standard on the 2021 Genesis G80?
The redesigned 2021 G80 makes a broad safety package standard. It includes smart cruise control, Highway Driving Assist II, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping support, blind-spot collision avoidance, and 10 airbags.
What is the difference between the 2021 G80 2.5T and 3.5T?
The 2.5T is the entry trim with a 300-hp turbo four-cylinder and a strong set of standard comfort, tech, and safety features. The 3.5T adds a 375-hp twin-turbo V6 plus leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof, road-preview suspension, power-closing doors, and a 21-speaker audio system.
2021 Genesis G80 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Genesis G80.
4.3
2021 Genesis G80
(114 reviews)
“I was unfamiliar with the brand and was delightfully surprised in the look of the vehicle, comfortable ride, quality and features. It is worth checking out!”
“Very beautiful exterior and interior. Wheels are very nice and sporty. But the mpg is less than expected.”