“I believe the GV80 as a brand will make a bold statement on its exterior/interior looks as more people get the opportunity to ride and drive this vehicle. I think once this vehicle gets out from under the shadows of Hyundai (and stands alone) sales will quadruple.”
2021 Genesis GV80: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Genesis GV80 is an all-new model and Genesis' first SUV. It launches the first GV80 generation with a new platform, two turbo engines, extensive standard safety technology, and an optional third row.
About the 2021 Genesis GV80
1st generation (JX1), first year / all-new model
Genesis positions the GV80 as a midsize luxury SUV that mixes upscale design, a quiet cabin, generous safety tech, and a rich standard feature list without forcing shoppers into the usual German-brand pricing ladder. Its core appeal is comfortable daily driving rather than aggressive handling: big-screen tech, premium materials, strong driver-assistance coverage, and available V6 power make it a statement SUV for buyers who want luxury style and comfort first.
The 2.5T Standard is the straightforward entry point, with a turbo four-cylinder, heated front seats, LED headlights, and the same large touchscreen and core safety technology found across the lineup. The 3.5T Standard pairs a twin-turbo V6 with a suspension that reads the road ahead, while the 3.5T Advanced+ adds the lineup's power-folding third row, 21-speaker audio, head-up display, and 360-degree camera.
What changed, by category
Structural
The GV80 debuts on a new SUV platform built around rear-wheel drive, marking Genesis' first move into the SUV market.
Powertrain
The launch lineup has a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6.
Tech
Every GV80 has a 14.5-inch navigation touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety
A broad safety package is standard, including adaptive cruise and lane-centering highway assistance, forward collision braking support, blind-spot assistance, and 10 airbags with a front-center airbag.
2021 Genesis GV80 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 375 hp | 375 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 30.3 in | 30.3 in | 30.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Head-Up Display | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2021 the first year of the Genesis GV80?
Yes. The 2021 GV80 launched the model's first generation in the U.S. and was Genesis' first SUV, so there was no 2020 GV80 to compare it with.
What engines are in the 2021 Genesis GV80?
The 2021 GV80 has either a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. The 2.5T Standard uses the four-cylinder, while the 3.5T Standard and 3.5T Advanced+ use the V6.
Does the 2021 Genesis GV80 have a third row?
Yes, but the third row is specific to the 3.5T Advanced+ in this lineup. It has a power-folding third-row seat and room for up to seven people.
Does the 2021 Genesis GV80 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the 2021 GV80 through its 14.5-inch navigation touchscreen.
What safety features are standard on the 2021 Genesis GV80?
The 2021 GV80 has adaptive cruise and lane-centering highway assistance, forward collision braking support, blind-spot assistance, and 10 airbags as standard equipment. The airbag system includes a front-center airbag designed to help protect the front occupants in certain crashes.
2021 Genesis GV80 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Genesis GV80.
4.4
2021 Genesis GV80
(208 reviews)
“This vehicle will provide you with luxury and comfort. It has a beautiful interior as well as a stylish exterior. It is also a very safe car.”
“Strong solid SUV that provides an excellent drive for long and short hauls. Mileage for short trips makes you wish for a hybrid.”