I drove the Genesis GV80 for a week — and it’s my favorite luxury 3-row SUV

Three-row SUVs are increasingly becoming more popular, as they offer the extra utility of carrying more passengers. The 2026 Genesis GV80 certainly does that with seating for up to seven, and it does it in a very luxurious, elevated way.

Unlike other 3-row SUVs I’ve tested, like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, the GV80 is an all-gas powered affair that starts at $57,700 and has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 city and 26 highway. I drove the 2026 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD trim for a week, which sees the price rise to an extravagant $84,475 cost — but it naturally comes with extra features.

Genesis’ top-of-the-line trim packs a much more powerful 3.5L Twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 375 hp performance. For a 3-row SUV that’s gas-powered, I’ll admit it’s no slouch from the starting line.

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2026 Genesis GV80: Specifications

2026 Genesis GV80: Testing summary

I drove a total of 268.7 miles in my week’s worth of testing, reaching an average fuel economy of 19.4 mpg — which is right on the mark with the car maker’s claim of 19 mpg combined. It’s best on highways at moderate speeds, where it managed an average of 21.2 mpg with one of my long distance driving tests.

Despite being a midsize SUV, it’s actually pretty easy to drive with its excellent acceleration and wide turning radius. I didn’t once feel challenged driving it in the hustle and bustle of New York City traffic, which I can’t say the same for full-size SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade IQ.

Even though 19.4 mpg isn’t much to brag about, it’s actually pretty good for a vehicle of this size — and the amount of space it offers. However, what you do end up paying for in the long run is fuel cost. The 2026 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD requires premium unleaded gasoline, which at the current average cost of $3.66 per gallon, comes out to $77.33 per fill up.

2026 Genesis GV80: What I Like

Luxurious design

When you’re paying this much for an SUV, it’s nice to see that Genesis paid special attention to all of the details because the GV80 is stunning inside and out. I can see inspiration from Bentley’s design with the Double Mesh G-Matrix Crest Grille that dominates the front, while the chrome accents all around the body give it a regal aesthetic.

Sprawling panoramic display

Sitting in the driver’s seat, the first thing that immediately draws my attention after turning it on is the continuous 27-inch widescreen OLED display that dominates the dashboard. What’s notable is that it’s a single panel, unlike other car displays that break it up into two smaller displays.

Not only is it a centerpiece that elevates its status as a luxury vehicle, but it’s incredibly sharp. Other small details, like how the interface dynamically simulates the current weather conditions, makes this dashboard display a sight to behold over other panels I’ve seen.

Massaging seats in the front, VIP treatment in the back

One of the staple features I love in Genesis vehicles is the Ergo Motion Technology in the driver’s seat, which essentially stretches and massages when you’ve been driving for a period of time. I wouldn’t go far to say it’s a shiatsu experience, but at least it helps to reduce driving fatigue.

The real place to sit inside of the 2026 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD is in the second row. That’s because it has the VIP treatment in the sense that the seats can recline way back, with armrests that will make anyone feel at ease. I also love the amount of legroom the second row offers, which can easily accommodate taller individuals with ease.

Confident ADAS with blind spot cameras

The Genesis GV80's ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) works very well when paired with its adaptive cruise control. Just like other Kia and Hyundai vehicles, there’s a dedicated button on the steering wheel to activate Lane Following Assist, which attempts to keep the vehicle in the middle of the lane at all times. What makes it better than other vehicles is that I can activate it on just about any road, just as long as there are lane markers.

On the highway, its adaptive cruise control assists with the driving by applying the necessary braking and acceleration. I’m also pleased by how reactive it is, mainly because it anticipates cars entering my lane and applies the appropriate braking. I also appreciate how it’s not aggressive when getting up to cruising speed either. Finally, it’s nice being able to see my blind spots directly through the driver’s display — which beats having to constantly turn my head.

Stunning ambient lights

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When it comes to making an impression, the GV80 really comes to life at night; the huge number of dazzling ambient lights give the interior space a piercing glow. I thought the Genesis GV60 and GV70 were elaborate with their arrangements, but the GV80 puts them to shame.

Not only do they outline the dashboard and armrests, but you’ll find them around the cupholders and drive shifter. And if that’s not enough, I love how I can change the color combinations to get the right ambiance.

All the premium trimmings

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There’s no shortage of premium features with the GV80. From its useful powered third row seats that can fold down to make way for more with the trunk, to a head-up display that helps out with navigation, the GV80 is obscenely packed with premium features. I’ve already explained the blind spot camera monitors, but it also comes with a rear view camera mirror, Bang & Olufsen premium sound, fingerprint authentication, touch sensitive navigation knob, sunscreen shades, and a panoramic roof.

2026 Genesis GV80: What I Don't Like

It’s a gas guzzler

I’ve already shared the fuel economy I averaged with the GV80, so it should come as no shock it’s your typical gas guzzler. If you’re not convinced about investing in an electric car, just know that the similar sized 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 I’ve tested costs about $24.87 to charge fully — assuming the electric cost is 22.55¢ per kWh. That’s way more savings than paying $77.33 to fill up the GV80’s massive 21.1 gallon fuel tank.

2026 Genesis GV80: Verdict

Who says you can’t get more utility out of a midsize SUV? The 2026 Genesis GV80 shows that it can accommodate more passengers, while still giving you the ability to fold down the rear seats to carry larger sized packages with ease.

You’ll absolutely pay a premium for it, but Genesis is way more generous at including more features than comparable luxury vehicles I’ve tested from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus. When I consider how versatile it is and what comes with the package, it’s definitely my favorite gas-powered luxury SUV.

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