See answers to common EV questions, tax incentives, charging maps & more.
Explore EV
16 - 20
300 - 375
8 speed, Automatic w/OD
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4, Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6
All Wheel Drive
It hasn't even been 10 years since parent automaker Hyundai Motor Group launched the Genesis luxury car brand—barely a blink in the auto industry—but the premium Korean nameplate has come a long way in that short time.
It all started with the introduction of the G80 luxury sedan (along with the G90), and that original model gets fresh styling and a range of new features for the 2025 model year. Genesis invited me to Lexington, Kentucky, to spend time in the latest version of the G80, and it's clear that this elegant four-door is still a strong player in the luxury car market.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2025 Genesis G80 luxury sedan carries over from the previous model year with the same excellent mechanicals and structure, but receives some significant changes for the new model year. Updates include:
The 2025 Genesis G80 is available in base, Advanced, and Sport Prestige trim levels with the 2.5-liter turbocharged (2.5T) engine, as well as the Sport Advanced and Sport Prestige with the more powerful 3.5-liter turbo (3.5T) engine. Prices range from around $59,000 to around $78,000, including the $1,250 destination charge.
JD Power previously published a review of the 2022 Genesis G80. This review focuses on the G80's updates for 2025 and how they potentially impact its overall consumer appeal.
For this 2025 G80 review, Genesis provided a test vehicle equipped with 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD trim and the following options:
The test vehicle's price was $78,930, including the $1,250 destination charge to ship the luxury sedan from the Genesis assembly plant in Ulsan, South Korea, to your local dealership. Genesis provided travel, lodging, and meals for this review in Lexington, KY.
Photo: Perry Stern
At first glance, it may be difficult to discern any exterior changes to the 2025 Genesis G80, but there are updates for the new year. The signature crest grille gets a dual-layered design. Below the grille, the updated front fascia features larger air intakes and a more sculpted look.
The two-line headlights help the Genesis G80 stand out from other luxury sedans, and the 2025 model gets a new Micro Lens Array (MLA) LED headlight design that gives the G80 a distinctive look while improving performance in low-light conditions. Completing the updated front styling is a new Genesis emblem on the hood. The exhaust outlets are out of sight on lower trims, behind a new rear fascia.
Further differentiating the 2025 model are new 18- and 19-inch wheel designs for the 2.5T and 2.5T Advanced, as well as Monobloc four-piston front brake calipers.
Genesis is better differentiating the Sport trims in the 2025 G80 lineup, with these performance-oriented versions getting a dark chrome grille insert and exterior trim, a bolder front fascia, integrated dual exhaust outlets, and unique 19- and 20-inch wheel designs with black brake calipers.
Photo: Perry Stern
While the exterior changes to the 2025 G80 are somewhat subtle, the updates are more pronounced inside. Most noticeable is the new 27-inch OLED display screen that seamlessly (literally, it has no seam) integrates the driver and infotainment displays.
The infotainment system itself hasn't changed, and that's a good thing, as it is simple to navigate and one of the more intuitive systems on the market. Large function tiles are easy to read; you can swipe them left or right. Additionally, the driver can reconfigure the order so that the most often-used features are easily accessible.
During my evaluation, the native navigation system worked fine, locating my destination via the vehicle's voice interface. However, I was surprised at the “voice” providing the directions. Most vehicles now have a human-sounding voice (Jaguars even have a voice in a British accent), but the G80's voice sounds like a computer synthesizer from the 1980s. It is a minor item, but I expected a more soothing voice to match the vehicle's elegance.
Unlike many of its competitors, the G80 retains many physical controls, including knobs for volume and tuning, as well as setting the cabin temperature. Shortcuts to navigation and media are soft-touch controls on an elegant piano-black panel that sits just above the separate climate controls. Everything is within easy reach of the driver with straightforward, intuitive functionality.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and for the first time in a Genesis vehicle, they connect wirelessly. I connected my Samsung Galaxy S23+ via Bluetooth, and a Genesis screen appeared on my phone, simplifying the pairing process. Android Auto worked seamlessly, and I could make voice requests to my Google Assistant by holding down the voice control button on the steering wheel.
Other interior updates include improved ambient lighting with 64 colors from which to choose and higher-quality materials throughout the cabin. The wireless phone charger is now in front of the center armrest—a much more convenient location.
Sport trims stand out with a unique flat-bottom steering wheel and metal alloy pedals. And for those that opt for the top-level 3.5T Sport Prestige G80, stylish Nappa leather covers the seats and carbon fiber trim in the center and on the dashboard.
The G80 already had the latest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), but it gets an upgrade for the 2025 model year for improved safety and convenience.
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and front and rear automatic emergency braking all come standard on every 2025 G80. The car also gets an infrared camera facing the driver and will warn if the driver isn't paying attention to the road.
The 2025 G80 also gets the brand's latest version of Highway Driving Assist (HDA), which utilizes adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to provide a semi-autonomous driving experience.
I headed out of Lexington, KY, on I-75, and after quickly accelerating to 70 mph, I engaged the adaptive cruise control. At the top of the driver display, an indicator showed that HDA was active, and that lane-centering and steering assist were operating. The system worked flawlessly, and I drove about 30 miles while barely providing any steering input and never having to touch the gas or brake pedal. It is important to note that this is not a hands-free driving system, and it will alert the driver if there are no hands on the steering wheel.
When Genesis handed me the keys to a 2025 G80 in Kentucky, I had the good fortune of getting the top-level Sport Prestige with the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. With 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, the G80 is incredibly satisfying to drive, with more than enough power for most situations.
While I wouldn't go so far as to call the G80 a sport sedan, it handles quite well when pushed hard. The rear-wheel steering system, exclusive to the 3.5T Sport Prestige, aids handling and maneuverability. The wheels only turn two degrees, but that's enough to shorten the turning radius by more than a foot, and it is pretty noticeable when pulling into a parking space. This system, along with the electronic rear limited-slip differential, added noticeable control when I was tackling the winding country roads outside of Lexington.
Genesis has a feature that pipes enhanced engine sounds into the cabin via the audio system; however, it seems unnecessary. I turned it off and found the natural exhaust note was still quite pleasing, especially at higher rpm.
More than just a powerful luxury sedan, the G80 delivers a smooth, quiet ride, thanks partly to an advanced, electronically controlled suspension system that analyzes the road ahead via the front camera and adjusts to optimize ride comfort.
As enjoyable as the G80 is to drive, I had the opportunity to ride in the luxurious back seat on the way to dinner. Doors open wide for easy access, and with plenty of legroom and seats trimmed in soft Nappa leather, the rear seat is an excellent place to spend time.
Photo: Perry Stern
Genesis is relatively new to the American luxury market, and the G80 was one of the brand's first models. This stylish luxury sedan continues to evolve with the brand, receiving significant updates for the 2025 model year.
The midsize luxury sedan market has few players, but the Genesis G80 holds its own against strong competitors like the BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CT5, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Genesis stands out with its unique style, and the interior improvements for the 2025 model year elevate the G80 to a new level with a lovely blend of technology and luxury. With its smooth, quiet ride, excellent handling, and strong engine options, the 2025 Genesis G80 continues to be a great option in the luxury sedan market.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry is still crazy about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
