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Midsize Luxury Sedan
Genesis G80
✓ Buy
Among the best in its category
This is what happens when a luxury upstart stops apologizing and just builds a genuinely excellent sedan. The current G80 nails the fundamentals, a cabin that feels $20k richer than the sticker, a ride that dissolves highway miles, and styling confident enough that strangers assume you paid BMW money. The infotainment will test your patience with menus buried three layers deep and touch controls that occasionally ignore your finger, but that's the tax for entry. Depreciation is brutal if you're the first owner, glorious if you're the second: $82k lease returns selling for $33k with under 30k miles. Buy it if you want S-Class comfort without the S-Class payment. Skip it if the nearest Genesis dealer is two states away.
The generation that matters
This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.
First generation (2015–2020, Hyundai Genesis / early G80)
2015–2020
Strong
Praised as a solid luxury car and the foundation of the Genesis brand. The 3.8 V6 is described as 'a tank' with good reliability. Known issues include water pump replacement and some climate system problems (AC compressor, evaporator leaks), but overall regarded as dependable and a strong value play.
Second generation (2021–present)
2021–present
Strong
Widely praised for compelling design, luxe interior, and strong feature content. Now priced as a 'co-equal' with German rivals rather than a bargain. Driving dynamics and fuel economy are noted weaknesses. The 2025 refresh brought a 27-inch OLED screen and improved interior, closing the gap with the G90.
Electrified G80 (2023–2025)
2023–2025
Compromised
Officially discontinued in the US. Praised for power and silence, but criticized for compromised trunk space, high floor, bouncy ride from battery weight, and mediocre sound system. Regarded as a stopgap model rather than a purpose-built EV. Genesis is moving toward hybrid models for 2027.
−
Common complaints6 issues−Infotainment system can be glitchy with non-intuitive menu structure and finicky touch controls
−Panoramic sunroof prone to creaking and rattling noises, especially when hot
−Limited Genesis dealer network creates service access challenges in many regions
−Electrified G80 has compromised trunk space and high floor due to battery placement
−Older generation (2017) models have transmission solenoid issues causing rough shifting
−Key fob buttons are small and difficult to use
✓
What owners praise8 strengths✓
Striking exterior design with strong road presence and elegant proportions
✓
Beautifully crafted interior with genuine luxury materials and attention to detail
✓
Exceptional value proposition, delivers German luxury experience at significantly lower price point
✓
Strong ownership experience with Genesis concierge service and warranty coverage
✓
Smooth, comfortable ride quality ideal for long-distance cruising
✓
Powerful 3.5T engine option delivers impressive acceleration
✓
Depreciation creates outstanding used-car value for buyers
✓
Quiet, refined cabin with excellent sound insulation
📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric
High confidence▼
289 sources analysed with long-term owner data present
289 sources analysed — strong data quality
Reliability & Durability(22%)6.0
12 positive vs 8 negative long-term reports
User Sentiment(22%)9.0
1,247 positive upvotes vs 142 negative upvotes
Complaint Severity(16%)7.5
Complaints: 18 cosmetic, 32 functional, 7 systematic, 0 safety
Consensus Strength(8%)5.8
47 strongly positive, 6 strongly negative, 28 mixed/neutral
Value for Money(15%)8.0
34 'worth it', 3 'overpriced', 8 mention better-value alternatives
Owner Advocacy(17%)9.3
9 repurchased/gifted, 23 unprompted recommendations, 2 regrets
Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.
Specifications2025
▼Pricing
Starting MSRP
$59,945
Range
$59,945 - $81,495
Capability
Fuel economy
20 city / 29 hwy MPG (2.5T); 15 city / 24 hwy MPG (3.5T)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive standard
Dimensions & capacity
Seating
5 passengers
Cargo
13 cu ft
Powertrains
2.5L Turbo I-4
standard on base and Advanced trims
300 hp · 311 lb-ft
3.5L Twin-Turbo V-6
standard on Sport and Sport Prestige trims
375 hp · 391 lb-ft
Trim pricing
2.5T Base
turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder, 300 hp
$59,945
2.5T Advanced
adds 19-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, Bang & Olufsen stereo
—
3.5T Sport
twin-turbo 3.5L V-6, 375 hp, firmer suspension
—
3.5T Sport Prestige
range-topping, limited-slip differential, rear-wheel steering
$81,495
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How it ranks in Midsize Luxury Sedan
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→ Consider
If you're buying
Know what others paid before you walk in.