Luxury, Tech, and Design Done Right a Few Opportunities to improve
After spending some real time with my 2026 Genesis GV80 Prestige Black, I can honestly say I’m extremely impressed overall with the vehicle.
After spending some real time with my 2026 Genesis GV80 Prestige Black, I can honestly say I’m extremely impressed overall with the vehicle.
The first thing that stands out is the build quality. The GV80 feels exceptionally solid and well assembled, with a true luxury feel throughout the cabin. The interior materials, fit and finish, ride quietness, and overall design are excellent. The vehicle has a very premium presence both inside and out, and I continue to get compliments on the styling.
I also really like the technology and interface. The large screen is clean and modern, and the infotainment system is intuitive overall. Genesis did a great job balancing technology with physical controls, which I still prefer over fully touch-based systems.
A few areas could still be improved:
• The two large rotary knobs in the center console are too similar in size and placement. One controls the transmission while the other controls infotainment functions, and it’s easy to reach for the wrong one while driving. More differentiation between them would help.
• There isn’t a great built-in location for mounting or storing a phone, especially for drivers who prefer a visible phone mount setup.
• The vehicle would benefit significantly from an available air suspension option. The ride is already very good, but adaptive air suspension would take it to another level and better match some competitors in this segment.
• The rear windshield wiper placement could be cleaner. Having it hidden at the top of the rear window instead of mounted visibly at the bottom center would improve the rear design.
• I would love a smarter cargo-area close function. For example, if the liftgate is open, it would be great to press a button, walk away carrying packages, and have the trunk automatically close once the key is a certain distance away. Right now, if your hands are full, you still need to return to the vehicle to close it.
• Fuel economy is acceptable but not exceptional for the segment. I think the upcoming hybrid version will be a major improvement and likely an excellent option.
• The auto-park feature could use refinement. Coming from a Tesla, I’ve found Genesis’ system more difficult and less intuitive to use. It works, but there is definitely room for improvement in ease of use and overall confidence.
Overall though, Genesis has built a genuinely impressive luxury SUV. The GV80 delivers a premium experience, strong technology, beautiful styling, and excellent value compared to many competitors. I’m very happy with the vehicle and look forward to seeing how the Genesis brand continues to evolve.
Recommended
Verified Owner
