The 2025 Genesis G80 is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the wallet, making it a favorite among consumers. This midsize sedan has held a significant place in the market since becoming an independent luxury brand in 2017. Following a redesign in 2021, the 2025 G80 has undergone a restrained mid-cycle refresh, adding appreciated upgrades while maintaining the high value Genesis is known for.
Exterior Design: A Fresh Look
The G80 has always been a handsome car, and for 2025 it gets a subtle facelift, akin to a non-invasive 'thread lift'. The new LED headlamps feature double-stacked micro lenses, looking more appealing than ever. The lower part of the front fascia has been slightly stretched, and while some may find the grille a bit busy, resembling braces, I personally think it adds texture and depth.
Interior Experience: Luxurious Comfort
Upon entering the driver's seat, I was captivated by the red interior. While standard black, beige, or white leather has its place, the red enhances the vibrant atmosphere. The cabin boasts a 27.0-inch dual-display that combines a configurable gauge cluster with an infotainment screen. Notably, Genesis now offers wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has introduced physical knobs for volume, tuning, and temperature control, making user operations much easier.
Performance: Smooth and Efficient
The G80 offers a 2.5-liter turbo-4 engine in base, Advanced, and Sport Prestige trims, delivering a respectable 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. However, I drove the top-tier 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD model, featuring a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. All G80s now come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The EPA rates the smaller engine at 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the larger engine lags behind at 16/24/19 mpg.
Value Proposition: Exceptional Luxury
Genesis has always delivered ample value in terms of interior comforts, and the G80 continues this tradition. Even the base model features heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and fingerprint authentication. My top spec includes cooled front seats with 16 adjustments, an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system, tri-zone climate control, a wireless charging pad, heated armrests, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.
Overall, the 2025 Genesis G80 stands out as an exceptional buy in the competitive luxury sedan market, despite its fuel economy needing improvement and its Highway Driving Assist requiring further development. However, its overall performance is quite satisfying.