Test drove a Genesis GV80 today

[PittPa]

I have been looking at these and had a chance when one came into a dealership that know's me. Overall, it's not bad and is a step up in refinement compared to the Telluride. Why it will never work for me is it's really just a 5 seater that compares with the X5. They do make a model below the top trim level that has a 3rd row seat, but the seating would be abysmal. It makes you appreciate the engineering it took to think out the design of the Telluride to seat 6 (or 7) passengers comfortably and not be driving a Suburban or Escalade.

 

[byscott]

I had planned on driving — and probably buying — a GV80, but the nearest Genesis dealer is an hour away. That’s what led me to the Hyundai Palisade, and then to its better looking corporate sibling ;-)

I’ve owned a series of three-row SUVs and have used the third row, on average, maybe once a year. So I was interested in a two-row GV80, probably the V6 with the Advance package. The Prestige looked nice, but I didn’t see a lot of sidewall on those 22” tires. I live in the Land of Potholes and Frost Heaves, so stiff low profile sidewalls aren’t always a great idea.

As for the third row, I‘m not surprised by your assessment. Even from the photos and reviews, it doesn’t look as though the third-row seating in the GV80 would be very usable, and certainly not what I’d expect after dropping 70 or 75 big ones.

 

[PittPa]

They are doing the Telluride seating tricks also. The top trim Prestige does not come with a 3rd row. I've got a family of 6 adults and it's nice on vacation to only take one car when able. Seeing how ugly they are making the X5 (use to own a 4.6xi) the GV 80 has nicer lines.