Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, explores the darker side of things with their midsize SUV. And I was able to spend some quality time with the GV80. And for 2026, Genesis makes a few smart tweaks, including a new Prestige Black trim, that sharpen its appeal and give buyers something fresh without reinventing the formula.
The biggest headline is the introduction of the Prestige Black model, a darker, more dramatic take on an already handsome SUV. It adds blacked-out exterior elements and a matching interior theme for a more assertive presence.
Other updates include a new Terrain Mode system with settings for snow, mud, and sand on AWD models. There is an expanded availability of third-row seating on more trims including my tester.
The GV80 has always leaned into subtle luxury rather than flash, and that continues here. It carries a distinctive look anchored by a large crest grille with a diamond-mesh pattern. The brand’s signature quad LED headlights stretch horizontally giving the front end a distinguished look. The rest of the exterior is completed with smooth body lines and a gently tapering roofline.
The Prestige Black treatment is the GV80’s most distinguished appearance as it dials up the attitude.
Chrome gives way to dark finishes on trim, wheels, and badging, creating a monochrome look that feels more purposeful than flashy.
It’s not trying to out-muscle a BMW X5, it’s making a quieter, more elegant statement.
Under the hood, the 3.5T Prestige Black uses a twin‑turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 which produces 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. There is an 8-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive (AWD) standard. There is no noticeable turbo lag and this SUV is a nice combination of power/acceleration and smooth refinement. And that’s basically what you want from a luxury SUV. It is confident on the highway and exhilarating enough off the line.
Don’t think of the GV80 as a sport SUV as it prioritizes refinement over raw aggression. But it’s quick enough and fun enough while also drive calm and refined.
Step inside and you remember why the GV80 punches above its weight class.
Inside, Genesis continues to deliver one of the most luxurious cabins in the segment. The seats are so comfortable with Nappa leather. There’s real wood trim to drive home the luxury. The simple layout provides a refreshing and calming presence in this age of overexposure. The aforementioned Prestige Black model adds even more elegance with darker materials inside that give the entire interior a homey, warm vibe. I read one review of the GX80 that called the interior cocoon-like. I am not sure I agree with that, but I totally think there’s a vibe there.
Earlier I said there was minimalist feel, but that doesn’t mean it’s void of technology. In fact the 27-inch OLED display stretches the entire dashboard. While this might seem dominating it actually flows so seamlessly. The entire infotainment interface is outstanding and intuitive. There’s a mood curator system that I experimented with, but it was a little too “new age” for me, but again, I totally got the vibe they were going for.
The GV80 is as practical as it is luxurious. With a standard two-row configuration there’s an optional third-row set up to allow up to seven passengers. That third row is awfully cramped and the GV80 seems most suited as a big five-passenger SUV rather than a cramped seven-passenger SUV.
There is 38.7 cubic feet of space behind the second and up to 71.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded.
The GV80 has an EPA rating of 16 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway which is sub-par for this segment, especially since it doesn’t even have a V8.
Pricing for the GV80 falls in line with other competitors in this segment. My tester, the GV80 3.5T Prestige Black has an MSRP of $83,250.
I don’t often get that much time behind the wheel of some the German-manufactured competitors of the GV80. But from what I remember and my research, I can say safely that there’s something refreshing about the GV80. It doesn’t chase trends. Rather it defines its own lane. The 2026 update doesn’t change that. Instead, it leans further into what Genesis already does exceptionally well: quiet luxury, thoughtful design, and real value.
The new Prestige Black trim adds just enough attitude for buyers who want their luxury to feel a bit bolder. Combine that with a serene ride, a stunning interior, and competitive pricing, and the GV80 remains one of the smartest buys in the luxury SUV space.
It’s not the loudest or the fastest choice. But it might just be the one you enjoy living with the most.
Jimmy Dinsmore is a syndicated, freelance automotive journalist. Email him at jimmydinsmore73@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @driversside
2026 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige Black
Price/As tested price………………… $83,250/$83,250
Mileage…………………………………… 16 mpg/city; 22 mpg/hwy
Engine……………………………………… 3.5-liter turbocharged V6
Horsepower………………………………. 375 hp/391 lbs./ft.
Transmission…………………………….. 8-speed automatic
Drive Wheels…………………………….. Four-wheel drive
Final Assembly Point…………………. Ulsan, Korea
