The Genesis GV80 does not have a V-8, as its name seems to suggest it might. But it does have something else that’s getting hard to find in a crossover SUV — especially in something that costs less than $50,000 to start.

Rear-wheel drive.

Unlike most of the other models in its class, such as the Lexus RX, the Acura MDX and the Audi Q5, which are built on front-wheel-drive layouts. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, depending on your priorities. Front-wheel drive is, without doubt, grippier than rear-wheel drive, making it less necessary to spend extra to get all-wheel drive (or four-wheel drive) if you have to deal with slippery conditions.

But rear-wheel drive is a good thing, too — if you prefer the better handling feel that usually comes with having the front wheels steer while the rear wheels power. The rear-wheel drive layout is also generally more rugged because the work of steering and powering is not handled by the same pair of wheels — or a single transaxle.

You can also usually pull a heavier load for that reason — almost 8,000 pounds in this case.

What It Is

The GV80 is the first crossover to be sold by Hyundai’s Genesis luxury division. It is built on a modified version of the Genesis G80 sedan’s underlying chassis but seats up to seven rather than just five.

Prices start at $48,900 for the base 2.5T trim, which comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that makes 300 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive.

All-wheel drive is available as an option bundled with a key card ignition/entry system, a panorama sunroof and a heated steering wheel.

It lists for $54,650.

A top-of-the-line 3.5T Advanced+ comes with a 375-horsepower turbocharged V-6, the eight-speed automatic, a power-folding third row, heated second row and standard all-wheel drive.

It lists for $65,550.

What’s New

The GV80 is a new model for Genesis — and the first crossover SUV to be offered by Hyundai’s flagship division.

What’s Good

It tows like a truck — as much as 6,000 pounds, even with the standard four-cylinder engine.

The optional V-6 outpowers some V-8s.

All-wheel drive is available with the four; some rivals upsell you to the optional six to get the optional all-wheel drive.

What’s Not So Good

All-wheel drive is bundled as part of an expensive package that boosts the GV80’s price by nearly $6K.

There is no low-range gearing.

The third row is only available with the top-of-the-line Advanced+ trim.

Under the Hood

Here’s a funny thing about the GV80’s standard and available engines. Both make about as much power as V-8 engines used to make.

The chief difference is how they make power. Instead of displacement (physical size), it is made via pressure, as by turbocharging. It uses the force of exhaust gasses to spin a wheel (two, if there are twin turbos) that compresses — pressurizes — the air entering the cylinders, so as to make the resultant explosion more powerful.

This is how you get a four-cylinder engine that’s only 2.5 liters in size to make 300 horsepower and 311 foot-pounds of torque at just 1,650 rpm and a V-6 that’s only 3.5 liters large to make 375 horsepower and 391 foot-pounds of torque at 1,300 rpm.

On the Road

There isn’t much difference between the four and the six when it comes to how quickly the GV80 gets to 60 mph. With the base 2.5-liter engine and rear-wheel drive combo, it takes about 6.5 seconds; if you go with the V-6 — which is heavier because it comes standard with all-wheel drive — you’ll get there about half a second sooner.

Both engines have one thing in common: Diesel-like low-end power. Even the four has 300-plus foot-pounds of torque on tap and the six has 391 foot-pounds.

What this means in practical terms is that the GV80’s not-V-8s feel less hardworking than some V-8s, which need to rev to summon their gumption. The GV80 — even with the four under its hood — moves authoritatively with minimal throttle pressure.

At the Curb

It’s said — and it’s true — that crossovers have become far more popular than sedans because they are so much more practical than sedans.

This is no less true of the GV80, which is based on the Genesis G80 sedan.

And looks it.

Even the front- and second-row legroom specifications are almost identical: 41.6 inches up front in the GV80 and 38.7 inches in back versus 41.1 inches up front in the G80 sans the V and 38.7 inches in the rear.

But there’s nothing behind the rear seats in the G80, except for a small-for-its-size (13.1 cubic foot) trunk versus the 34.9 cubic feet of space behind the GV80’s second row, which can be expanded to 84 cubic feet with the second row folded.

And there’s that available third row, opening up space for seven people to ride in the GV80 versus the maximum of five that can fit inside the G80.

The Rest

All trims come standard with a completely digital main and 14.5-inch-long secondary touchscreen, the widest available in the class. All trims also come with at least a 12-speaker stereo — with a truly epic 21-speaker Lexicon rig available optionally.

The Bottom Line

You coulda had a V-8 — as the old commercial used to say. But it’s not something you’ll miss much in this case.

(SET IMAGE) epe040621adAP.jpg (END IMAGE) (SET CAPTION) View the Genesis GV80 this week. (END CAPTION)

Eric’s latest book, “Don’t Get Taken for a Ride!” is available now. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.

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Last Updated: Monday, Apr 05, 2021 16:12:50 -0700