The 2022 Genesis G80 is but one example of proof that Hyundai and its Genesis luxury brand can build world-class vehicles. Korean designers, engineers, assemblers, and marketers can take on the best luxury marques on the planet.
Redesigned last year, the G80 midsize luxury sedan was the first Genesis built from the ground up to reflect the company’s distinctive new design language, inside and out.
The result is a car that oozes class and sophistication and contains the engineering and technological foundation to make it more than just a styling exercise.
From its turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engines and rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts to its sumptuous interior materials and generous ownership perks, the 2022 Genesis G80 demands consideration.
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
The entry-level G80 comes with a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Buyers seeking quicker acceleration will want to opt for the more powerful Sport trim which comes with the 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 and all-wheel drive.
Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged four-cylinder snapped off a perky 5.7-second zero-to-60-mph time at our test track while the V-6 made it to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
The 2022 Genesis G80 provides a relaxed ride, effortless steering, and dutiful brakes, but it doesn’t feel as athletic as some rivals. The Sport model, which is new for 2022, adds more athleticism and should give enthusiast drivers more enjoyment from behind the wheel.
The 2022 Genesis G80 Sport is powered by the same 375-hp twin-turbo V-6, but it features a launch control feature that helped shave 0.2-seconds off its zero-to-60-mph time at our test track.
ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
The EPA estimates the 2022 Genesis G80 with the base four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive will earn up to 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Opting for the more powerful twin-turbo V-6 brings ratings of 17 mpg city and 26 highway.
On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, the G80 2.5T with all-wheel drive managed a 29 mpg result; a V-6–powered model delivered 28 mpg. For more information about the 2022 Genesis G80’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
With its primary focus as a luxury car, the 2022 Genesis G80 offers a properly upscale interior. Its cabin showcases an elegant design with a streamlined dashboard, soft-touch surfaces, and rich-looking materials.
The steering wheel has an odd aesthetic and the rotary shift knob is never as intuitive as automakers think, especially when positioned near other circular-shaped controls, but overall the inside of the G80 looks wonderful.
The sedan offers desirable features such as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, heated and ventilated front, and rear seats, and more. The 2022 Genesis G80 has more headroom and legroom than the outgoing model, too, which was spacious, to begin with.
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
A huge 14.5-inch touchscreen sprouts from the top of the dashboard and acts as the hub for the G80’s infotainment system. The display can be manipulated via a circular controller on the center console as well as buttons on the steering wheel and voice commands.
Every G80 also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A powerful Lexicon audio system with distinct sound modes is part of the infotainment setup, too.
PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
The G80 sedan offers a host of driver-assistance technology as well as a cool feature called Smart Park. Also available on select Hyundai models, the system allows the driver to maneuver the car in and out of a tight parking spot without actually being at the controls.
For more information about the 2022 Genesis G80‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
2021 Genesis G80 2.5T
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$58,025 (base price: $48,725)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement
152 in3, 2497 cm3
Power
300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque
311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/12.8-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, F: 245/45R-19 102W M+S GOE R: 275/40R-19 105W M+S GOE
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 118.5 in
Length: 196.7 in
Width: 75.8 in
Height: 57.7 in
Passenger volume: 108 ft3
Trunk volume: 13 ft3
Curb weight: 4143 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.7 sec
100 mph: 14.1 sec
130 mph: 26.0 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.6 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.3 sec
1/4 mile: 14.1 sec @ 100 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 160 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 19 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 26/23/32 mpg
2022 Genesis G80 Sport
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $64,795/$72,595
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 212 in3, 3470 cm3
Power: 375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 391 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.2-in vented disc/13.6-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero All-Season
F: 245/40R-20 99W M+S GOE
R: 275/35R-20 102W M+S GOE
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 118.5 in
Length: 196.7 in
Width: 75.8 in
Height: 57.7 in
Passenger Volume: 104 ft3
Trunk Volume: 13 ft3
Curb Weight: 4495 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.7 sec
100 mph: 11.5 sec
¼-Mile: 13.2 sec @ 107 mph
130 mph: 20.8 sec
150 mph: 32.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.3 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Speed (C/D): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 20/17/26 mpg