When discussing luxury SUVs, I don’t think the Genesis GV80 is often on your radar. In a category with heavy hitters like the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Lexus GX, the Genesis GV80 can get a bit lost. However, this model beats its popular competitors across a wide range of categories while being a bit cheaper.
The 2026 Genesis GV80 starts at about $58,000, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE is $62,000, the Lexus GX is $67,000, the BMW X5 is $68,000, and the Porsche Cayenne is $87,000. The Prestige Black version of the Genesis GV80 starts at $74,000, which is also cheaper than the high-end trim options for its competitors. I mean, the Porsche Cayenne can reach up to $215,000 for its highest trim and engine.
However, I don’t think the price is truly an indicator that the Genesis GV80 is better than the competition. We’re in the luxury SUV category, after all. It’s not exactly a segment where people are desperately looking to save a few bucks, especially if it means missing out on features and performance. But once you find out how the Genesis GV80 compares — smoking them in a few categories — then luxury SUV buyers are listening.
Genesis GV80 offers a refined, enjoyable driving experience with a (small) edge
The Genesis GV80 delivers the same refined, comfortable experience you’d expect from a midsize luxury SUV. However, for such a big vehicle, you have pretty surprising handling and an exceptional turn radius. It comes with either a 300 horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 375 hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Wrote Car and Driver: “The GV80 impressed us with its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and predictable handling. We wouldn’t mind more steering feedback or a purring V8, of course, but we can’t fault Genesis for giving this luxury yacht relaxed driving manners.” If you want something a bit sportier and agile, try the GV70: I recently saw it hauling booty at the track.
The Lexus GX is probably not a top choice in this category. Edmunds noted: “Handling isn’t this big SUV’s forte. When pushed, there’s noticeable body roll, though you won’t feel like you’re out of control.” This is probably a vehicle you’d take off-road if you wanted to see it shine; it’s not going to out-commute the GV80.
The BMW X5 starts with 375 hp as well (though the Competition has 617 hp — for $150,000), but drivers are often left feeling nostalgic for BMW’s older models. Said one driver: “The newer cars all have very little feedback through the steering wheel. I have driven my G05 on track. In Sport Mode, the steering wheel has a little less assist and feels heavier, but I did not find there to be more feedback. The car handles great, though.”
Don’t get me wrong, the BMW X5 has a great performance, but you’re paying a lot more for something that’s not drastically better than the Genesis GV80. The Porsche Cayenne will give you an even more exhilarating experience while still remaining safely inside a hefty SUV, but it’s raising the price tag even further despite most luxury SUV buyers caring more about comfort and smoothness, which you can get for $30,000 less with the GV80. Just don’t expect an exhilarating 0-60.
Genesis GV80’s luxury and space live up to buyers’ desires (for less money)
No “refined” drive is complete without a luxury interior. Despite its lower price point, the Genesis GV80 delivers on the interior components that luxury SUV buyers are looking for. There’s high-end materials, including leather and real wood, and a huge 27-inch display with plenty of tech-focused features and sound-dampening. Then there’s the 16-way power adjustment and heating for the front seats (and massage in the Prestige trim) while also offering plenty of room for those in the second row. Again, it’s what you’d expect from a midsize luxury SUV, but you’re paying less for it.
The biggest interior selling point, however, is the cargo space. Said Car and Driver: “The 2026 Genesis GV80’s cargo area bests the trunk of the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, and it’s not even close. With the rear seats in place, the Genesis offers 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the BMW’s 33.9 and the Benz’s 33.3. On our trip up the California coast, we needed every inch of space we could get.”
Overall, the Genesis GV80 gives luxury SUV drivers everything they need — and then some — for way less money. But you won’t feel like you’re in a cheaper model, with luxury interior touches, plenty of screens and tech, and a refined, smooth, and quiet driving experience. We’re not going to claim it’s actually superior to a six-figure Porsche or BMW, especially if you want to lug a big SUV to the track, but the Genesis GV80 is focused on what luxury SUVs actually need, and it does it while saving you cash.
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