Pros: Impressive value for the money; expansive passenger room and trunk space; quiet cabin; broad array of luxurious comfort and convenience features; all-wheel drive available (though only on V6 version)
Cons: Options are limited to pricey packages; middling fuel economy; ride quality and all-around handling are not as refined as some rivals; rear seatbacks don’t fold
CG Says: Hyundai launches its new Genesis premium brand for 2017. Just as Acura is the premium label for Honda and Lexus the upscale brand of Toyota, so Genesis will be an upmarket Hyundai product. The 2017 Genesis G80 was formerly the Hyundai Genesis. (The Hyundai Equus has been replaced by a new-design Genesis G90.) In its transformation from Hyundai Genesis to Genesis G80, this large sedan is relatively unchanged. The V6 models gain standard automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and self-dimming headlights. Most of this equipment was formerly part of an option package on the V6 model and was standard with V8 trim. The 311-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 makes 311 horsepower and the 5.0-liter V8 puts out 420. Both are mated to an 8-speed automatic, but only the V6 can be ordered with optional all-wheel drive in place of rear-wheel drive. Available convenience features include a Head-Up Display and Smart Trunk, which opens the trunklid automatically when a person with key in pocket stands next to it for three seconds. G80’s plus-size dimensions and high-end trimmings mean it competes against mainstream large cars (such as the Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon) and midsize luxury-brand sedans (such as the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class). Though its suspension composure and ride quality can’t match the best competitors in either of those classes, the G80’s convincingly luxurious personality, impressive list of standard and available equipment, and competitive base prices make it worth checking out.
| Class | Large Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Genesis |
| Nation of Manufacture | South Korea |
| Base Prices | 2WD 3.8: $41,400 AWD 3.8: $43,900 2WD 5.0: $54,550 |
| Base Engine 3.8-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 311 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16-18 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25-28 |
| Optional Engine 5.0-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 420 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 15 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23 |
