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On the Road With a 2018 Genesis G80

September 6, 2018 by admin 5 Comments

Luxury meets value with the Genesis G80

2018 Genesis G80
The Genesis G80 is available in three trims. It has three engine choices and an automatic transmission.

Hyundai launched the Genesis luxury brand launched in 2016 with plans to steadily expand it to six models. Carved out of Hyundai, this marque is comprised of G70 (compact), G80 (midsize) and G90 (full-size) sedans. Two SUVs will soon follow; a third model of a not-yet-determined body style should arrive in 2021.

Genesis competes with a host of luxury brands, including Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Its traditional rear-wheel-drive architecture gives it the right to take on the best models in the business.

Recently, a Genesis G80 sedan was delivered for my inspection. It is a model I’m very familiar with, both under the Genesis moniker and when it was marketed as the Hyundai Genesis. I’ve always liked this sedan, which is stylish, generously appointed and attainable.

2018 Genesis G80

2018 Genesis G80 Overview

The 2018 Genesis G80 seats five and comes with standard rear-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. This model has three engine choices — each one is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Pay a visit to the Genesis G80 splash page and you’ll find 10 trim choices for your consideration. In reality, there are three trims, with each one corresponding to the engine choice. Thus, the standard prices are as follows: 3.8 ($41,750); 3.3T or Sport ($55,250); and 5.0 ($57,000). Add $975 for the destination charge and another $2,500 for all-wheel drive.

The 3.8 is where the package options kick in. The Premium Package ($5,000) builds on the standard features, adding LED foglights, a power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof, a Lexicon 14-speaker surround sound audio, a 7-inch color LCD multi-information display, wireless device charging (front) Qi standard, front and rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a power rear sunshade, and manual rear side window shades.

You can also upgrade to the Ultimate Package ($10,100), which builds on the standard trim and Premium Package. Here, you’ll find shift-by-wire, full LED headlights with dynamic bending light (DBL) technology, premium leather seating surfaces, a power driver seat cushion extender and side bolster, genuine matte-finish wood trim and aluminum trim, a heads-up display, a multi-view camera system, a 9.2” HD touchscreen, Lexicon 17-speaker surround sound audio, a power trunk lid, and a dual mode front vent control and CO2 Sensor.

2018 Genesis

Your Choice of Engines

Credit Genesis with giving the G80 three engine choices and very good ones at that.

2018 Genesis G80The standard engine displaces 3.8 liters, generating 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque. It is also the most efficient one too, making 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This one runs on regular gasoline.

A twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 with 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque is the second engine choice. Models equipped with this engine make 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway and take premium gasoline.

The third engine choice is the lone V8, which displaces 5.0 liters and has an output of 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The EPA-estimated fuel economy comes in at 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. You’ll fuel with premium gasoline too.

Equipped the Way You Want

Genesis is big on value and that’s evident by just how well this model is equipped. We’ll look at the three main trims and what you get with each one.

Genesis G80 3.8

The G80’s roster of standard equipment is strong, beginning with the exterior.

2018 Genesis G80This model comes with Bi-Xenon HID headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL), high beam assist, power-folding and heated dual side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, 18-inch alloy wheels and a hands-free open trunk.

Inside, the G80 has push-button start to go with keyless entry. This model also comes with a leather-wrapped and power-controlled tilt-and-telescopic steering column, leather seats, 12-way power front seats with dual automatic climate control, and an automatic-dimming rearview mirror. A drive mode select allows you to choose between normal, eco and sport modes.

Among tech features, the 2018 G80 includes a 7-speaker audio system with satellite radio and a CD player.

2018 Genesis G80Genesis also includes an 8-inch color touch-screen with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, Bluetooth and two USB ports. Genesis also provides three years complimentary connected car services and three years SiriusXM Travel Link services.

Among safety tech you’ll find a rearview camera with parking guidelines, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and driver attention alert. Genesis also includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Genesis G80 Sport (3.3T)

2018 Genesis G80Besides the twin-turbo V6 engine, the Genesis G80 Sport adds such features as a panoramic power glass tilt and slide sunroof and a vehicle anti-theft system with engine mobilizer.

Inside, this trim has a power rear sunshade. All other tech and safety features remain the same.

Genesis G80 5.0

The V8 engine is the most significant difference at this trim level. The other one is the addition of front fog lights.

On the Road

My test Genesis G80 3.8 with rear-wheel drive came with zero options. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t well equipped as noted above. It just means you can find a midsize luxury sedan in the low-$40,000 range and that alone is good news.

What you have with the standard model is a quiet, comfortable riding sedan. Step-off acceleration is adequate and passing power is satisfactory. The transmission is properly matched with this engine, shifting through cogs quickly with no hunting detected.

The steering is light to the touch with limited feedback. On twisty roads and when pulling out of corners, its lack of handling precision becomes evident. Not in a disturbing way, but as a matter of fact. And that fact is a sedan like the BMW 5 Series is still difficult to beat.

Hours of backcountry road traveling gave me a good feel for what the Genesis G80 is all about. It is not a corner carver, but it acquits itself everywhere else and that’s what customers expect in this segment. In the G80, Genesis found what most customers want and delivers it.

2018 Genesis G80

Parting Thoughts: Genesis G80

The 2018 Genesis G80 delivers solid value for the segment. A number of competing models start around $50,000 and usually offer a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the base engine. The Audi A6, Cadillac CTS and Lexus GS are three such models that come to mind.

Notably, when comparing this model to the Lexus, there is a near $5,000 price difference between Genesis and Lexus and even then you’re comparing a V6 engine to a small turbo four. Choose the GS 350 F Sport and you’ll pay $52,260 or just over $10,000 more than the G80 for a V6 that also makes 311 horsepower. Sure, the Lexus has better handling, but in all other areas, these two sedans are nearly equal.

As for the model of your choosing, adding the Ultimate Package gives you a well-equipped sedan, one that is priced like the Lexus, but with more features. Here, you get the most bang for the buck, although if enhanced performance is important to you, then you’ll look at the two other engine choices instead.


2018 Genesis G80


2018 Genesis G80 Specifications

Genesis 2018 G80
Segment Midsize Luxury Sedan
Base Sticker Price $41,750 (plus $995 destination fee)
Price as tested $42,725 (RWD 3.8)
Engine No. 1 3.8-liter, V6
Horsepower 311 @ 6,000 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 293 @ 5,000 RPMs
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Engine No. 2 5.0-liter, V8
Horsepower 420/407 @ 6,000 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 383/372 @ 2,500 to 5,000 RPMs
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Engine No. 3 3.3-liter, twin turbo
Horsepower 365 @ 6,000 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 376 @ 1,300 to 4,500 RPMs
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Seating 5 (2+3)
Curb Weight (pounds) 4,195 to 4,561
Wheelbase (inches) 118.5
Length (inches) 196.5
Width (inches) 74.4
Height (inches) 58.3
Head room (f,r — inches) 39.4, 38.2/41.1
Leg room (f,r — inches) 45.7, 35.0
Shoulder room (f,r — inches) 58.3, 57.1
Hip room (f,r — inches) N/A, N/A
Storage (cubic feet) 15.3
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) 5,259 to 5,512
Towing (pounds) 3,500 pounds (2.0L)
Payload (pounds) 780 to 951
Fuel regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 20.3
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway) 19/27 (3.8L RWD); 16/24 (5.0L RWD); 17/25 (3.3L RWD)
Manufacturing Plant Ulsan, South Korea

2018 Genesis G80
See Also — Genesis to Separate From Hyundai Showrooms


2018 Genesis G80 photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2018 cars, 8-SPEED TRANSMISSION, Genesis, Genesis G80, luxury sedan, rear-wheel drive, TWIN TURBO, V6 engine, V8 engine

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

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  1. Second Look: 2017 Genesis G80 — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    September 6, 2018 at 6:16 am

    […] G80 wades into the luxury arena much in the same way a swimmer enters the water surrounded by sharks. […]

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  2. Midsize Luxury Sedan: 2017 Genesis G80 — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    September 6, 2018 at 6:20 am

    […] fans will automatically be drawn to the Genesis G80 and all it has to offer. One standard feature is the automatic trunk opening system that senses […]

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  3. About the 2019 Genesis G70 — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    September 6, 2018 at 6:23 am

    […] 2019 G70 is an all-new model. Its joins the midsize G80 and the large G90 sedans in rounding out Genesis’ sedan lineup. The next three models scheduled […]

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  4. Hyundai Genesis Sedan: Grand Finale! — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    September 6, 2018 at 6:42 am

    […] See Also — On the Road With a 2018 Genesis G80 […]

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  5. Raise the Stakes: 2019 Genesis G70 — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    October 25, 2018 at 8:04 am

    […] the compact G70 sedan, making its strongest case yet as a luxury manufacturer. Indeed, where the midsize G80 and full-size G90 sedans established toeholds in their respective segments, the G70 is going after […]

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