2021 Genesis GV80

2021 genesis Gv80

2/7/2020

full size luxury - cuv

Front End: C-
    Good: Smooth clean lines
    Bad: Cheap grille appeal
Rear End: C-
    Good: Clean flow
    Bad: Awkward looking lights
Side: C-
    Good: Chrome accents
    Bad: Rear window taper
Overall Appeal: C-
    Good: Luxurious
    Bad: Cookie cutter appeal

Genesis may be the youngest luxury maker on the market, but it still has a long way to go to catch up to the crowd. They are on the right track with the release of the GV80, as the CUV market is the biggest out there. But did they really do all that great of a job with their entry into this marketplace.
The GV80 follows the design language of the rest of the Genesis lineup, but where the sedans rule, this CUV fails.
Up front the GV80 has smooth sweeping lines similar to the new G80 sedan, but does it really work on a larger scale. The oversized grille from the G90 begs for hard surfaces, as its thin exterior lines cause it to lose its luxury lustre. Chrome does help make it appear that this is for a luxury product, but you can have chrome on your Sonata as well.
Genesis has taken the crab claw lights to the next level up front and out back, but is this really the answer to your own design. Remember the bubble lights from the early 2000's Mercedes models. The claw seems to be a fad, that may die out all too soon, with models utilizing it, being left in the past. Just like the floating rooflines of the late 10's, the claw light seems to be a dying breed.

Out-back Genesis has again capitalized on the claw light, but this time has gone too far with cheap Kia-esque plastic. Guess Genesis forgot that this is the luxury version of the Tellluride.
Along the side the GV80 does hit a few good points. They do utilize some sport inspired wheels, which bring a bit more appeal to this model. Next to that the chrome accents are a great touch and could have been utilized in a few more areas. The windows though, do taper rather quickly at the rear, breaking the smooth flow of the windowsill. Either a bit less taper or a bit less chrome could have eased out the appeal of this feature.

All around the GV80 is a decent product considering it is just a luxury version of the Telluride and Palisade. But, when you look past that aspect you begin to realize that Hyundai is really serious about competing with the big luxury marks. So, lets hope this little luxury CUV can, as it chugs its way up that luxury hill.

Everett J.