I spent a week driving the 2026 Genesis G80, the South Korean luxury brand’s midsize sedan. We recently tested the G90 full-size sedan for USA TODAY Cars and wanted to compare the two for prospective drivers.
Genesis doesn’t have a long production history like its rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but the car brand is disrupting rankings thanks to innovative and value-oriented models.
The 2026 Genesis G80 has an ultra-luxurious cabin, bold driving dynamics and plenty of great standard features. Here’s what I thought of the midsize luxury car after daily driving it for a week.
What Stands Out About the 2026 Genesis G80?
Like its big brother the Genesis G90, the G80 has an understated curb appeal. Its exterior is more classy than bold and its front grille is its defining characteristic.
The G80’s interior quality stands out because once you pop the door open, it feels like something out of a James Bond film. Quiet luxury is tough to ignore when executed correctly and Genesis has masterfully designed this cabin.
Aside from being comfortable and stylish, the 2026 Genesis G80 is also fun to drive thanks to a gutsy powertrain and nimble handling.
Performance, Handling and Efficiency: How Does It Drive?
Genesis’ midsize car is powerful for its size. It accelerates quickly and handles well on highways and tight suburban roads. Its city gas mileage isn’t the best (20 mpg) but its highway gas mileage makes up for it (29 mpg).
The 2026 Genesis G80 uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces a massive 300 horsepower, which is great for driving enthusiasts. Genesis also offers a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 375 horsepower, a thrilling amount of power for a midsize car.
The G80 boasts the performance of a sports car, but its cabin is clearly the star of the show.
Interior, Tech and Comfort: What’s It Like Inside?
Genesis’ midsize luxury sedan comes standard with comfy high-quality Nappa leather seats. Both front and rear outboard seats are heated and the front row of seats has massaging capabilities in some trims.
The instrument panel is wrapped in leather and the cabin features a matte finish wood trim.
Will the 2026 Genesis G80 Fit Your Lifestyle?
The G80 comfortably seats five. It’s 197.6 inches long, 75.8 inches wide (without mirrors) and 57.7 inches tall.
The Genesis G80’s rear seat has 38.7 inches of legroom. It has 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is adequate for small families and commuters.
Genesis’ luxury car best suits long-distance commuters and professionals who value advanced tech and an upscale cabin.
Pricing, Value and Competitors: Is the 2026 Genesis G80 Worth Buying?
The 2026 Genesis G80 starts at $58,450. It comes in five different trims including the 3.5 Prestige Black AWD, which I tested.
2026 Genesis G80 Trims
- G80 2.5T AWD: $58,450
- G80 2.5T Advanced AWD: $64,040
- G80 2.5T Sport Prestige AWD: $69,950
- G80 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD: $78,350
- G80 3.5T Prestige Black AWD: $79,350
The G80 is worth the money because of its top-tier quality. Upper trims may price out some drivers, but Genesis trim levels vary enough in price that there are plenty of options for buyers. Not every driver will splurge on the Prestige Black AWD trim, but it’s worth the money for auto enthusiasts who want to experience the best G80 tech, features and driving experience.
Genesis’ midsize luxury car competes against rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The G80 has the most powerful base engine of the trio. BMW’s midsize luxury car is the best choice for steering response and driving engagement. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class beats its rivals in terms of cabin quality and tech.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2026 Genesis G80?
The 2026 Genesis G80 is designed for commuters and drivers with small families who want a refined sedan with engaging acceleration and handling. It’s a luxury car that challenges some of the most impactful nameplates in its segment.
If you’re looking for a luxury car with a low-key exterior and a lavish cabin, the G80 is a solid pick. Its quiet interior feels immersive and its rear seat feels like a V.I.P section for passengers. I enjoyed the Prestige Black trim’s powerful engine.
The G80, like the G90, delivers an elite driving and ownership experience for an attainable price. Look out BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Genesis is shaking up rankings in the midsize and full-size luxury car segments.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at [email protected].
Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
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