From its Bentley-square grille work to standard all-wheel drive, the Genesis GV80 emanates luxury and capability. Genesis has built an SUV that can go head to head with the likes of BMW, Mercedes, and the other high rollers of the automotive world.
Only a handful of cars can be in the top ten luxury mid-size SUV lineup. The Genesis GV80 has become a competitor in the automobile world known for its luxurious interiors and sculpted coachwork. SUVs similar to the GV80 are a varied group.
Features of the Genesis GV80
Classified as a mid-size luxury SUV, the Genesis GV80 is available with two different engines, three models, and eight trim levels. The MSRP of the base 2.5T I4 AWD Standard is $55,550.
Power for the 2.5T Standard comes from a turbocharged 2.5 L inline-four that produces 300 horsepower with all-wheel drive as a standard feature. The average fuel mileage when equipped with a four-cylinder engine is 20 city/ 24 highway miles per gallon.
Up one model level, the GV80 3.5T V6 AWD Standard ups the ante. By offering another 75 horsepower, the total horsepower increases to 375, coupled with all-wheel drive. The luxurious cabin seats five, and you get all this from a brand known for dependability.
The Genesis GV 80 3.5T V6 AWD has a base price of $62,700. Fuel mileage when equipped with the V6 engine is 18 city and 23 highway miles per gallon.
At the other end of the range is the Genesis GV80 3.5T V6 AWD Advanced+, which offers a third row of seats, increasing capacity from the standard five passengers to seven. It also increases the MSRP to $70,000 and has the power to tow up to 6000 pounds when properly equipped.
The three SUVs most similar to the Genesis GV80
There are many SUVs similar to the Genesis GV80 that are as luxurious, and others that are the same size but not outfitted quite as well. However, the Genesis GV80 is the young upstart in the top tier of this category.
1. BMW X5
The BMW X5 has the capabilities and capacities of an SUV while maintaining the handling and agility of BMW’s line of sports sedans and coupes. The latest model of the BMW X5 results from almost 25 years of continuous development, and it holds a place at the top of the mid-size luxury SUV market.
Powered by BMW’s legendary, highly evolved BMW M TwinPower 3.0 liter, the inline six-cylinder engine develops 335 horsepower. Furthermore, using mild-hybrid technology, the X5 is equipped with an eBoost 48-volt electric-assist system.
Available in two trim levels, the base X5 sDrive40i has an MSRP of $61,600. The X5 xDrive40i has an MSRP of $63,900, and these two get their power from the same mild hybrid system using a BMW inline-six. The fuel mileage of this configuration is 21 city/ 26 highway miles per gallon.
Another model in the X5 lineup is equipped with a 4.5 L V8. This larger engine produces 523 horsepower and is not a hybrid. Instead, it is a straight-up gas-guzzler with a modest mileage of 16 city/ 22 highway. The towing capacity of the BMW X5 is 6600 pounds.
2. Mercedes Benz GLE Class
The Mercedes Benz GLE Class of SUVs is the marque to beat. The Mercedes Benz GLE first hit the streets in 1997. Therefore, any quirks, kinks, or oddball anomalies were worked out of the GLE long ago. Standard as a five-seater, a third row is an option on the 350 and 450 GLE.
The Mercedes Benz GLE is available in three trim levels, with MSRPs ranging from $56,150 for the GLE 350 to an MSRP of $63950 for the mild. The two lower trims, the GLE 350 and the GLE 350 4Matic.
The two lower levels get their power from a turbocharged 2.0 L inline-four that produces 255 horsepower. This power will propel the GLE 350 from 0-60 miles per hour in 7.0 seconds.
The GLE 350 is a rear-wheel-drive SUV that returns 19 city and 27 highway miles per gallon. However, you can get a GLE 350 with an all-wheel drive system. All Mercedes Benz GLE 350s can tow up to 7700 pounds.
The GLE 450 gets a mild hybrid power system with a turbocharged inline-six that produces 362 horsepower and all-wheel drive. The addition of an integrated starter-generator adds another 21 horsepower from its battery-powered motor. As a result, the zero to 60 times for the 450 is 5.5 seconds, and the estimated mpg is 20 city and 26 highway.
3. Lexus RX 350/450
The Lexus RX has racy lines in ten trim levels compared to the Genesis GV80’s rather stately presence. Other cars could easily take third place on my list. However, Toyota’s dependability is at the heart of the Lexus, making it very appealing to those looking for an SUV of this size.
It has an appearance that is less like a box than some SUVs and is also attractive. The MSRP for the Lexus RX 350 is $46,995 for front-wheel drive and $48,395 for all-wheel drive. The RX 450hL AWD Black Line Special Edition is at the top end of the range, with a base MSRP of $57,115.
Powered by a 3.5 L V6, the horsepower for the three engine configurations is 290, 295, or 308. Fuel mileage varies for each model, and the RX350 base model returns 20 city/ 24 highway and 23 combined miles per hour. This model’s zero to 60 times in 7.7 seconds, which increases to 7.9 seconds when equipped with all-wheel drive.
SUVs that are similar to the Genesis GV80
Although the top contenders are pricier than the GV80, many SUVs exist in this market niche. Therefore, they will fulfill your needs and may cost you less or more than the above-listed competitors.
4. Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is available in four trim levels. The MSRP ranges from $33,600 to $47,290. Although not labeled a luxury SUV, the Palisade can stand along with similar SUVs without embarrassment when wearing the calligraphy trim. With seating for seven to eight passengers, the seating capacity is greater than any car on this list.
The three trim levels share the same engine, a 3.5 L V6 that produces 291 horsepower. The Palisade returns 19 city/ 26 highway and 22 combined miles per gallon when equipped with FWD. In addition, all trim levels of the Palisade are available with all-wheel drive.
When configured with front-wheel drive alone, the Palisade can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 6.9 seconds. In addition, it can pull up to 5000 pounds when properly equipped, which is a little shy of the GV80s capabilities.
5. Kia Telluride
Available in three trim levels, the MSRP of the Kia Telluride LX is $33,390, which is well below the MSRP of the GV80. The top-level Telluride has an MSRP of $43,290. In addition, it gets two sunroofs, a Harmon Kardon® stereo system, and seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs.
Like the Palisade, the Kia Telluride is a relative newcomer to the SUV market. With available seating for seven to eight and a towing capacity of 5000 pounds, it is large enough for a crowd and their gear. The Telluride has more available seating than any other SUV on this list.
Available in four trim levels, using the same 3.8 L, 291 horsepower V6, the Tellurides mileage is 20 city/26 highway and 23 city miles per gallon. Every bit as capable as the GV80, the Telluride offers a lot for the money. But unfortunately, it does not have an interior lined with leather, even when wearing SX trim.
6. Buick Enclave
With three trim levels and two engines, the Buick Enclave is similar to the GV80. However, the price of entry is a little lower. On the base end, the Enclave Essence has an MSRP of $44,500, while the top-priced Avenir has an MSRP of $53,800.
Power for all three trim levels comes from a 3.6 L V6 that produces a healthy 310 horsepower. The estimated fuel mileage is 18 city/ 26 highway and 23 combined miles per gallon. In addition, the Enclave will run from zero to 60 in 6.5 seconds.
7. Ford Edge
The footprint of the Ford Edge is smaller than the Genesis GV80. However, it has similar equipment and a top-level model priced almost as high. The Ford Edge is available in five trim levels, and they all return 21 city and 28 highway miles per gallon.
Except when wearing the Edge ST trim package, the mileage drops to 19 city and 25 highway miles per gallon. Power for the Edge comes from a 2.0 L inline-four that develops 250 horsepower. This is a few ponies shy of the Genesis GV80s’ base 300 horsepower.
The base MSRP of a Ford Edge SE is $37,410, and the top model Edge has an entry price of $46,210. However, it is equipped with a turbocharged 2.7 L V6 that develops 335 horsepower. The towing capacity of all models is 3500 pounds.
8. Cadillac XT6
Size-wise, the XT5 is closer in size to the Genesis GV80 and seats five. However, the Cadillac XT 6 offers as much or more bang for your automobile bucks. Power for the XT6 Luxury comes from a turbocharged 2.0 L inline-four that develops 237 horsepower.
The estimated mileage is 21 city and 27 highway miles per gallon. The three trim levels start with an MSRP of $48,595, the sport will set you back $60,095, and all models come with an all-wheel drive system as a standard feature. In addition, the XT6 Premium Luxury and Sport get a 3.6 L V6 that develops 310 horsepower.
With either engine, the XT6 will make it from zero to 60 in 7.5 seconds. The towing capacity of the Ford Edge is 1500 to 3500 pounds, depending on how your Edge is equipped.
9. Range Rover Evoque
Available in three trim levels, the Land Rover Evoque is similar to the Genesis in size, seats five passengers, and has a style of its own. The base Range Rover Evoque S is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter that develops 246 horsepower that can take it from zero to 60 in 7.0 seconds.
When wearing its top-level trim, the Range Rover Evoque HST, the engineers squeeze another 50 horsepower from this 2.0-liter engine, rating it at 296 horsepower. The added grunt will take the Evoque HST from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Fuel mileage for the S model is 20 city and 27 highway miles per gallon.
The towing capacity of the Range Rover Evoque is 3968 pounds when properly equipped.
10. Lincoln Nautilus
The stance of the Lincoln Nautilus is similar to the GV80 and has a regal stance. Available in three trim levels, Lincoln offers two power plants for the luxury mid-size SUV. MSRPs for these three models range from $44,090 to $66,710.
Seating is for five across all trims, and the towing capacity of the Nautilus is a very skinny 2000 pounds. Depending on trim, the Nautilus gets its power from either a turbocharged 2.0 L or a 2.7 L twin-turbo V6. The 2.0-liter engine develops 250 horsepower, while the 2.7-liter will give you 335 horsepower on tap.
Fuel mileage for the smaller engine is 21 city/ 26 highway and 23 combined miles per gallon.
11. Infiniti QX50
The Infiniti QX50 is available in nine trim levels. The base QX50Pure has an MSRP of $39,150. The top-level QX50 Autograph AWD has a base MSRP of $57,100. The power for all trim levels comes from a turbocharged 2.0 L inline-four that develops 268 horsepower.
Fuel mileage for the QX50 is 23 city/ 29 highway and 26 combined miles per gallon. All trim levels are available with all-wheel drive, decreasing fuel mileage. However, it will give your Infiniti more surefootedness when the weather grows foul.
The towing capacity of the QX50 is 3000 pounds when properly equipped. The zero to 60 times for the Infiniti QX50 is 6.4 seconds.
12. Porsche Cayenne
This should be one of the top three, where it places in the mid-size luxury SUV category of vehicles. Along with the BMW X5 and the Mercedes GLE, the Genesis GV80 is in the top five. This recognition places the GV80 in the same league as the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, and Mercedes Benz GLE.
Time will tell how the Genesis fairs are grouped with these luxury marques. However, the price point of a Porsche, any Porsche, is far beyond most cars, which can give it a challenge.
The MSRP of a base Porsche Cayenne is a hefty $72,200 for the Cayenne. In its base form, the Cayenne is powered by a turbocharged 3.0 L V6 that produces 335 horsepower.
On the other end of this 19-model lineup is the Cayenne Turbo GT, which will set you back $188,700. So what is the difference for $110,000? Horsepower and speed because of a twin-turbo 4.0 L V8 that produces 631 horsepower and powers the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT.
The zero to 60 times for the GT is 3.1 seconds. For the base Cayenne, zero to 60 takes 5.9 seconds. The towing capacity of all Porsche Cayenne’s is 6,600 to 7,700 pounds and depends on the trim level and equipment.
13. Volkswagen Atlas
Similar in size to the Genesis GV80, the Volkswagen has a base MSRP of $33,435 for the Atlas SE. The Atlas boasts five trim levels, and the highest priced model, the SEL Premium R-Line, has an entry MSRP of $51,505.
The Atlas gets its power from a turbocharged 2.0 L inline-four that produces 235 horsepower and drives the front wheels. However, an all-wheel-drive system is available on every model of the Atlas. The second engine for the Atlas on some trim levels is a 3.6 L V6 that develops 276 horsepower.
This power returns an estimated mileage of 18 city and 24 highway miles per gallon. The 0-60 time with the 2.0-liter engine is 7.5 seconds. However, when equipped with the V6, the zero to 60 mph time is 7.75 seconds and slower than when fitted with a smaller motor.
The Atlas towing capacity is 2000-5000 pounds, and seating is available for up to seven.
