Few years after the brand’s launch and two quite impressive sedans, the Korean luxury brand is finally coming with an SUV. The GV80 is coming brand-new for the 2021 model years and judging on what we can hear from our reliable sources, it looks like some interesting novelties are coming already for the second production year. It looks like the 2022 Genesis GV80 is about to come in a new, more performance-oriented variant, which would include upgrades in terms of suspension, chassis and similar things.
On the other side, the overall layout is about to remain the same. We are about to see a familiar layout, based on the G80 sedan, with a familiar styling and a cabin that offers nothing but luxury and refinement. Also, there are two pretty capable engines under the hood, which all make this SUV capable of competing with German and Japanese luxury brands. We expect to see this model sometime in the second half of next year.
2022 Genesis GV80 Design
In terms of base design characteristics, the second production year definitely won’t bring any substantial changes. We are about to see a familiar design, which is based on the G80 sedan. This means an RWD-based layout, with the optional AWD version. With 116.3 inches in wheelbase, this is a typical mid-size crossover.
When it comes to novelties for the second production year, the styling will certainly remain untouched. Still, the 2022 Genesis GV80 SUV could come with a new trim in the offer. It would be oriented a little bit sportier. This means upgrades in various aspects, starting from an upgraded suspension and similar mechanical tweaks. Visual upgrades are expected too, so we might see new wheels, more aggressive bumpers and similar things. Still, this version probably won’t go too extreme to compete with M, AMG, RS and similarly badged luxury rivals.
Interior
On the inside, we don’t expect bigger changes either. The new crossover comes with a pretty impressive cabin layout. So, there is no doubt that things will remain pretty much the same for the second production year. This means a well-designed cabin, which comes with beautiful aesthetics and impressive overall quality, in a combination with loads of standard and available tech features. We like the seats, which are massive and supportive, as well as the excellent sound insulation.
When it comes to possible novelties for the second production year, we could see a couple of additions to the list of standard features. The possible sporty trim could bring a couple of interesting upgrades in terms of materials and color schemes. Still, the overall layout will certainly remain the same. So, you may count on a crossover with two spacious and one tight row of seats. Also, the cargo area seems pretty typical for the segment.
When it comes to tech features, it’s hard to find anything that’s missing in this crossover, whether it’s about standard or optional features. The list is pretty long in both cases, and we really like that large and wide 14.5-inch infotainment screen at the center console. Of course, you may also count on loads of advanced safety and driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, late departure warning and lane keep assist, and many other.
2022 Genesis GV80 Engine
Despite we expect to see a sportier version for the second production year, we don’t expect to see changes in terms of 2022 Genesis GV80 specs. Therefore, you may count on two engine options in the offer for the North American market. Base models will feature a familiar 2.5-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 300 horsepower. For higher trim levels, there is a 3.5-liter turbo V6, which puts out a pretty impressive 380 horsepower. In both cases, the power is sent to the rear or all wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
In other parts of the world, particularly Europe, this model also comes in a diesel variant, equipped with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel. This one is good for about 275 horsepower.
2022 Genesis GV80 Release Date and Price
We expect to see this model sometime in the second half of the next year. The starting price should go around 50.000 dollars. Some of the potential rivals could be models like BMW X5, Mercedes Benz GLE, Lexus RX, Acura MDX etc.
