The award-winning Genesis GV80 3.5T is the most popular trim. Is there enough value in this middle trim to make it the right choice?
The GV80 continues to earn trophies as one of the most intriguing and impressive luxury SUVs in the market. This Genesis SUV undercuts the pricing of most German luxury models while also being one of the highest-rated vehicles in its class. The GV80 earned the J.D. Power Engineering Award for Highest-Rated All-New-Vehicle, and it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick SUV, making it a great choice for families.
Why is the 3.5T trim the most popular version of this Genesis SUV? Let’s explore.
What are the GV80 trims?
The latest version of the GV80 comes in three trims: 2.5T, 3.5T, and 3.5T Prestige Signature. The base 2.5T model starts at $57,450, with the 3.5T calling for $64,600, while the 3.5T Prestige Signature requires shoppers to part with $81,500. Does the 3.5T actually offer enough equipment to require a $7,000 increase in price?
What does the 2.5T model include?
To understand what higher trims of any vehicle offer, you first must learn about the base version and its foundation. The base 2.5T model of the Genesis GV80 includes an impressive 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels and aids this trim in providing 20 city/24 hwy mpg.
This base model also includes the following features:
- Hands-free automatic liftgate
- Power-folding outside mirrors
- Heated power front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Proximity key fob
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Wireless charging system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Leatherette upholstery and wood interior trim
- Self-leveling rear suspension
- Drive Mode Select: Comfort, Smart, Eco, Sport, Custom
- LED headlights and taillights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic detection
- Safe Exit Assist
- 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 8-inch digital instrument panel
- 12-speaker premium audio system
The base 2.5T model is also available with two upgrade packages, the Advanced Package and The Prestige Package, which add more to the price and offer additional luxury features for a great drive.
What’s included in the 3.5T trim?
The Genesis GV80 3.5T starts with an impressive powertrain, which might be enough of an upgrade for most drivers. This trim includes a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain drops the fuel mileage to 18 city/23 hwy mpg, but the added power makes it worth the economy loss.
The 3.5T model builds in the 2.5T with additional features, including:
- An adaptive suspension
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated and ventilated front seats
This middle trim is also available with the optional Advanced and Prestige Packages. The Prestige package requires the Advanced Package before it can be added.
The 3.5T Advanced Package includes:
- Leather upholstery
- Power-folding third-row seat
- Lexicon audio system
- Surround View Monitor
- Blind-spot view monitor
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Head-up display
- Heated second-row seats
Additionally, the Prestige Package adds:
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Suede headliner
- Electronic limited-slip differential
- 22-inch alloy wheels
- Active Noise Control
- 3-dimentional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Power and ventilated second-row seats
- Power door closers
- Power rear sunshades
The addition of the more powerful engine and luxury features could be enough to call for the $7,000 increase in price, but if you want this trim level to go over the top with comfort, the added packages give this trim the final touches required.
What will you find in the 3.5T Prestige Signature trim?
The top trim of the Genesis GV80 is the 3.5T Prestige Signature trim. This model uses the same powertrain as the 3.5T trim, but it increases the overall luxury feeling of this Genesis SUV with some added features. Items you’ll find in the 3.5T Prestige Signature model that aren’t in the other two trims are:
- Advanced and Prestige packages as standard equipment
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- 5-spoke 22-inch dark chrome wheels
- Four additional exterior color options
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Suede headliner
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Head-up display
- Front and rear wireless chargers
Does the most popular trim make sense?
The Genesis GV80 3.5T is the most popular trim of this luxury SUV. The increase in power is likely worth the increase in price over the base trim. Some might question the increase to the top trim, but when the two options packages are added together, it’s easy to see why the 3.5T Prestige Signature trim costs as much as it does.
Will the Genesis GV80 become the SUV you love to drive every day?
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