What Is Genesis’ Best Midsize SUV?

Genesis offers two midsize SUVs, the GV70 and GV80. Both are considered luxury vehicles—find out which is best here.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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Genesis’ midsize SUV lineup includes the luxurious GV70 and GV80. The GV70 is a quick compact SUV that features ample cargo space and offers more value than its German rivals. The GV80 also provides a ton of value, along with good power and an exceptionally high-end aesthetic both inside and out.
In case you haven’t noticed, the subcompact and compact SUV market has exploded in recent years. That said, there are plenty of drivers who want more space but don’t want the hassle of piloting a gargantuan SUV to their kid’s (or their own) pickleball game. That’s where the midsize SUV comes in.
So, what is Genesis’ best midsize SUV: the GV70 or GV80?
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comparison app, has put together this handy article to help you decide. We’ll also give you tips to save money on
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Does Genesis have a midsize SUV?

Yes, Genesis offers two midsize SUV options: the four-door GV70 and the three-row GV80. 
Smaller yet in Genesis’ SUV lineup is the electric GV60 subcompact crossover SUV. Genesis doesn’t offer a larger SUV for the 2023 model year, but rumors abound (per MotorTrend) that it will introduce a large, electric-only GV90 SUV in 2024.

What makes a midsize SUV?

Size isn’t all that important, is it? Well in terms of SUVs, automakers don’t seem to think so. What one manufacturer calls a compact, another will label a midsize. And what another carmaker calls a midsize, yet another will term full-size. 
We know what you’re thinking—what gives? Despite our reputation for car insurance genius and overall automobile know-it-all-ness, we here at Jerry don’t know.
Just keep this in mind when thinking about size: a midsize is bigger than a subcompact or compact, yet smaller than a full-size.

Is the GV60 a midsize SUV? 

If we here at Jerry know anything, we know you’ll ask questions, so we saw this one coming a quarter-mile away. No, the Genesis GV60 is not a midsize SUV but an all-electric compact SUV. 
It seats five occupants, but its rear passenger space and cargo area are compromised by a sloping roofline. While it looks pretty cool, don’t ask your 6’5” uncle to sit in the GV60’s rear seats (he won’t appreciate it).

GV70 vs. GV80: which is the best midsize Genesis SUV?

It's time to put both the GV70 and GV80 under the microscope. They do have a lot in common, including a smooth and composed ride, good power, and ample interior with good technology features. But which is better? 
Let’s find out.

2023 Genesis GV70

MSRP range: $42,900 to $65,00
MPG: 22 city / 28 highway / 24 combined
Seating for: 5 passengers
If nothing else, the 2023 Genesis GV70 offers a ton of value—but it is much more than that. The GV70 offers a quick and composed ride, a spacious and handsome interior, lots of cargo space, and more than enough gumption to give its German competitors (
BMW
and
Audi
) a run for their Deutschmarks. 
The base GV70 is the 2.5T trim, which boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T Sport comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. 
Both trims are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive comes standard
The V6 version of the GV70 goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The GV70’s ride is quick and composed, and both versions handle well. However, the Genesis’ athleticism doesn’t quite match rivals such as
BMW
,
Audi
, and
Mercedes
SUVs.
In 2023, Genesis will unveil its GV70 Electrified. Details are a bit scant right now, but industry insiders believe the GV70 Electrified will swap out a gasoline engine for two electric motors that produce 483 horsepower, going from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds. 
All-wheel drive is expected to be standard, and the GV70 Electrified is predicted to offer at least 300 miles of range on a full battery. You might be able to charge the GV70 Electrified from 10% to 80% battery life in about 20 minutes.
Both the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have yet to review the 2023 Genesis GV70. That is likely due to the fact that, according to Edmunds, there were no major changes to the 2023 version from the 2022 GV70. 
Also, the IIHS named the 2022 GV70 a Top Safety Pick+, so “no major changes” is a good omen for the 2023 GV70’s safety.
The inside of the GV70 is an exercise in relaxation—it boasts heated and ventilated front seats, and the top trim offers a massaging function as well. The rear seats are cushy and comfortable, and the overall cabin is well-insulated from road noise. 
The GV70 V6 has adaptive suspension that capably handles road bumps. Owners enjoy a high driving position and easy sightlines, as well. You’ll have nearly 60 cubic feet of cargo space in the GV70, too.
Highlights include: 
  • Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Large 14.5-inch touchscreen
  • Easy-to-use infotainment rotary knob
  • 16-speaker Lexicon sound system
  • Standard driver-assist technology including lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more
  • Heated steering wheel
Weaknesses include:
  • Doesn’t handle as well as rival BMW, Porsche, and Audi SUVs—nor is it as fast
  • Infotainment system can be a bit finicky
  • Lack of smaller interior storage cubbies

2023 GV80

MSRP range: $56,645 to $77,695
MPG: 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined
Seating for: Up to 8 passengers
The Genesis GV80 SUV is another Genesis luxury vehicle that over-delivers on value, driving experience, both exterior and interior luxury, and practicality, while under-delivering on very little.
Like the GV70, the GV80 offers two engine choices—a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. 
Both GV80 engines and all GV80 trims handle curves with aplomb, supply a refined and quick drive, and offer a comfortable and quiet driving experience. All-wheel drive comes standard, as does an eight-speed automatic transmission. 
The GV80 is standard equipped with a slew of driver-assist technology too, including adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous drive mode, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. 
The 2023 GV80 was awarded five stars for safety from the NHTSA, and the IIHS tabbed the 2022 GV80 as a Top Safety Pick+. 
In terms of its interior, the GV80 is a star—you’ll find beautiful interiors on every trim. Luxury details such as handsome wood trim, striking metal accents, and ambient interior lighting make for a welcoming and upscale driving and riding experience. 
The front seats are heated and ventilated (with massage functions on the upper trims), and there’s an optional third row of seating. However, space is tight in the third row, so it’s best reserved for kids. With the second and third rows folded down, the GV80 provides 84 cubic feet of cargo space.
Highlights include:
  • Luxury and striking looks on the exterior and interior
  • Spritely engine choices including a V6
  • Slim 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard
  • Nappa leather upholstery is available
  • Power liftgate also an option
  • Panoramic sunroof standard on all trims
Weaknesses include:
  • Engines don’t quite match GV80’s European rivals
  • Upper trims can get expensive quickly
  • No hybrid or electric option
  • Optional third row is a tight squeeze, especially for adult passengers

2023 Genesis GV70 vs. 2023 Genesis GV80 comparison

2023 Genesis GV70
2023 Genesis GV80
Starting MSRP
$42,900
$56,645
Seating capacity
5
Up to 8
Fuel economy
24 combined mpg
22 combined mpg
Base engine
Turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder (300 hp, 311 lb-ft of torque)
Turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder (300 hp, 311 lb-ft of torque)
Total cargo volume
56.9 cu ft 
84 cu ft
Maximum towing capacity
3,500 lbs
6,000 lbs
NHTSA safety rating
N/A
5 stars
Reliability scores
80/100 (J.D. Power), 3.5/5 (RepairPal)
78/100 (J.D. Power), 3.5/5 (RepairPal)
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The bottom line

Whether you’re looking for a fashionable ride or fancy kid-hauler, you can’t go wrong with either the GV70 or GV80. But for our money we’ll take the GV70 for its value-laden experience with plenty of driving verve, interior luxury, and solid gas mileage
No slight to the GV80, though—it's a rockstar on wheels. However, the upper trims can get expensive, quickly. 
By contrast, the GV70’s top trim starts at $55,000 and is packed full of features, while the GV80’s starting price is just a hair over $56,000. So long as you don’t need to transfer a bevy of children (or more than three of your own rambunctious friends) to and fro, the GV70 is well worth your money.

Best midsize SUV competitors

If you’ve got your eye on the GV70, you’ve got an eye for quality midsize SUVs. That said, here are a few rivals to consider. 
  • 2023
    BMW X3
    (starting MSRP $46,395): Classy looks both inside and out, potent engine options, classic BMW driving experience
  • 2023
    Porsche Macan
    (starting MSRP $58,950): A blast to drive, features unique Porsche design, and adds lots of passenger and cargo capacity
  • 2023
    Volvo XC60
    (starting MSRP $44,545): Sleek Swedish styling, a beautiful and quiet cabin, and a fuel-efficient engine

How to save on Genesis insurance

Another significant difference between the Genesis GV70 and the GV80 is annual insurance cost—the GV70’s is roughly $100 cheaper than the GV80.
Still, no matter what you drive, it is easier than ever to score a quality
car insurance
policy at an affordable price by downloading the
Jerry
app!
Sign-up takes just 45 seconds, and then Jerry’s
trustworthy comparison tool
gets to work scanning quotes from more than 50 top insurers to find the best deals available. Once you pick your new policy, Jerry signs you up and helps cancel your old plan. 
Best of all? The average Jerry user saves more than $800 per year on insurance!
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