There’s a long-standing stereotype that large luxury SUVs are like the gold watches of the automotive world. While they put comfort and convenience above everything else, you could say that they often come off as uninspired — but not the Genesis GV80 Coupe.
Genesis has taken the sophisticated DNA of the standard GV80 I tested earlier this year and transformed it into something that actually feels fun and youthful. That’s because its striking, sleek design, combined with its performance tuning, makes it feel a lot like I’m driving a sports car rather than a suburban people mover.
After driving the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T AWD for a week, it’s clear that it makes driving a luxury vehicle fun again. Here’s why.
2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe: Testing summary
I drove a total of 144.4 miles during my week with the Genesis GV80 Coupe, averaging 20.9 mpg. That’s a smidge better than what I achieved in its three-row sibling, and it’s worth pointing out how the sleeker design likely contributes to that improved efficiency. This was most evident during my long-distance driving test, where I managed an impressive 28 mpg average.
2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T AWD |
2026 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige AWD |
|
|---|---|---|
Price tested |
$83,995 |
$84,475 |
Total miles driven |
144.4 miles |
268.7 miles |
Average Fuel Economy |
20.9 mpg |
19.4 mpg |
Best short distance fuel economy |
20.7 mpg |
15.8 mpg |
Best long distance fuel economy |
28 mpg |
21.2 mpg |
Aggressive details meet a sleeker silhouette
Don’t get me wrong, the three-row version of the Genesis GV80 looks luxurious, but the GV80 Coupe takes that DNA and injects a sportier aesthetic that makes it look way more youthful. Since it ditches third-row seating entirely, there’s a sleeker silhouette and a tapering roofline that makes it look more like a sporty crossover than a traditional tall SUV.
The sport-meets-luxury style extends to the inside, where the quilted black Nappa leather seats are complemented by bold orange seatbelts. And true to its status as a luxury SUV, the GV80 Coupe impresses with its sprawling 27-inch OLED display, Ergo-Motion massaging seats, and some of the best interior ambient lighting around.
Supercharged performance makes for a thrilling ride
There aren’t a whole lot of gas-powered luxury SUVs that have impressed me with their driving performance. Oftentimes, they’re slow to accelerate and sluggish to maneuver — plus, they can feel quite intimidating to drive due to their tall stances. However, that’s not the case with the 2026 Genesis GV80 Coupe 3.5T AWD.
Under the hood lies a 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 with a 48V e-Supercharger designed to bridge the gap between traditional internal combustion and the instant-on world of electric vehicles. I honestly did not expect the GV80 Coupe to behave so much like some of the best electric cars I’ve tested, but its 409-hp performance makes acceleration feel seamless — as if there’s no noticeable gear shifting involved.
Not only is it quick off the line, but shifting into Sport Mode sharpens the throttle and steering. This allows it to clear tighter turns much more easily without feeling unstable. Again, this is partly due to its sleeker roofline design, which provides a sportier drive than other traditional luxury SUVs.
All the luxury trimmings
In true Genesis fashion, this SUV — despite its sportier vibe — is still treated to all the same luxury trimmings as the standard GV80. I’m referring to features like the blind spot view monitor, digital rearview mirror, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and Bang & Olufsen Premium Audio system. On those long drives after work when I just want to get home in peace, I really appreciate how well the adaptive cruise control works because it’s so smooth it practically feels like the car is driving for me.
Even though its as-tested price comes out to a whopping $83,995, the Genesis GV80 Coupe offers a level of character the standard SUV simply doesn't have. While the traditional GV80 is the logical choice for those who prioritize maximum utility and a more traditional luxury presence, the Coupe is the better alternative for the driver who isn't ready to let go of the fun factor.
