The 2026 Genesis GV80 emerges as a formidable contender in the midsize luxury SUV market, often challenging established rivals like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Despite not having the decades of heritage enjoyed by its German counterparts, the GV80, particularly the new Prestige Black trim, makes a strong case for itself as a high-quality luxury vehicle.

One of the GV80's primary advantages is its exclusivity. With fewer units sold compared to the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, the GV80 stands out. Its design is distinctive and appealing, featuring a gentle roofline slope and an aggressively sloping window line that imparts a sleek appearance. The enormous, ornate grille, while not universally loved, integrates seamlessly with the dual-line Genesis design theme, visible in the headlights, side-vent trim, and taillights, creating a cohesive aesthetic.

Inside, the GV80 offers a high level of material quality, incorporating wood, leather, and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. While some minor improvements could be made to knob materials, the interior generally justifies the 2026 GV80 Prestige Black's $85,395 price tag. Starting just under $60,000, the GV80 offers competitive pricing, with the fully loaded Prestige Black model being several thousand dollars less than its German rivals.

The Prestige Black edition, new for 2026, enhances the GV80's luxurious appeal with a dark aesthetic. It features gloss-black 22-inch wheels, dark badging, darkened headlight trim, a black front grille, black Nappa leather seats, black open-pore wood, black speaker grilles, and black interior accents. The combination is well-executed, with the wood on the dash and crystalline knobs on the center console effectively breaking up the dark theme.

In terms of practicality, the 2026 Genesis GV80 boasts superior cargo space. With the rear seats in place, it offers 38.7 cubic feet, significantly more than the BMW X5's 33.9 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE's 33.3 cubic feet. While the GV80, like the Mercedes, offers a third row in some trims, the Prestige Black trim wisely omits it, preserving maximum cargo capacity. For those desiring a three-row Genesis, the upcoming GV90 is anticipated.

The driving experience in the 2026 GV80 is refined, characterized by solid steering and handling. Even with 22-inch wheels, road noise is surprisingly subdued, though smaller wheels on other trims might offer an even quieter ride. The SUV feels confident on the road, albeit too heavy to be considered sporty.

However, the Genesis GV80 does have areas where it lags behind its German competition. A significant drawback is the limited choice of engines; Genesis offers only two engine options, lacking the diverse array of hybrid or high-performance Magma flagship models found in BMW (four options for the X5) and Mercedes-Benz (six options for the GLE). This limits customization and performance potential.

Acceleration is another area where the GV80 falls short. The base BMW X5 xDrive40, despite being comparably priced, out-accelerates both GV80 engine options. The GV80's base 300-hp model achieves 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, while the 375-hp V-6 in the Prestige Black only shaves off four-tenths of a second, reaching 60 mph in 6.0 seconds—an insufficient improvement for a more powerful engine.

Furthermore, the 2026 Genesis GV80 Prestige Black is less fuel-efficient and offers a shorter driving range. Its V-6 model has an EPA-rated combined driving range of 401 miles, compared to 548 miles for the BMW X5 xDrive40 and 472 miles for the Mercedes-Benz GLE450, necessitating more frequent fuel stops.

Finally, Genesis, being a younger brand, has fewer dealerships in the U.S. (around 75 dedicated facilities) compared to BMW's approximately 350 dealers. This can impact convenience for service and exploring new models.

Despite these shortcomings, such as slower acceleration and reduced driving range, the 2026 Genesis GV80 Prestige Black presents a compelling value proposition. It impresses with its luxurious exterior, mostly high-quality interior, and superior cargo space, making it a strong choice for a luxury brand still establishing its presence.

2026 Genesis GV80 Prestige Black Specifications:
BASE PRICE: $85,395
LAYOUT: Front-engine, AWD/4WD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE: 3.5L/375-hp/391-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V-6
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed auto
CURB WEIGHT: 5,250 lb (mfr)
WHEELBASE: 116.3 in
L x W x H: 194.5 x 77.8 x 67.5 in
0–60 MPH: 6.0 sec (MT est)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON: 16/22/19 mpg (est)
EPA RANGE, COMB: 401 miles
ON SALE: Now