The Genesis G80 has slowly but surely carved out a space for itself in the Canadian luxury sedan market, and the 2025 model keeps the momentum going. While a full redesign is still not here, this year’s G80 brings good updates to tech and design that continue to set it apart from rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6. It is a great alternative to the German choices, thanks to a distinctly Korean take on luxury that feels fresh, rather than a knockoff.
Genesis keeps things simple in Canada with two trims: the G80 2.5T Advanced AWD and the G80 3.5T Sport Plus AWD. Both come well equipped with very few options to complicate the shopping process, and both come standard with all-wheel drive, important for our winters here in Canada.
The base engine is a 2.5L turbocharged inline-four making 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than enough for daily use, offering confident passing power and refined delivery. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with AWD, giving you better traction in slippery or cold conditions. For most Canadian drivers, especially those in urban areas or commuting, the 2.5T is more than sufficient, delivering a quiet and composed ride with just the right amount of punch.
If you want a bit more fun (and more power), the 3.5T Sport Plus AWD trim swaps in a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 that puts out 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. It’s noticeably quicker off the line and delivers smooth, effortless power at highway speeds. What sets the 3.5T apart isn’t just the engine, it also comes with a sport-tuned adaptive suspension. In Sport and Sport+ modes, the suspension tightens up noticeably, adding firmness and control, while Comfort mode softens everything for a smoother, more relaxed ride. Overall, the suspension does a good job of smoothing imperfections on the road, like bumps and potholes. There’s also a rear-wheel steering system and a limited-slip rear differential, which helps it feel more sporty without sacrificing the quiet, comfortable ride the G80 is known for.
Regardless of trim, the G80 prioritizes comfort. It’s not trying to be a sports sedan, and that’s part of its appeal. The cabin stays incredibly quiet at all speeds, with barely any road or wind noise. The suspension is tuned more toward isolation than engagement, especially on the 2.5T, and while the steering doesn’t feel as sporty as a German competitor (5 Series or E-Class), it’s accurate and easy to live with. On rough city roads or long highway cruises, the G80 feels composed and refined, exactly what you want from a luxury sedan at this price point
Inside, the G80 doesn’t cut corners, and it shows. The build quality is excellent, and everything feels like it belongs in a vehicle of this caliber and price point. The materials are upscale and well put together, from the quilted leather seating to the soft-touch dashboard and accents inside. Genesis has gone with a clean and minimalist look inside, while making sure there are seperate controls for the radio and climate, so it doesn’t feel frustrating or lead to a bad driving experience. There’s a strong focus on open space, giving the interior a calming, lounge-like feel.
The most noticeable tech upgrade is the massive 27-inch OLED display that now stretches across the dashboard. It includes both the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system in one seamless panel. It’s sharp, responsive, and easy to use, thanks to a mix of touchscreen controls, buttons and knobs. The G80 offers all the modern features you’d expect from a luxury vehicle at this price point, including built-in navigation, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both wired and wireless), plus a head-up display.
Other comfort highlights include a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system (standard on both trims), heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The rear seat space is generous, with good legroom and headroom for adults, and the trunk offers a usable 370 litres of cargo capacity.
Genesis loads the G80 with standard advanced driver-assistance features. You get adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic braking. The 3.5T adds a surround-view camera, remote smart parking assist (which lets the car park itself while you’re outside), and Highway Driving Assist, which offers limited hands-on semi-autonomous driving support on the highway. Most of these features work seamlessly, especially the drive assist, making the G80 a stress-free car to drive both in traffic and on long trips.
One of Genesis’s strongest points in Canada is value, you get a lot of it for a relatively reasonable price, especially when compared to some german competitors. The 2025 Genesis G80 2.5T Advanced AWD starts around $74,000 and the 3.5T Sport Plus AWD is priced at $89,000.
Every G80 also comes with a 5-year / 100,000 km warranty, 5 years of complimentary maintenance, and Genesis at Home concierge service, which includes vehicle pick-up and drop-off for service appointments and complimentary courtesy vehicles. That kind of ownership experience is something you don’t get from German brands unless you pay extra or don’t get it at all.
The 2025 Genesis G80 doesn’t shout for attention, and that’s exactly why it works. It focuses on what matters, which is comfort, refinement, value, and a bit of quiet confidence. It’s a perfect fit for buyers who want a premium experience without falling into the flashier, more expensive world of the German brands. With strong standard features, a polished ride, and one of the best ownership experiences in the segment, the G80 deserves serious consideration if you’re looking for a midsize luxury sedan in Canada.
