The Hyundai Genesis G80 is a mid-size luxury sedan that has consistently impressed with its blend of style, performance, and value. Choosing the right model year can be crucial to ensuring a satisfying ownership experience. This guide will delve into the best years of the G80, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, while also pointing out model years to potentially avoid.
Genesis G80 Model Year Overview
| Model Year | Key Features/Improvements | Potential Issues/Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 (First Generation) | First year of the G80 as a Genesis model, previously Hyundai Genesis. Available with V6 and V8 engines. Refined ride and handling. | Some early production issues reported, including infotainment glitches. |
| 2018 | Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Improved infotainment system. | Similar to 2017, some infotainment issues may persist. |
| 2019 | Minor styling updates. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. | Reports of excessive oil consumption in some engines. |
| 2020 | Final year of the first generation. Limited changes from 2019. | Continued reports of potential oil consumption issues. |
| 2021 (Second Generation) | Complete redesign. New platform, bolder styling, and updated technology. Available with turbocharged 4-cylinder and V6 engines. | Some reports of electronic glitches and complex infotainment system. |
| 2022 | Minor updates to feature availability. | Potential for electronic issues to persist. |
| 2023 | No significant changes from 2022. | Reliability data still emerging, but generally positive. |
| 2024 (Projected) | Expected to have minor updates and refinements. | Too early to determine reliability. |
Detailed Explanations
2017 (First Generation): This marks the inaugural year the G80 was branded as a Genesis model, separating it from the Hyundai lineage. It offered a luxurious experience with powerful V6 and V8 engine options and a comfortable ride. However, being an early production year, it encountered some teething issues, primarily related to its infotainment system.
2018: Hyundai addressed some of the early issues, making blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard features. The infotainment system also received improvements, although some glitches could still surface. This year represents a slight improvement over the 2017 model.
2019: This model year introduced minor styling updates and, importantly, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a significant upgrade for smartphone users. However, some owners reported excessive oil consumption in certain engines, which is a concern to be aware of.
2020: As the final year of the first generation, the 2020 G80 saw limited changes from the 2019 model. The potential for excessive oil consumption in some engines remained a concern, making a thorough inspection crucial before purchasing.
2021 (Second Generation): A complete redesign marked the beginning of the second generation G80. It featured a new platform, striking new styling, and an updated technology suite. Engine options included a turbocharged 4-cylinder and a V6. While visually appealing and technologically advanced, some owners experienced electronic glitches and found the infotainment system complex.
2022: The 2022 model year brought minor updates to feature availability, refining the overall package. However, the potential for electronic issues to persist remained a possibility, warranting careful consideration.
2023: With no significant changes from the 2022 model, the 2023 G80 offers a similar experience. Reliability data is still emerging, but initial indications suggest a generally positive ownership experience.
2024 (Projected): As a future model year, the 2024 G80 is expected to receive minor updates and refinements. It is too early to accurately assess its reliability and potential issues.
Best Years of the Genesis G80
Based on reliability, feature set, and overall value, the following model years stand out:
-
2018: The 2018 Genesis G80 is a solid choice. It offers a good balance of features, including standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with improvements to the infotainment system compared to the 2017 model. While some infotainment issues may persist, they are generally less prevalent than in the initial year. The 2018 represents the best value for the first generation.
-
2023: The 2023 Genesis G80 is a strong contender. It benefits from the second-generation redesign with its updated technology and styling. While it's still relatively new, initial reliability data appears promising. It's worth considering if you prefer the newer design and are willing to pay a premium. The 2023 represents the best value for the second generation.
Model Years to Potentially Avoid
-
2017: As the first model year, the 2017 G80 is more prone to early production issues, particularly with the infotainment system. While these issues are not necessarily deal-breakers, they can be frustrating.
-
2019-2020: The 2019 and 2020 model years have reports of excessive oil consumption in some engines. This is a significant concern that could lead to costly repairs. Thorough inspection and a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic are highly recommended if considering these years.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a G80
-
Budget: G80 prices vary considerably depending on the model year, trim level, and condition. Determine your budget before you start your search.
-
Features: Consider which features are most important to you, such as advanced safety features, infotainment system, engine performance, and interior amenities.
-
Reliability: Research the reliability ratings for different model years and pay attention to common problems reported by owners.
-
Maintenance: Factor in the cost of maintenance and repairs when choosing a G80. Luxury cars typically have higher maintenance costs than mainstream vehicles.
-
Test Drive: Always test drive any G80 you are considering buying. Pay attention to the way the car drives, handles, and feels. Check all the features and make sure they are working properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Which Genesis G80 year is the most reliable? Generally, later model years of each generation (e.g., 2018 for the first generation, 2023 for the second) tend to be more reliable due to fewer reported issues.
-
Are Genesis G80s expensive to maintain? As a luxury vehicle, the Genesis G80 can be more expensive to maintain than a mainstream car, with higher costs for parts and labor.
-
What is the average lifespan of a Genesis G80? With proper maintenance, a Genesis G80 can easily last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more.
-
Does the Genesis G80 hold its value well? The Genesis G80 depreciates at a rate similar to other luxury sedans, but good condition and lower mileage will help retain value.
-
What are the common problems with the Genesis G80? Common problems can include infotainment glitches (especially in earlier models) and potential oil consumption issues in some engines.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Genesis G80 requires careful consideration of your budget, desired features, and potential reliability concerns. While the 2018 and 2023 models stand out as strong choices, thoroughly researching any specific vehicle you are considering and performing a pre-purchase inspection are crucial steps to ensure a satisfying ownership experience.