Genesis, like most luxury carmakers, is deferring its plans to become an electric-only brand, and as part of this strategic shift, the rumored GV80 EV is no longer a priority. The company has confirmed that it will offer hybrid variants going forward.
We are looking to respond to diverse customer needs which means hybrid version of not only Hyundai brand models, but luxury Genesis brand models as well, with a hybrid option to be offered for all Genesis models excluding dedicated EV models.
Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, at the 2024 CEO Investor Day on August 28, 2024
The GV80 Hybrid is the first out of the gate and has strong potential to expand the appeal of South Korea’s Lexus RX rival.
Design
The Genesis GV80 Hybrid has largely the same bold and powerful character as its gas donor. A prominent Crest Grille, ‘Two-Line’ quad headlamps, similarly split rear combination lamps, and a parabolic line stretching from the front to the rear are among the key design elements shared with the GV80.
Genesis differentiates the GV80 Hybrid with a new pattern for the Crest Grille, giving it a more regal appearance. The wheels are new as well but retain an open-spoke design rather than the heavily covered look commonly associated with electrified vehicles.
Interior
Inside, too, the Genesis GV80 Hybrid carries over the elegant design of the GV80. The curvy dashboard flaunts a 27-inch ultra-wide OLED display and thin air vents that stretch across the passenger side. Generously used soft-touch materials and metallic inserts, and discreet ambient lighting add to the luxurious look.
Genesis differentiates the GV80 Hybrid with two new real-wood trim options, new quilting patterns, and two new two-tone color schemes: Obsidian Black with Taiga Green and Ultramarine Blue with Travertine Beige. We also expect the OLED display to feature hybrid-specific graphics.
Specifications
The Genesis GV80 Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged gas engine and two electric motors, P1 and P2, integrated into a new seven-speed transmission. The engine features a new crankshaft damper pulley, while the seven-speed transmission uses a Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber (CPA), both helping reduce vibrations and cabin noise.
P1 serves as a starter-generator motor, while P2 handles propulsion and regenerative braking. The Genesis GV80 Hybrid is the first hybrid model across Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) brands to feature a liquid-cooled battery instead of a typical air-cooled unit.
With 352 PS (347 hp) and 54 kgf·m (391 lb-ft) of torque, the GV80 Hybrid reaches 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in approximately 7.1 seconds.
For smoother pullaways in cold weather, Genesis has tuned the GV80 Hybrid to operate in EV mode up to approximately 19 mph (30 km/h), avoiding engine vibration and noise during initial acceleration. A lower final-drive gear ratio (FGR) than that of the GV80 2.5T reduces drivetrain noise.
Genesis offers the GV80 in 5-, 6-, and 7-seat versions, in RWD and AWD drivetrain layouts. For the GV80 Hybrid, it has confirmed only one configuration featuring five seats and a RWD drivetrain layout so far.
In South Korea, Genesis estimates the 5-seat GV80 Hybrid RWD to offer at least 25% higher fuel economy than the GV80 2.5T. In the U.S., the EPA estimates the GV80 2.5T to deliver a fuel economy of 22 mpg (RWD)/21 mpg (AWD) and travel 464 miles (RWD)/443 miles (AWD) on a full tank.
We expect the GV80 Hybrid’s EPA-estimated fuel economy rating to be around 32 mpg and EPA-estimated range to be over 600 miles.
September 2026 Launch
The Genesis GV80 Hybrid will go on sale in South Korea in September 2026. A report Korea JoongAng Daily published on June 18, 2025, suggests this GV80 Hybrid derived from the current generation SUV won’t remain on sale for long, as the next-gen GV80 Hybrid with sweeping changes is set to follow in the second half of 2028.
The GV80 Hybrid is one of more than 18 hybrid vehicles planned to be sold through Hyundai/Genesis showrooms, as per an announcement Hyundai President and CEO Jose Muñoz made on September 18, 2025:
One opportunity we clearly see is expanding our hybrid lineup in response to growing consumer demand. By 2030, we plan to offer more than 18 hybrids, for vehicles ranging from entry-level to large luxury. This will include Genesis starting in 2026.
Jose Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai (2025 CEO Investor Day on September 18, 2025)
Release Date & Pricing
The U.S. will likely be the largest target market for the GV80 Hybrid. The first batch could begin arriving at U.S. dealers in Q4 2026 (October–December 2026). Retail prices of the new hybrid luxury SUV may start at around USD 65,000, with more details expected closer to the debut.
Recent spy shots from Healer TV (via Instagram) have shown the U.S.-spec GV80 Hybrid differentiated from the South Korean GV80 Hybrid using orange marker lights in the quad headlamps, just like the gas model.
Featured Image Source: Genesis
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
