Edmunds Compares the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Genesis GV80

The new 2021 GV80 SUV is the latest vehicle from Genesis, a spinoff luxury brand from Hyundai. Packed with premium features and innovative technology, the GV80 is an intriguing rival to established midsize luxury SUVs. You might have also heard about it because that’s what Tiger Woods was driving when he crashed in Los Angeles last month.

Is the GV80 good enough to dethrone the best SUV? To find out, Edmunds’ experts lined it up against the top-ranked Mercedes-Benz GLE. The latest GLE is fully redesigned for 2020 and further enhances the model’s traditional strengths of strong performance, plush comfort and versatile utility.

INTERIOR

Both of these midsize SUVs have a substantial amount of legroom all around. The GV80 has a little less headroom, however. Passengers over 6 feet tall will notice the difference. The GLE, by contrast, provides ample headroom in the first and second rows.

Both SUVs normally seat five people. You can opt for a third row in either vehicle to expand that capacity to seven. While Mercedes offers a third row on nearly any GLE trim level, Genesis restricts that option to the GV80’s pricey 3.5T Advanced + trim level.

Highlighted by open-pore wood trim and knurled metal switchgear, the GV80′s cabin easily meets the standards for a luxury SUV. Fit and finish is excellent, too. And yet the GLE’s craftsmanship is decidedly richer. Every inch of the cabin is covered in luxe materials, with virtually no hard plastics.

Winner: GLE

COMFORT

The GLE’s seats are comfortably shaped and feature numerous adjustments to coddle occupants on long road trips. The GV80 has cushy thrones of its own, but the driver seat doesn’t lower enough if you prefer a sportier position.

There are no complaints about the GV80′s ride comfort. It glides over ruts...