Genesis GV80 vs. Audi Q7: Battle of the SUVs

If you’re searching for a luxury SUV, the 2025 Genesis GV80 and Audi Q7 may be at the top of your list. Both pack impressive technology, comfort, and driving dynamics into stylish packages but take distinct approaches. Read our car review comparison to help you determine which SUV is better for driving in Columbia, South Carolina.

Detailed Analysis of the 2025 Genesis GV80

The 2025 GV80 has a dramatically redesigned front end featuring a thinner Genesis emblem with a Guilloché pattern. The signature double mesh G-Matrix Crest grille gives the SUV serious road presence. Fresh paint options, such as Bordeaux Brown and Earth Brown, join the color palette, while available 22-inch wheels with all-season tires transform the GV80. Dynamic Welcome Lights greet you as you approach the vehicle.

The starter 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 produces 375 hp and moves this luxury machine from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The four-cylinder model returns 19 mpg around town and 24 mpg on the highway.

Inside, a 27-inch OLED display stretches across the dash, handling instrument cluster and infotainment duties with crystal-clear graphics. Heated and ventilated seats, premium materials, and an available 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system provide a luxurious driving experience. A fingerprint authentication system lets you start the car with your finger.

Safety credentials include a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a full suite of driver aids, such as forward collision-avoidance and lane-keeping assistance. Pricing starts at $58,200 for the base model and climbs to $79,800 for the top trim. Genesis provides a generous warranty package: a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and three years of free scheduled maintenance.

In-Depth Look at the 2025 Audi Q7

Audi’s 2025 Q7 sports a freshly sculpted face with a more assertive grille and sleeker headlight design. Optional laser lighting technology adds visual drama and improved visibility after dark. Four unique wheel designs let you personalize your Q7. The 2025 model offers a more contemporary take on Audi’s understated luxury aesthetic.

Base models have a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and a 12-volt mild hybrid system producing 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. For more power, a 3.0-liter V-6 with 48-volt hybrid assistance delivers 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This beefier setup shoots the Q7 from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The fuel numbers are decent, too: 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the smaller engine. Every Q7 has quattro all-wheel drive.

The cabin follows Audi’s time-tested formula of restrained luxury and thoughtful technological integration. Dual touch screens (10.1-inch infotainment, 8.6-inch vehicle controls) handle most functions, while the virtual cockpit digital display keeps vital information in your line of sight. Choose the Luxury package for premium leather finishes. Unlike the Genesis, the Q7 comes standard with three rows and seating for seven.

An available 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and access to Audi’s app marketplace add to the luxury. With the seats folded, 69.6 cubic feet of cargo space is plenty for IKEA runs or weekend adventures. The 2025 Q7 has a starting price of $60,500. The warranty package covers four years or 50,000 miles for basic and powertrain protection.

Comparative Analysis: 2025 Genesis GV80 vs. Audi Q7

The GV80 flexes harder with its V-6 churning out 375 hp compared to the Q7’s 335 hp. This translates to a tenth of a second advantage in the 0-to-60 mph sprint: 5.7 seconds for the Genesis vs. 5.9 for the Audi. The Q7 counters with standard quattro all-wheel drive across the lineup. Both SUVs deliver smooth, confident rides, though they tune their suspensions differently. The Genesis aims for plush comfort first, while the Audi balances comfort with more spirited handling when pushed.

Their design philosophies couldn’t be more different. The GV80 makes a bold statement with its distinctive shield-like grille and horizontal light bars announcing its presence. Audi sticks to a more subtle approach with the Q7, offering clean lines and thoughtful details that whisper luxury rather than shout it. Both cabins excel with premium materials, but the layout differences are significant. The GV80 seats five in its standard form, focusing on spaciousness for each passenger. The Q7 squeezes seven across three rows, making it the obvious choice for families. This family-friendly approach continues with the Q7’s larger cargo capacity.

Regarding technology, Genesis goes big with its eye-popping 27-inch OLED display dominating the dashboard. Audi’s dual-screen approach splits functions logically between the upper and lower displays, with climate controls easily accessible on the lower screen. Some drivers prefer this more traditional layout. Both SUVs pack impressive safety technology, though the GV80’s Top Safety Pick+ rating deserves special mention. Fuel economy slightly favors the Q7, with its four-cylinder achieving 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway compared to the GV80’s 19 mpg and 24 mpg, respectively. Although not a huge difference, it adds up.

Buyer Considerations and Final Verdict

The perfect luxury SUV depends on what you value most. Audi has been in the game for generations, while Genesis is the new kid on the block, still building its reputation. If you don’t mind bucking tradition, the GV80 offers tremendous value. If you want impressive speed, you may prefer the GV80’s more potent engines, but don’t overlook the Q7’s refinement and fabulous quattro system when roads get slick.

Technological preferences may sway your decision. The GV80’s 27-inch screen is a conversation-starter and genuinely useful once you learn its quirks. The Q7’s split-screen approach feels more conventional but may be easier to navigate. If you have a family, the Q7 fits seven, while the GV80 maxes out at five. The third row and extra cargo space may justify the Audi’s higher starting price.

Genesis crushes Audi in the warranty department with its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty compared to the Q7’s four-year/50,000-mile coverage. Industry experts rate both highly: the GV80 ranks No. 3 in luxury midsize SUVs according to U.S. News & World Report, with the Q7 close behind at No. 5.

Test Drive the Genesis GV80 Today

While the Audi Q7 provides European refinement and three-row practicality, the 2025 GV80 brings bold styling, more power, and next-level warranty coverage at a lower price point. To get behind the wheel of a Genesis GV80, contact our team at Genesis of Columbia for a test drive today.

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