Drive Report: 2018 Genesis 3.3T AWD Sport

This week Torque News had the opportunity to test the all-new 2018 Genesis G80 3.3T AWD Sport. This new trim features Genesis' 365 hp V6 engine coupled to a smooth shifting 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Our summary of this outstanding vehicle is simple; Two Thumbs up! Here are the details.

Genesis Ownership Experience
Premium vehicle shoppers will want to know a bit more about this brand. It is fair to ask, who is Genesis and why should I trust it? The Genesis brand is a stand-alone make created by Hyundai.Genesis scored second overall in the J.D. Power initial quality rankings this year (behind only Kia), and was third overall in Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction surveys, behind only Tesla and Porsche.

Genesis offers valet service so that owners need not visit dealerships for service, and three full years of service costs are complementary, the same as BMW's offering.

Genesis G80 3.3T AWD Sport Quick Facts
The mid/full-size G80 ranges in price from about $43K with rear wheel drive and a powerful V6 engine, to about $62K with AWD and a V8 engine. Our 3.3T AWD Sport had an asking price of just under $59K.

Genesis G80 3.3T AWD Sport - Safety
The Genesis G80 earned the highest possible safety scores in recent testing by IIHS. It is a Top Safety Pick Plus vehicle and that applies to every trim made.

Genesis G80 3.3T AWD Sport - The Drive
The G80 3.3T AWD Sport is quick, powerful and fast in all situations. It is also very smooth over bumps and bad roads. On the highway, it is as pleasant to be in as any vehicle we have ever tested.

Genesis G80 3.3T AWD Sport - Interior
The G80 3.3T AWD Sport has very comfortable perforated leather seats with heating and cooling. The cabin is open an airy and seating for all five passengers is comfortable. Rear seat legroom is generous.

Our tester had attractive carbon fiber-look trim. What a relief not to look at old-fashioned wood! We loved the styling.

Genesis G80 3.3T AWD Sport - Infotainment
Genesis now makes the best premium infotainment system in this writer's opinion. Everything is simple, easy to use, and all the gadgets are here. Head up display, navigation via a large screen, outstanding audio and great ergonomics. Hate silly joystick controllers? Simply use the touchscreen. Hate fingerprints on your touchscreen? Use the simple to operate rotary interface on the console. This is as good as it gets.

Genesis G80 3.3T AWD Sport - Conclusion
As my fellow Torque News writer recently put it, Genesis deserves a place among the elite brands. The G80 3.3T is a fantastic vehicle and at its price point, and value that cannot be ignored by mid/full size premium sedan shoppers.