The 2025 Genesis GV80 and Audi Q7 are rivals in the midsize luxury SUV category. Each comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and can seat up to seven passengers.
During many miles behind the wheel of these two SUVs, we’ve come to know they’re extremely refined, very comfortable, and highly practical whether you need to tote plenty of people or lots of cargo.
We decided to put them in a head-to-head contest to see if one has an advantage over the other. Let’s find out by exploring the highlights of the Genesis GV80 and Audi Q7.
2025 Genesis GV80
2024 model shown
The 2025 Genesis GV80 continues to offer a choice of two turbocharged engines, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard with either one. This year brings a mid-cycle refresh to the GV80 lineup, with subtle styling tweaks, a new display and touchscreen unit in the cabin, and a few more horsepower for both engine options.
The GV80 boasts one of the most powerful standard drivetrains among midsize luxury SUVs. It consists of a 304-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (up 4 horsepower from last year) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. We think many SUV shoppers will be more than pleased with this engine’s acceleration and passing power. That said, the 380-hp (previously 375-hp) twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 that comes with the 3.5T variant makes for an even more entertaining driving experience.
Pricing for the GV80 2.5T starts at $59,550, including a $1,350 factory-to-dealer destination fee. The 3.5T model commands $75,650.
Genesis GV80 Highlights
Prestige Signature model: Sitting atop the Genesis GV80 lineup, the newly added Prestige Signature model is motivated by the twin-turbo V6. It’s also loaded with goodies like power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs with a center console separating them, dark chrome exterior trim, and 22-inch alloy wheels.
Class-leading warranty: This is a huge reason we rank the Genesis GV80 so highly in our testing. A 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is paired with 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Better still, Genesis throws in five years of unlimited-mileage roadside assistance and a 3-year/36,000-mile free scheduled maintenance plan.
Third-row legroom: The available third row in the GV80 is best used by kids. Passengers back there have 30.3 inches of legroom, which is a bit below average for this segment. However, it’s 1 inch more than the space afforded by the Q7’s third row.
Top marks for safety: The 2025 model hasn’t been rated yet, but the 2024 Genesis GV80 scored Top Safety Pick+ status, the highest possible ranking, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is not only related to its performance in crash tests but also to the effectiveness of everything from its headlights to driver aids like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Read our Genesis GV80 Expert Review or see 2025 Genesis GV80 models for sale near you.
2025 Audi Q7
2024 model shown
The Audi Q7 also enters the 2025 model year with a couple of minor updates. You can now use Amazon Music and Spotify through the infotainment system, and the exterior sees subtle updates to the grille and headlights. The 45 TFSI model’s base drivetrain is a 261-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, which, like the Genesis GV80, sends power to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic.
In the 55 TFSI variant, a Q7 shopper gets a 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, which gives this Audi better acceleration and improved towing (7,700 pounds versus 4,400 pounds).
Unlike the Genesis GV80, 3-row seating is standard on every Audi Q7.
Pricing for the Q7 starts at $61,695, factoring in a $1,195 destination charge. The 55 TFSI model begins at $66,995.
Audi Q7 Highlights
Virtual Cockpit: This customizable digital instrument display puts vehicle information right in front of the driver. That means not having to glance away from the road ahead to check things like navigation commands or stereo settings. This sleek system is standard.
Leave the phone cords at home: Unlike the Genesis GV80, which still requires smartphone cords, the Q7 comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Genesis says wireless connectivity will be available via an over-the-air update for the 2025 model, but it will be a “late availability” feature.
Driving manners: While it’s far from the most youthful midsize luxury SUV on the market — this generation dates to the 2017 model year — we still love being behind the wheel. The steering is agile, and the Quattro AWD delivers tons of grip no matter the conditions.
Power soft-closing doors: Okay, maybe we sound a little spoiled, but this adds an extra layer of elegance to the Q7. Standard starting on the Prestige trim, it’s one of those little extras that routinely makes us smile.
Read our Audi Q7 Expert Review or see 2025 Audi Q7 models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Genesis GV80 and Audi Q7 are great picks for SUV shoppers who want plenty of amenities, nicely honed driving dynamics, and extremely attractive interiors. They also have kids-only third-row seating, which is something to keep in mind for anyone who plans on asking adults to occupy the rear-most perches.
Conclusion
We think the Audi Q7 has aged well and continues to be one of the better choices in its segment. That being said, its conservative design, tiny third row, and mediocre gas mileage are worth noting. An update seems imminent, which means we give the nod in this comparison to the fresher feeling Genesis GV80.
New 2025 Genesis GV80 Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Genesis GV80 | 2025 Audi Q7 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 304 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 261 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm | 273 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic/AWD | 8-speed automatic/AWD |
| Fuel economy MPG | 20 city/24 highway/22 combined | 19 city/25 highway/21 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 | Turbo 3.0-liter V6 |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 inches | 117.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 194.5 inches | 199.6 inches |
| Width | 77.8 inches | 77.5 inches |
| Height | 67.5 inches | 68.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.3 feet | 41.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.4 inches | 38.8 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 34.3 inches | 35.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.6 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.7 inches | 38.8 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.3 inches | 29.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 60.2 inches | 59.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.2 inches | 58.5 inches |
| Should Room, 3rd Row | 53.2 inches | 47.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 11.6 cubic feet | 13.6 cubic feet |