2021 Genesis GV80 2.5T is easy to fall for

The 2021 Genesis GV80 is one of this year's most intriguing new vehicles, SUV or otherwise.

This is the first SUV to be offered by Hyundai's young luxury brand, and it's got serious presence inside and out. 

This midsize crossover lines up convincingly against established competitors such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, as well as the Acura RDX, Lexus RX and Lincoln Aviator.

While most first-year GV80s will come outfitted with all-wheel drive and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, this is a lower-cost rear-drive model with the 2.5-liter turbo I4.

This 2.5T brings 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque to the party. Those figures outperform not only the other four-cylinder models in the GV80's class, but also some larger, naturally aspirated V6s, too.

The GV80's best feature is its minimalist interior, which avoids coming across as too austere thanks to its rich materials and subtle flourishes like its knurled-finish switchgear. 

The standard 14.5-inch billboard infotainment touchscreen is also impressive. It's great that it comes with embedded navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment, though we wish the latter two features were available wirelessly. 

You also can't get a Wi-Fi hotspot, which feels odd on an SUV that offers everything else from a digital key to auto-adjusting massaging seats.

The two-spoke rugby-ball-shaped steering wheel won't be for everyone, but it definitely helps contribute to the GV80's distinctive interior.

The GV80 boasts up to 84 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. That's a skosh more than the Mercedes GLE and a bunch more space than the X5.

Like its V6 brother, this four-cylinder model can be equipped to tow up to 6,000 pounds.

This model came fitted with 20-inch wheels and 265/50-series Michelin Primacy Tour all-season rubber. Together, they offer a slightly more compliant ride than the loaded 3.5T Prestige model's 22-inch wheels and electronically adjustable suspension.

That said, the 22-inch wheels on other models certainly fill out the wheel wells more convincingly than these alloys.

The GV80's distinctive double-element fender garnishes echo the design theme found in the headlights and taillights.

You can even get active noise cancellation tech on the GV80 to counteract road, wind and engine noise. Unfortunately, it's not available on this particular trim.

The EPA says that the 2021 Genesis GV80 2.5T RWD can achieve 21 miles per gallon city, 25 highway and 23 combined. 

Even if you opt for AWD, the numbers hold up smartly: only the combined efficiency number drops, and just by a single mile per gallon. 

That imposing grille does a good job of hiding the forward-facing camera that's part of the birds-eye 360-degree surround-view monitor.

Keep clicking or scrolling for more images of the 2021 Genesis GV80 2.5T.