The 2020 Genesis G80 RWD with its 5.0L V8 gets 19 MPG combined. To be clear, fuel efficiency isn’t the priority for someone choosing this G80 configuration. It’s a purchase that shows appreciation for older luxury sedans offering effortless power and a very smooth ride. The buyers are those who like the rumble of a naturally aspirated V8 and a plush interior, accepting the fuel consumption as the cost.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates show how the G80 5.0 uses gas in different conditions. It gets 16 MPG in the city, and stop-and-go traffic is where the V8 uses the most gas. This isn’t surprising because the larger engine needs to work harder to move the heavy sedan from a stop repeatedly. The G80 does better on the open road, getting 24 MPG on the highway. The engine works easily at cruising speeds, using its eight-speed automatic transmission to keep the RPMs low. The difference between city and highway MPG shows this car is much better for long trips than city commutes.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,050 for the 2020 Genesis G80 5.0. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, about 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Expect to spend more if you regularly drive more than 15,000 miles a year, or if fuel prices are higher in your area. If you drive fewer miles, your annual fuel cost will be lower. The $3,050 figure indicates that owning a V8-powered luxury sedan requires a financial investment beyond the initial price.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving style, road conditions, and even the weather, although the EPA provides standardized estimates. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and sustained high speeds will reduce fuel efficiency. Driving in hilly areas or in cold weather can also negatively impact MPG. Owners who drive smoothly and steadily and avoid idling are more likely to get close to the EPA estimates. Consider the EPA numbers a benchmark rather than a guarantee and adjust based on your driving habits and environment.

How it compares

The G80 5.0 is not as fuel-efficient as other luxury sedans. The BMW 540i, with its turbocharged six-cylinder engine, gets 25 MPG combined, offering a better result. The Mercedes-Benz E450, another six-cylinder competitor, gets 26 MPG combined. For those also considering other Genesis models, exploring G80 MPG across all years reveals that models with the turbo four-cylinder or V6 offer better fuel economy. The Genesis G70 with the 2.0T engine gets 25 MPG combined. The Audi A6 with the 2.0 TFSI engine gets 28 MPG combined. Choosing the G80 5.0 means prioritizing the V8 engine’s character and performance over less gas use. This trade-off appeals to a specific buyer who values the traditional feel of American luxury.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently. The 5.0L V8 has plenty of torque, so there’s no need to floor the accelerator to get up to speed. Smooth, gradual acceleration will help save fuel and minimize engine strain.

Watch traffic and coast when you can. Keep a safe distance so you can prepare for traffic changes and coast instead of braking. This will help save momentum and reduce fuel consumption. Avoid braking unnecessarily and keep a consistent speed.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level shown in the owner’s manual. Even a slight drop in pressure can hurt MPG.

Avoid idling. Letting the engine idle for a long time wastes fuel. Turn off the engine if you’ll be stopped for more than a minute. Modern engines can restart quickly, so restarting is generally better than idling.

Consider using premium fuel. The G80 5.0 doesn’t require premium fuel, but it may improve performance. Some owners report slightly better fuel economy, although the cost of premium fuel may cancel out any savings. See all Genesis fuel economy data to compare models and fuel preferences. Experiment to see if your driving benefits from the higher octane.