20 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but that’s what drivers get with the 2024 Genesis GV80 AWD 3.5L, which balances luxury, performance, and all-weather confidence. Let’s be honest, no one buys a GV80 for its gas mileage. They buy it for its striking design, the opulent interior, the smooth ride, and the surge of power from the twin-turbo V6. Fuel efficiency isn’t the main reason to buy one, but potential owners still want to understand what they’re getting into.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the GV80 3.5T AWD will achieve 18 MPG in city driving. This reflects the stop-and-go conditions that penalize larger, heavier vehicles with powerful engines. The turbochargers contribute to the GV80’s acceleration and also require more fuel when boosting. On the open road, the GV80 fares slightly better, achieving 23 MPG on the highway. The eight-speed automatic transmission selects higher gears to keep the engine operating at lower RPMs when cruising. This difference between city and highway MPG is normal for vehicles in this class.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2024 Genesis GV80 AWD 3.5L is $2,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember that this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and the price of gasoline in your area. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and prolonged idling will all negatively impact your fuel consumption and increase your annual fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

The EPA’s estimates provide a useful baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Some owners report figures slightly below the official numbers, particularly in mixed driving conditions where city and highway miles are combined. Factors like traffic congestion, weather conditions, and even tire pressure can influence your MPG. If you’re considering a GV80, it’s wise to adjust your expectations and budget accordingly. This isn’t a hybrid, and it uses fuel like any other powerful engine.

How it compares

The GV80’s fuel economy is in the middle of its competitors. The BMW X5 xDrive40i, with its turbocharged inline-six, achieves a similar 21 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC is around the same, at 22 MPG combined. An Acura MDX, specifically a SH-AWD model, fares a bit better at 21/26 city/hwy MPG but lacks the power and luxury feel of the GV80’s interior. The Volvo XC90 B6 is a closer competitor in interior quality, and gets better numbers around 22/28 city/hwy MPG, but isn’t as powerful. These comparisons matter to the GV80 buyer because they show that compromising on fuel economy is the price to pay in this segment of luxury SUVs. Owners seeking better fuel economy will need to explore hybrid or plug-in hybrid options. You can view GV80 MPG across all years to see efficiency changes over time.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the GV80’s selectable drive modes. The “Eco” mode optimizes vehicle systems, including the transmission, throttle response, and climate control, to prioritize fuel efficiency. While it might slightly reduce performance, it can make a noticeable difference on longer drives, especially on the highway. If you are interested in optimizing your fuel efficiency further, consider comparing all Genesis fuel economy data to see vehicles that prioritize fuel economy.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, displayed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Smooth, consistent driving minimizes fuel consumption. Maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden stops and starts can lead to improvements in MPG.

Minimize idling time. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and restarting is generally more fuel-efficient than prolonged idling.