Did the New Genesis GV80 SUV Save Tiger Woods?

Black Facts.com

By Randi Payton

Genesis USA’s, Hyundai Motor’s luxury division, first SUV launch received a tremendous amount of unexpected news coverage when professional golfer Tiger Woods survived a severe crash while driving the all-new 2021 Genesis GV80 SUV.

According to safety experts, the all-new 2021 Genesis GV80 SUV may have saved the golfer’s life in February despite the suspected human error. The GV80 that Tiger Woods was driving at the time of his crash was recently named a top pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), scoring high marks for “crashworthiness and crash prevention capability.”

The new GV80 is equipped with the latest advanced safety technologies, making it difficult to crash or even fall to sleep at the wheel. Analysis of the vehicle’s “black box” revealed the SUV was going about 87 mph on a 45-mph downhill curve when it lost control, and Woods stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brakes.

The Genesis GV80, newly introduced in November 2020 for the 2021 model year, was found by the IIHS to be one of the safest mid-size SUVs in its class. A crash of that nature in another vehicle may have been deadly, according to the local police.

Some of the latest safety equipment in the new Genesis GV80 includes:

Ten airbags – including driver-side knee and an airbag that deploys in the center of the vehicle; an advanced driver assistance system that helps avoid accidents through stability control, evasive steering, distracted driver alert, and interior camera.  In addition, a safety cage made from high-strength steel gives added protection to passengers.

The European-like design and premium appeal of Genesis models have been attracting luxury consumers to the brand. The enchanting GV80 not only looks luxurious but comes loaded with standard features and technology at a lower price point than many competitors like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Audi Q8, Volvo XC90, Jaguar F-Pace, Acura MDX, and Lincoln Aviator.

Power/Performance: The Genesis GV80, powered by a standard turbocharged four-cylinder, generates 300-horsepower or a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 375 horsepower. GV80 models come standard with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional.

Models/Pricing: The 2021 Genesis GV80 comes in three main trim levels and six variants: Base GV80 2.5T RWD ($48,900), 2.5T AWD ($54,650), 3.5T AWD ($59,150), 3.5T Advanced AWD ($65,050). Upgrades include Advanced and Prestige Packages.

The GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige I tested for a week was exceptionally quiet, performed, and handled impeccably well on 22-inch wheels. Luxury conveniences included ergonomic Nappa leather seating and microfiber suede trim, 16-way power driver seat, surround-view monitors, cooled rear seating, a 12.3-inch 3D instrument panel, power rear sunshades, road active noise cancellation, forward attention waring, and much more.

Fuel Economy: The GV80 four-cylinder engine averages 21 city/25 highway mpg, according to the EPA. The six-cylinder engine averages 18 city/23 highway mpg.

For a complimentary subscription to the latest car and truck reviews, visit www.decisivemedia.net. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.

Black Facts.com