Genesis GV80 vs Polestar 3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Genesis GV80 starts from $132,000 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 3 opens at $116,700. That makes the Polestar 3 the more affordable entry point by $15,300.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $145,200 and $128,370 respectively.
The Polestar 3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Genesis GV80, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Genesis GV80 and Polestar 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Genesis GV80 and 90% for the Polestar 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar 3 packs more ADAS features with 10 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Genesis GV80.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 10 in the Genesis GV80 and 8 in the Polestar 3.
Feature Showdown
The Genesis GV80 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 3 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Genesis GV80 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Polestar 3. The Polestar 3 counters with Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Genesis GV80 gets nappa leather upholstery while the Polestar 3 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Genesis GV80 uses a Petrol producing 279kW and 530Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds.
The Polestar 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The Genesis GV80 has the clear power advantage at 279kW vs 245kW. In the real-world sprint, the Genesis GV80 is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Genesis GV80 measures 4,940mm long on a 2,955mm wheelbase, 40mm longer than the Polestar 3 at 4,900mm (2,985mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 735L in the Genesis GV80 and 597L in the Polestar 3, giving the Genesis GV80 a 138L advantage. The Genesis GV80 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Genesis GV80 leads with a 2,722kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,222kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Genesis GV80) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Genesis GV80 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Genesis's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Genesis GV80 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Genesis GV80 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Genesis GV80 and Polestar 3?
The Polestar 3 is the cheapest at $116,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Genesis GV80 by $15,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Genesis GV80 uses the least fuel at 10.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Genesis GV80 and Polestar 3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Genesis GV80 has the largest boot at 735L.
Which can tow the most?
The Genesis GV80 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,722kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Genesis GV80 makes the most power at 279kW. The Genesis GV80 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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