Genesis GV80 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS
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Summary
One configuration caveat first: the GV80's third row is optional, offered on Advanced and Prestige trims — the figures here describe the 7-seat build, from $68,600. The GLS seats seven in every configuration, from $90,250.
The GLS wins every capacity spec: third-row legroom (34.6 vs 30.3 in), third-row headroom (38.9 vs 34.3 in — the GV80's is the segment low), cargo behind row 3 (17.4 vs 11.6 cu ft), and towing (7,700 vs 6,000 lb). The GV80's argument is the $21,650 gap and a fully-loaded ceiling ($82,330) below the GLS's floor.
The numbers, side by side
| Spec | Genesis GV80 | Mercedes-Benz GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP range | $68,600 – $82,330 | From $90,250 |
| Space | ||
| Row 1 legroom | 41.6" | 40.3" |
| Row 2 legroom | 38.7" | 41.9" |
| Row 3 legroom | 30.3" | 34.6" |
| Row 3 headroom | 34.3" | 38.9" |
| Cargo behind row 3 | 11.6 cu ft | 17.4 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 71.7 cu ft | 84.7 cu ft |
| Capability | ||
| Max towing | 6,000 lbs | 7,700 lbs |
| Seating | ||
| Max seats | 7 | 7 |
The configuration caveat
The GLS is a three-row SUV in every build. The GV80 is a five-seater by default; the third row arrives only on Advanced and Prestige trims (with either engine for 2026), and the top Prestige Black trim is five-seat only.
That changes how to read the price gap: $68,600 is not the GV80's base price — it is the cheapest GV80 that can do this segment's job. It is still $21,650 below the GLS.
Third-row reality
The GLS publishes 34.6 inches of third-row legroom and 38.9 in of headroom — adult-usable on both axes, and the tallest third-row headroom in the segment. The GV80 publishes 30.3 in of legroom and 34.3 in of headroom — the lowest third-row headroom tracked in the segment.
The GV80's row 3 is for children and short hops. The GLS's handles adults. If the third row sees regular use, this section decides the comparison.
Cargo capacity
Behind the third row: GLS 17.4 cu ft, GV80 11.6 — the second-smallest figure in the segment, ahead of only the XC90. Maximum cargo: GLS 84.7, GV80 71.7.
With all seven seats occupied, the GV80 carries a stroller or a grocery run; the GLS adds a couple of carry-ons on top. Folded, the GLS's 13 cu ft advantage is the difference of a bicycle.
Towing capacity
The GLS tows 7,700 lb — the unibody ceiling, matched only by the Q7, R1S, and the Range Rover's 7,715. The GV80 tows 6,000 lb with trailer brakes, standard across trims.
Both handle a small camper or boat; the GLS keeps 1,700 lb of extra margin for larger trailers.
Pricing and trims
The GV80's three-row builds span $68,600 (2.5T Advanced AWD) to $82,330 (3.5T Prestige AWD), excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The GLS starts at $90,250 and climbs quickly with option packages.
The ladders do not overlap: the most expensive three-row GV80 is still about $8,000 under the cheapest GLS. That is the entire value case in one sentence.
When each one fits
Genesis GV80: The vehicle runs as a five-seater most days, the third row is an occasional extra, and the $21,650+ savings against the GLS matters. Value and luxury-feel scoring both favor its price-to- content math.
Mercedes-Benz GLS: The third row and the second row both work at adult scale (41.9 in of row-2 legroom is the segment high), towing runs near the unibody ceiling, and the budget clears $90,000. It is the flagship answer the GV80 is priced against.
Compare legroom yourself
Find your match
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