Overview & Reviews

In the case of the Hyundai brand, necessity has been the mother of reinvention. Ten years ago, Hyundai was little more than the punch line to jokes about low-quality cars with laughable reliability. If the brand was to survive in the increasingly competitive automotive marketplace, it needed a major-league makeover. Hyundai has accomplished exactly that in recent years, turning out vehicles that have been hailed as paragons of value-priced quality.

This reinvention scales new heights with the Hyundai Genesis, the manufacturer's first stab at the luxury car market. Quiet as a murmur and drenched in luxury, it offers genuine opulence at an unbelievably low price, and credibly competes with premium sedans by Acura, Cadillac, Infiniti and Lexus. If you're in the market for a luxury sedan and want to savor all the bells and whistles without cleaning out your kids' college funds, take a look at the impressive Hyundai Genesis.

Current Hyundai Genesis
The Hyundai Genesis is offered in two trims, 3.8 and 5.0 R-Spec, which take their names from their corresponding engines. The 3.8 model is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 good for 333 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.0 R-Spec model upgrades to a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 429 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. All models are rear-wheel drive and use an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control.

Even in base 3.8 trim, the Genesis offers high-end features like dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio and iPod compatibility. Options include 18-inch wheels, upgraded leather, adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, a 14-speaker audio system and a navigation system. The V8-powered Genesis 5.0 R-Spec includes everything that's optional on the 3.8 as well as 19-inch alloy wheels and sport-tuned suspension and steering.

On the outside, the Hyundai Genesis looks the part of a luxury sedan, with elegant sheet metal and superb build quality. This air of sophistication continues inside, where you'll find yourself swaddled in soft-touch surfaces and high-quality materials. Roominess is another of its strengths, as both front and rear passengers enjoy spacious accommodations and well-shaped seats.

In reviews, we've found that the Genesis is very quiet on the highway. It glides over practically any surface with unruffled composure, effortlessly dispensing with bumps and ruts. Power from the V6 is ample and refined, while the V8 provides effortless acceleration and sewing-machine smoothness with only a minimal penalty at the pump.

The 3.8 won't deliver the sport-sedanlike handling that some European rivals tout. For that, there is the 5.0 R-Spec, which provides sharper handling in the curves, though this comes at the expense of comfort. The sport-tuned suspension is significantly stiffer, adding considerable harshness over rough pavement.

If you frequently haul outsized loads, you may long for a folding rear seat, as the Genesis only offers a pass-through option. Drivers living in rougher climates may wish for all-wheel drive, which isn't offered on the Genesis either. Another missing perk, of course, is established premium brand prestige. But not all luxury-car buyers place a premium on snob appeal. Costing thousands less than its esteemed rivals, loaded with generous features and built impeccably, the Hyundai Genesis stands in a class of its own.

Used Hyundai Genesis Models
The Hyundai Genesis debuted for the 2009 model year and has seen progressive changes since. For the following year, adaptive cruise control, an electronic parking brake and touchscreen navigation joined the options list. The 2011 model year saw more power for the 4.6-liter V8, from 375 hp to 385 hp. The changes for 2012 included the addition of the 5.0 and R-Spec models to the Genesis lineup. That year also marked the debut of the eight-speed transmission (up from six speeds). After 2012, Hyundai discontinued the 4.6-liter V8 and the base 5.0 V8 trim level.

User Reviews:

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  Great Value - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By srn63 - February 2 - 1:21 pm

  I test drove several cars over the course of 6 months and narrowed my choices to the BMW 5 series and Audi A6. Hands down the Genesis offers the best value for the buck. Considering all the features you will pay at least $15,000 more for a BMW and Audi. The Genesis ride beats the BMW 5 series and is very comparable to the A6. The car is whisper quiet, great acceleration, sporty but comfortable ride. BMW and Audi should be on watch...Genesis hits them right between the eyes. I am shocked this is only a B rated car on Edmunds

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  Used to be a BMW-only guy - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By uncgq - January 24 - 9:28 pm

  I used to say that I would only ever buy a BMW but when I drove this car, I was convinced otherwise. Ill never sell my manual trans 735, its a classic, but this thing has it. If you dont care about snob appeal, this is the car to buy, hands down. Plenty of power, interior comfort, a great long drive car. For me the build quality surpasses current model BMWs and feels much better made. Purchased a CPO with 45K miles and have put 40K miles this year and have yet to be disappointed.

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  A Former BMW Loyalist - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By kbdoc - January 13 - 5:28 pm

  A vastly superior ride to my 5 series with equivalent handling and features. Although it doesnt match the sportiness of an Audi A6 or a Cadillac CTS, it is a fantastic cruiser and should strongly be considered by anyone thinking about the Mercedes E class, Jaguar XF, or Maserati Ghibli.

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  Amazing - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By a33 - January 12 - 12:02 pm

  Car is absolutely amazing and a great value. Test drive a Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, and Acura and this is a sure winner. It has way more trunk space, way more interior space and the features are more than the same level luxury brand, for 20,000 less.

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  nice ride II - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By ytown - January 4 - 8:24 pm

  Updating my previous review from August 2013, now have 27k miles on the car. Still have the same opinions as before, it could use a little better handling and maybe brakes that werent quite as soft, but overall an excellent car. I have had no problems with the car and only have done oil changes and tire rotations, so very low cost to own. I actually average about 23 miles per gallon, but most of my driving is highway. If you can put aside the the lack of name brand, this is an excellent car for the money.

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  2015 Hyundai Genesis w/ Ultimate Package - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By djc2015 - December 29 - 6:04 pm

  Before purchasing my 2015 Hyundai Genesis with ultimate package I did extensive research and took several test drives including one in which the dealer gave me the opportunity to keep the vehicle overnight. I read dozens of reviews and every last one praised the interior luxury including the real matt wood, aluminum trim, extremely comfortable soft leather 12 way power drivers including thigh extension, effectively heated and cooled , heated steering wheel, 9.2 inch infotainment touch screen with manual controls for those who prefer them. I have no idea what vehicle was being reviewed as subsequent Edmonds reviews praise the Genesis as an exceptional value.

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  Love it! - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By caseoane - December 2 - 11:57 am

  I bought this car in Jan 2013 with 19k miles. I was considering a BMW 550 or A6 4.2, but my Genesis was exactly HALF the price of an equivalent German sedan (I paid $25k all included, in mint condition, with warranty until forever). And my genesis is quieter, safer and more reliable than any BMW or Audi, too. I had some qualms about the lack of a premium badge, but now I consider it a point of pride: I look at a guy in a BMW and think of the extra $25k I have in the bank...

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  Nice Car - But Quality / Reliability Disappoints - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By scbob1 - October 6 - 8:58 pm

  I want to really like my Genesis but it is not happening. It has many good things going for it - nice stereo, great gas mileage, peppy engine, nice ride. The down side is the quality and reliability disappoints. The windshield wiper blades went bad within14 months. The windshield wipers then failed and had to be replaced. It has a sturctural / noise issue with the unidbody which took Hyundai two years to find. Stuff that should not happen. I now notice the resale is not too hot so I guess I am stuck with it. Wish I had purchased an established brand llike Toyota or Honda while someone else worked out Hyundai start up problems. If the problems would go away, I could love it again.

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  62% decrease in value in 1 months!!!! - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By gwhite4075 - October 6 - 2:10 pm

  I purchased my Hyundai Genesis from Hyundai of Asheville, NC in Sept. 2013. By the time the dealer made their "add ons" and taxes, I paid a little over $50,000 for this vehicle. It rides and drives like a dream! Since the last part of 2013, I have become disabled by a neurological disorder that came on suddenly. It is becoming harder and harder for me to get in and out of the Genesis because it is low to the ground. My solution would be to trade the Genesis for a Santa Fe Limited, which would make it easier for me to get in and out. I found out that I was horribly upside down due to the Genesis depreciating 62% in 11 months! Stay away from this vehicle!!

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  My second Genesis - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By genesis15 - September 24 - 2:08 pm

  I had a 2009 Genesis 4.6, then anEquus 2011 Signature, and have just gotten a 2015 Genesis 3.8 RWD, tech package. So far it is a great car the one thing I do not like in this car is that the drivers side seat belt connector is below the height of the seat and therefore neccitates rubbing the side of my hand against the console to secure the belt. This being done repeatedly has caused an irritation on the knuckle of the 5th digit. Would like to know if there is some way to extend the connector. Even the 2014 has theheight higher not causing hand to rub on console.