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:

• 

  Lots for the Money - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By mannyg13 - August 11 - 11:44 am

  Very very nice car for the money. I went in to buy the new Azura. Dont get me wrong that is a nice car, but the Genesis is serene Interior well appointed. Feels like a much more expensive car. Lots of room, both front and back seats. Sound system nice!! Only complaint to that is the technology is behind. I have 5,000 songs on a thumb drive and I can only browse in order. Would like a way to sort them by mp3 tags. A/C was a little slow in cooling, but we had a hot summer. Not sure what to blame that on.

• 

  cant complain - lots of car for the money - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By bubber1 - June 13 - 2:51 pm

  I got a great deal on a 2012 genesis with the premium package - just a hair over $34k. After I got done pricing out an Exl Accord, the choice was simple. This car is loaded -- fantastic sound system, great navigation, adjustable lumbar support, upgraded leather, huge backseat and trunk. Really like driving this car. Its slick and classy looking without looking too sports car-like. I got the rebadging package to add the genesis wings to everything, which looks better IMO. Ive been getting about 23 average on MPG, which is worse than my old 4 cylinder Honda but not that much worse, and better than most V6 cars. Tops out at 29 on freeway.

• 

  Genesis Sedan 3.8L V-6, loaded - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By boilergonzo - June 12 - 11:08 am

  Test drove BMW 3/5 series, Audi A4/6, Mercedes C/E, Infiniti G/M, Lexus IS/E/G, and bought the Genesis. If dollars were equal, I would now own a loaded BMW 535, A6, Infiniti M37, or MB E350. The challenge became the incredible value of the not-so-prestigious Hyundai! Heated and Cooled seats (not ventilated... COOLED!), back-up camera, Lexicon sound system (AMAZING!!!), HID directional lights, auto-hold brakes, adaptive cruise control... if you can live without brand prestige, the value of this car is off the charts! 20,000 miles, zero problems, accelerates very strong, drives great, and I love it. No regrets at all. Would absolutely buy it again!

• 

  Just bought a 3.8 Genesis Sedan - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By ibuy4u - June 10 - 12:28 pm

  I was skeptical of Hyundai just like you. I wouldnt even look in the direction of this brand before BUT in these times...if your credit is shot due to the economy and cant get the car you drove before or want then this might be the car for you. After driving the Genesis I was pleasantly surprised! 3 main factors that caught my attention. Driveablity, Technology and Accessories. It drove like a cream puff. Smooth "very" smooth engine and tranny with kick when you need it. Technology available is just as good and plentiful as the rest with BMW and Audi hand controls. Accesories you would normaly have to buy as an option is included in the Genesis. Great value and warranty for the buck!

• 

  Awesome Car - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By jenniferkay - May 9 - 12:47 am

  I drove this car for the first time and it is amazing....I LOVE IT....

• 

  Love it, love it, love it - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By tkbeyedoc - May 7 - 9:00 pm

  I purchased my 2011 certified Genesis 4.6 a few weeks ago. There is very little not to like about this car. Performance is excellent, fuel economy isnt bad (averaged 29+ on my first road trip), warranty is excellent, interior is comfortable, and the car gets complements everywhere I go. Only a few quirks (ex: cruise control isnt extremely consistent and the adaptive cruise control - while a great idea - isnt very useful because as soon as someone pulls in front of you in traffic the car does a huge slow down) The navigation and stereo control takes some getting used to, but now I like it. The cooled drivers seat is the bomb in this warm weather. I have no regrets! I love it!

• 

  Best buy. - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By flyhigh2 - April 3 - 3:07 pm

  Test drove 2012 model sedans of the following: Acura TL, BMW 5, LExus 350, Hyundai Genesis, Infinity G37, Audi A4.... purchase the Genesis. heres why: Quiet... felt better than ES 350 and unlike the Infinity since I dont want to sit on top of a chariot, riding the highways and hear the engine. Comfort... seats, lumbar support adjustments, heated, head room, leg room I am 64... you get the picture Open... most spacious and largest of all the other models, very comfortable on long drives. Performance... Quick, love the comute to work. I feel the speed, acceleration and dont hear the noise. Gadgets... everything that I need. located in the right places Looks... front, back, inside

• 

  As the other reviews say, What A Find! - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By jheaslet - March 6 - 11:38 am

  I havent been this excited with a new car in a very, very long time. I feel similarly about the Genesis as I did with my first car back when I was 16. It was an 83 Buick Skylark which required me to pour gasoline into its carb to get it started haha. Those were the best times. Im by no means comparing the two, just the lovely feeling I had with my first car and how excited I was every time I had a chance to drive it. This is how I feel with the Genesis. I like nice things, but love saving money. This car fits the bill and provides me with a great feeling when I get settled into its wonderful seats. I find myself making up reasons just to drive it. Really, the experience is terrific.

• 

  You MUST own this car! - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By holywow - February 20 - 12:59 pm

  Do two things: 1) Take an Avatar DVD, throw it in the player, tune to chapter 6 and crank the surround sound 2) Settle into the leather seats, drive the car on the freeway, and wait five minutes until Mr. Highway Patrolman apprehends you for slightly aggressive driving. If these two experience dont convince you that this car is AWESOME, then you have no pulse. I own the 4.6...because the R-Spec doesnt come in red.

• 

  But for 1 thing... - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By flippy_boy - February 12 - 9:05 am

  Bought this car over the summer and absolutely loved it for about six months. Then winter came. Had to switch up vehicles after I got stuck in relatively small amounts of snow for the third time. This car goes from absolutely fabulous to virtually useless in snow and ice, particularly in hilly conditions. Apparently everyone in the world knows this about rear wheel drive vehicles except for former Florida boys. It pained me to part with the car but it had to be done. If you live in areas without snow, I would recommend this car without hesitation. However, if you deal with winter driving at all, I would definitely look elsewhere, at least until 2014 when the AWD Genesis and Equus are due.