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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  Only 8-Month ownership of the car - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By jonathan16 - January 31 - 2:26 pm

  I was convinced by my wife to buy the 2011 Genesis 4.6 and I sold it 8 months later. The ride was killing me. Couple times I traveled with my family, my 18 years old son thought were riding on truck. Furthermore, the squeaks & rattles are also unacceptable. My wife said she will never tried Hyundai again.

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  Great car so far! - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By papaaj1 - January 4 - 11:03 pm

  I got rid of my 2009 Merc E-350 that I liked but did not love. This car leaves that one in the dust! Im not used to having this much horsepower, and I love it. Its nimble, quiet, and fast. No tickets yet - but Im going to have to invest in a radar detector. For me buying this car meant disregarding the fact that its a Hyundai. Ive always owned luxury cars and quite honestly I think there is nothing better than this for the money. I almost think Hyundai could sell a lot more of these cars if they just spun the Genesis line off. I could rebadge this as a Merc/BMW/Audi/Acura and people would fall over themselves wanting to get one.

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  Pretty Impressive - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By thetexastom - January 4 - 4:51 pm

  My previous cars were Audi, BMW and Infiniti. The Genesis is easily in the same class. The ride is very nice. Not so soft that it floats, but is stiff enough to handle well. Is quiet and has the features that you would want.

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  Update - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By bjpjjs - December 31 - 1:42 pm

  Hit 1k and still love the car the Smart cruise control works great. Just finished a 200 mile round trip and got 30 MPG on the highway. Great blend of power handling fuel efficiency and comfort luxury and value. Test drive one with some good music you wont be disappointed!

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  A lot of car for the $$$ but... - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By rosstelson - December 25 - 7:51 pm

  Overall, this is an impressive automobile and a good value. It clearly seeks to emulate much more expensive sedans from Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes. It comes closer in some areas than others. Some aspects of the car are exceptional - perhaps superior to its more costly competitors but in other areas, not so much. Its a lot of car for the money, superior in many ways to equal-cost competitors ... but dont expect it to equal cars costing $10, 20, or 30k more... not yet.

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  Nearly Perfect in every way - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By bulldog12 - December 18 - 9:12 pm

  Have been looking at new cars for years and finally took the plunge. Bought a Black V6 with premium for a great deal at Evansville Hyundai from Les for 34k plus TTL and 149 doc fee. It looks incredible and I have am impressed at the build quality. I felt the V6 with premium offered the best combo of value and features. Ive always been a white car guy but the black really grabbed my attention. Very proud of this car and feel it competes in both looks with cars that cost 20k more.

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  Still In Love After One Year. - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By socal_car_nut - December 17 - 12:29 pm

  Bought Genesis in Dec. 10 after seeing it at L.A. Auto Show - couldnt believe price for features and design. Just reached 10K. Trips from L.A. to the Bay Area are effortless - "right now" power to pass while riding in total lap of luxury - awesome! Hold speeds to 75 and I get 29 mpg vs. EPA est of 26. Was hesitant about buying a Hyundai - now have no regrets though dealerships arent at level of Lexus or Benz. Only minor complaints are somewhat jittery ride around town (even small bumps are felt) and rather short front seat cushions. Features list on V-8 is extensive - I find something new every time I read the manual. Passengers cant believe its a Hyundai and neither can I!

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  Great Car - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By bjpjjs - December 5 - 9:16 pm

  I got the Genesis 3.8 with tech package is platimum (silver). Had the car only a week but it just feels like a quality car. When the doors close they feel like Mercedes solid feel. Quiet ride even with Michelin Energy savers. Tremendous room I am 66" and its a very comfortable car . Rear wheel drive has a great feel. Definitely check it out if you can live without the high end brand badge. Not an ounce of buyers remorse. Got it for 37.5 + tax and registration

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  Very Impressed with the 2012 Genesis - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By fernwood - November 14 - 9:53 pm

  I bought a 2012 Genesis 3.8L with premium package last week. After having test driven the 2011 model, I think that this is a nice upgrade in powertrain performance and exterior styling. For the price, I like this better than many of the higher priced Asian competitors such as Lexus, Infiniti and Acura. Fit and finish is excellent, it is fast and quiet and the price/value is tremendous for what you get. My wife likes it so much that she is trying to trade me her Audi A6 for it.

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  Now Have 41,000 miles on near perfect car. - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By whiterocket2 - October 31 - 12:14 am

  I must say I never get tired of driving the Genesis. The power has kept me out of at least two crashes. Its is an outstanding vehicle. I use the adaptive cruise control most everyday and it works flawlessly in traffic. The sound system is the best I have ever heard in any car. Would I buy another Genesis? Yes, without hesitation. As an aside I also own a BMW and the fit and finish of the Genesis is better and so far the Genesis has been much more reliable, In fact the Genesis has only needed routine service.