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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  So Noisy. OMG! - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By rumbling - October 23 - 8:14 am

  What is all this raving reviews about the car being so quiet! Both the regular v-8 and the R-Spec have unacceptable road/tire/wind noise, especially on the driver side. Changing tires from Michellin to Continental did not help. It is a constant hum/rumbling which should not be there, if Hyundai wants to compete in the "luxury" car market.

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  Five years in the waiting and I chose Genesis - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By murrman - October 21 - 1:06 pm

  For as long as I can remember, my ideal car was going to be a BMW 5 Series, but all that changed with Genesis. After test driving BMW & Lexus, and seriously considering a2012 Dodge SRT8 Charger I went with the Genesis 5.0. The 550i was in the mid $60K, and although the SRT8 was tempting the 2012 R-Spec had the entire package I was looking for, especially since I opted for the Bridgestone summer tires. The ride is moderately harsh but I live in SW FL and our roads are pristine, and coming out of a 08 Sonata Limited I welcome the cornering ability. No company can beat Hyundais warranty, reliability, and service. Im 100% satisfied although I think the R-Spec shouldve included an iPod.

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  Do yourself and family a favor and buy one - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By hudsonloverf - October 19 - 3:51 pm

  Purchased new 2011 in late August 2010. Just completed 520 trip in 8 hours averaging 65 mph and 31.7 mpg while cruising at 80 mph. Rides very comfortably and drives with the greatest of ease. MSRP was 33.8 and drove it out the door for $27K even. No trade in. Do not believe any domestic or foreign automobile is better at less then $60K. Maybe an Equus but I would be surprised if performance or comfort was better...maybe a little faster on a race track. With over 15,000 miles on it now, the car turns in better mileage. Have had no problems whatsoever. Apparently it has even appreciated a bit from its year ago out the door price. Can you find a car that does not depreciate ?

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  Truly Awesome - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By lwelch1973 - September 29 - 11:54 am

  I previously owned a Mazda RX-8, so I cant really compare these two vehicles, since they are from two different categories. However, after pricing other brands: Audi, Acura, VW, BMW, Infiniti, and Nissan, there were no other vehicles at this price point that offered the style, performance, safety, and technology. To get what comes standard with the Genesis 4.6, I would have had to add several option packages, putting the price of the vehicle at or above $50K. Also, check out everything about a car and research before I buy it. I really went through this car looking for where they used the cheap parts to save money. I couldnt find anything. Very well done Hyundai.

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  FOUND MY CAR - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By microboss - September 28 - 6:48 pm

  I traded a Lincoln Town Car 2003, that I owned for 8 years - and I wanted a more stylish car, with the same comfort and ride as my Lincoln Town Car. The 2012 Genesis Sedan comes as close as I could get for the money I wanted to spend. More surprising though is the technology, the get up and go of the v8 is awesome. I love the body design of the car. My grandson loves the car. The interior is smooth, sharp, and the exterior is distinctive. I love the Genesis Wings - to be sure, I am a happy camper. Got my Genesis from San Tan Hyundai, Gilbert Arizona - great buying experience and I got a great deal.

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  All I can say is WOW! - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By lillyv - September 11 - 11:05 am

  I have been driving a BMW 530i and as much as I loved my bimmer, it was not such a reliable vehicle. I truly expected more quality in the BMW. I traded it for the 2011 Genesis 4.6 and could not be more pleased. The Genesis out did the BMW 530i as far as the interior. It is roomy, well appointed and has many more features than the bimmer. This model is fully loaded. I could not ask more, what else could I want? I will updated my post in a couple of months.

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  2011 Genesis 3.8 - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By albion729 - September 6 - 3:07 pm

  I am updating my last post. I have had the Genesis almost 3 months now. I have no regrets about trading my MB E-350 for this car. Truth be told, this car does not out handle the Benz. But, it has met and exceeded the benz everywhere else. The Benz had the P-1 sports package on it, so it was not very quiet on the road. This car is ultra car on the highway and all you have to do is step down with the right foot, and she is waiting to do her thing. I am truly impressed with this car in all aspects. My wife asked me if I would buy another Genesis and I told her no. She then asked what I would buy next, I told her the Equus. I can only imagine what Hyundai has in store for that car.

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  2011 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By moodyj0 - September 4 - 9:01 pm

  I have owned Jaguars, Mercedes, and five BMWS. They are all good cars and fun to drive. I did the research on the Genesis and read all the reviews and was convinced this was the car to test drive and give it a try. I drove the car and was completely sold on the car in every way. I bought it and am more than satisfied with the performance, ride, quietness, comfort, roominess and quality. It is all that the other cars are and more and 25k less to buy.

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  A great find - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By pension - September 2 - 3:17 pm

  Only have it three days. Great deal, traded 2009 MB E350. 28mpg on first long trip. Love buying regular vs premium. Connected Blackberry to bluetooth in 60 seconds, took days with MB. iPad cable/interface awesome, even names songs in medley! Lexicon better thsn Harmon Kardon. Acceleration is smooth and fast. Tight car great fit and finish.

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  SUPRISE DISCOVERY - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By oofgosh - August 16 - 9:37 am

  What a find. We still cant beleive its a Hyundai. Read tons of reviews and we drove several different model cars. After buying Honda for more than 20 years, we found we needed a change.....a better one. We found it in Hyundai. The reviews were great. We purchased a Genesis at Glendora Hyundai. Great experience with the dealership. We love our new car. Thank you Glendora Hyundai and Thank you Hyundai for a beautiful car.