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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Luxury Standard has arrived - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
By croat - August 4 - 8:18 pmPurchased a 2012 Genesis 4.6 traded my Lexus IS 350... wow what a ride... what fun. The car is awesome performs greatly and returns 26 mpg in my commute... and its not broken in yet. Mercedes and BMW should run for Alps. They can not deliver such a reliable package, in this luxury segment. The integration of the electronics navigation sound system the adaptive cruise control is well done.
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I Traded My Lexus GS430 - Total Happy - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
By wadebbi - July 26 - 7:25 pmI traded my Lexus GS430 for the 2012 Genesis with the premium package. I am 100% satisfied with my decision. Many asked me why I would part with my Lexus. All I can say is you have to drive it. Dollar for Dollar it cant be beat! Oh ya, I added the Genesis branded hood, trunk, and wheel emblems which really look great. I asked the dealer to install them at cost as part of my deal. 333 horses for a v6 is more than plenty of power. It moves deliberately, but its not a race car.
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The Experts Are Right! - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
By kenb7 - July 26 - 5:11 pmThe 2012 Genesis is a wonderful car for the money. The extra 30 hp and the 8 speed transmission this year avoid the need the for V8. It is the equivalent of getting a fully loaded E350 MBZ with more rear leg room and a stronger engine for a price in the mid $30s. All you have to do is change the badging and wheel centers to "Genesis" (available on ebay) and your friends will swear youre driving a MBZ. The interior is very plush and confortable.
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I Must Have The Only Lemon They Made or Do I ? - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
By bitesback - July 24 - 12:41 pmThe 2009 Genesis/4dr Sdn 4.6L V8 I have leased since 07/09 from Sheehy Nissan Hyundai is a true lemon! Even after submitting a lemon law complaint to to dealership and Hyundai Motor America for numerous electrical issues, replacement of the transmission, catalytic converter burn out, interior frnt. windshield condensation build up during the cold months, gear shift sticking on more one occasion, starter switch being replaced, steering column control switch failure, the rubber seal in the sun roof coming out, brake light failure, they still refuse to take this piece of junk back! I believe its a faulty parts problem as some of their car have had the same issues. Hyundai Assurance (Not)!!!
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Very good to excellent in every way. - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
By billsj - July 23 - 5:20 pmHaving owned some of the competitors to the Genesis such as BMW 5 series and Audi A6, I can honestly say this vehicle is very, very comparable in almost every aspect, with the exceptions being the price and badge. The ride feels like a combination of cushion provided by clouds and solidity offered by my previous BMW 535. Right in the middle and smooth as silk.I initially wanted to wait for the 5.0 R-Spec which looks even more impressive by the way, but after my first test drive of the 4.6, I was sold. Funny thing is, I consider myself to be a savvy shopper who conducts diligent research, but the Genesis happened to be my first test drive and I never test drove any other brand!
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Impress yourself. - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
By mcandc - July 19 - 8:08 amI researched the 30-35k sedan landscape, ending up right where I thought I would, with a base 2012 Genesis 3.8 sedan. The Genesis joins our trouble-free 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe and replaces a V6 Honda Accord. Prior to the CPO Accord, acquired as a “quick need”, destined to be replaced in 12-18 months, I drove a Volvo S60 2.5 AWD and 2 Toyota Avalons, each for 3 years. Two Oldsmobile Auroras preceded those. Those around you are not likely to be impressed by the “H” on the trunk lid, so this is a car you drive solely for yourself and your passengers. When doing so, you will be rewarded with a strong sense of having chosen well.
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2011 Genesis 4.6 - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
By joefrank46 - July 10 - 10:27 amIve had this car for 7 months, 8000 miles of both local and highway driving. Replaced an 06 Acura TL...no comparison! Performance and ride are great. Averaging 27 mpg hwy, 22 in town. The ride is comparable to the 525 I had prior to the TL. For the money, this car cant be beat! Maintenance costs (oil chgs) to date average $40! Biggest flaw I can find is the trunk interior is not the most lavish...better (trunk) carpeting would be an improvement. This car makes you want to take the long way!
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Great car. One major flaw!!! - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
By motorgolf - July 5 - 1:14 amI love the car. Second Hyundai and no complaints other than one. Air bag passenger Off Light glows a bright orange at night even when no one is sitting in the passenger seat. It is very disconcerting since everything else is a very nice blue. I contacted Hyundai corporate. A very nice lady said there was no solution and she asked me if I could avoid driving at night. I told her not really. I didnt buy a luxury car that I wouldnt drive it at night. She realized she asked a dumb question. My solution is to scotch tape a penny over the Off Light at night. I wonder if a Lexus has the same kind of flaw.
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2011 4.6 Black on Tan - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
By corkdsp - June 22 - 1:09 pm2 weeks ago purchased 2011 4.6 with deep discounts from dealer ($35,200 plus dealer fee and TTL). Traded my 2004 BMW530. Gave up some driving dynamics for a more soft ride and more body roll than I am used too but the increase in raw power and luxury features plus 20k staying in my pocket feels well worth it. Genesis has worked flawlessly and very enjoyable to drive. Highly recommend this vehicle so far.
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NOT WORLD CLASS - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
By harry73 - June 5 - 3:32 pmThis is my third Hyundai and my first major disappointment. While an otherwise decent car, the Genesis has a fit and finish problem with its roof. The car shows "indentations" or "ripples" around the sun roof and around the antenna installation. My car was review by the Hyundai regional rep and reported that this issue was noted in other cars on the lot and "came that way from the factory". I appealed to Hyundai Customer Connect who reiterated that "other like vehicles displayed the same characteristics,..operating as designed, therefore, no further assistance. The model should be called the "Donald Trump Edition", it has as many "waves" as the Donalds hair do. Major dissapointment!
