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 and excellent performance - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jayz - November 30 - 2:00 am

  After owning 4 LS series Lexuss I decided on a change due to the Lexus lackluster styling and high price. Toyota/Lexus was having all the recall problems at the time and upon reading the various automotive reviews I took a Genesis for a test drive. What a pleasant surprise. After 3000 miles I can say that the car handles beautifully in all driving conditions, has excellent acceleration and a virtually sound proof cabin. I would highly recommend this car to anyone interested in a high quality luxury sedan like ride at a very affordable price.

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  Great car even with problems - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Genesis - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine used w/ 18,000 miles on it. Its the 3.8 w/ all options and now has 25,000 miles on it. It has been flawless with one exception - an electrical problem that effected the stereo. After replacing all components (some twice), Hyundai had over $18,000 in parts at retail price back into it. I was also without it for at least a month. Also, I hadnt had the car for a week when the a stone hit the condenser and I was hit with a $530 bill to fix it. Overall, I havent been pleased with they responses from Hyundai, but the dealership tried hard to make my happy. All of that aside, I still love the car.

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  Solid Car - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By Previous Acura Owner - November 20 - 2:00 am

  The Genesis is a solid well built car that now makes Hyundai the leader in quality. The fit and finish of this car is second to none. The engine is outstanding and the ZF transmission is very smooth. The cabin is super quiet at 80 mph. If you are looking for a luxury sedan, dont pass up a test drive of a Genesis 4.6 sedan.

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  Unbelievable car for the money - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By marcfer - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Done all the research before buying and I am blown away by the quality of this car. Checked out c class Mercedes and 3 series BMW those cars a nice but for the same money you get way more car in the Genesis.

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  Drive One, youll love it. - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By Georgia Dawg - November 14 - 2:00 am

  There is just something about some cars that makes you want to have an excuse to drive them. The Hyundai Genesis sedan with the 4.6 V8 is one hell of a fun car to drive. The quality is equal to or better than our BMW and our previous car, an Acura. It also looks right at home at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Dont be a snob and discount this car because it is a Hyundai. Drive it and judge for yourself.

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  Super Car - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By JT - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a 2008 Lexus ES 350, which I really enjoyed, I really didnt know what to expect. I was more than pleasantly surprised! My phone paired very easily. The phone book downloaded and voice recognition of the phone book without training was very good. Very comfortable cabin, and despite what I had heard, I do not find a problem with interior noise. Because of the sports suspension, has a very nice "road feel". I am really enjoying the car.

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  Very good but something missing - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By lismer - November 2 - 2:00 am

  After researching this car for more than six months, I purchased the v/8 with the tech package in may of 2010. The 4.6 liter engine rocks. Its smooth and powerful. The nav system is first rate. It does however take me the long way around sometimes. The radio and sound system is middle of the road but acceptable. Fit and finish is as good as I have seen on much more expensive cars. Ride and handling is great. Fuel efficiency is not what I expected. The car is rated at 25 mile per gallon highway. After three long trips the best mine has done is 23. That strictly highway and staying south of 75 miles per hour. Overall rating 8.

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  Quicker than you think - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By Cartman1949 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is much quicker than you think. It is so smooth and quite that your speed builds extremely fast within a very few seconds. The Tech package is great. If you want a sports car dont buy this one. If you want a combination of luxury, power, comfort and tech features then this is the auto for you. The bang for the buck factor is off the charts. I ran it through our local drag strip at 13.8 sec @ 104.32 mph. Very impressive. I also went on vacation and averaged 28.5 on the highway! This is amazing for a 385 hp V8.

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  E Class MB has nothing on this car! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By lag - October 31 - 2:00 am

  The factory Dunlop Sport 5000 tires were a disaster--noisy, rough riding. They might be fine if your planning on doing some late night "drifting"in your local Walmart parking lot! I doubt that most purchased this car with that in mind! Most of my driving is long distance touring and those tires were not compatible with that driving style--replaced with Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum "sneaks"--what a difference--very quiet--very smooth--great wet road traction and all but eliminated that choppy ride except on real bumpy back roads. Not quite the ride of the E Class MB (realistically the benchmark of "smooth") I dumped but real close on the open road--definitely not worth the price difference!

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  Never Hyundai again! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By car fiend - October 27 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the worst vehicle Ive owned. I am a long time Hyundai lover, but what happened here? Not only does the momma vehicle not come close to what Ive gotten used to by driving a few years old luxury car for a much lower price range than theyre asking for this, but Ive had to deal with a ridiculously bad Lithia Hyundai service department. My advice- save some money and buy a Subaru with every option available. Or spend the same amount on a Volvo. The performance on these cars is amazing! This car may be pretty and loaded but youre still buying a Hyundai.