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 car, but same lock problem - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By Steve O - December 4 - 12:40 pm

  Just like many, I absolutely love the car and was thinking about getting a 5-series before I decided on it. Feel like I got as good or better (my wife has a BMW) car for $15-$20K less. I am having exactly the same lock problem as the person I just read. Better not be $500.

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  Love It * (all except paying for remote start) - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By Artback - November 29 - 7:09 am

  Great value in a luxury sedan. Happy Hyundai just announced its launching distinct Genesis dealerships in the US, which will do nothing to enhance the driving experience, yet much to boost the prestige of driving one of the better luxury cars on the market. My 3.8 AWD is fully loaded, and short of a true remote start and auto park (offered by FAR lesser cars), I cant ask for any more features. My only gripe is that remote start is not available EXCEPT through an expensive upgrade to BlueLink, and it has to be the right BlueLink package. Seriously Hyundai? My mid-level 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited has the feature on the key FOB. For my $52K Genesis, I have to log into an APP, and work my way through several screens JUST to start the car remotely? Oh, and I have to pay for that experience....renewed annually.

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  Amazing Machine - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By Matt Stone - November 25 - 11:16 am

  I have always considered myself a "brand snob" and purchased Lexus, Volvo, BMW, etc. I never would have believed that a Hyundai would be my favorite car that Ive ever owned. The fit and finish is impeccable, the ride is sublime and power delivery is smooth. Before making the purchase I cross-shopped a 5-series which felt small, and cost $20k more with equal equipment. If I had to gripe about something it would be: no keyless sensors on rear two doors, you still have to push a button to unlock the front doors (lexus you just pull the handles), the rain sensing wipers dont work well, the city gas mileage sucks. The pros far outweigh the cons though. If you are on the fence, just test drive one. Even if you dont purchase you will be amazed at just how far this brand has come.

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  Smooth - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By Brian Behler - November 19 - 4:38 pm

  Also have a 300 BMW and a C class Mercedes. Handling is more toward the BMW and the ride more toward the MB. Surprisingly good mileage in town. It is a very comfortable car for extended road trips. Easy installation of child seats (anchored hooks) when the grandkids are in town.

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  luvin it - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By philip prinzi - November 16 - 6:29 pm

  4th genesis and they keep getting better. Leased my 1st one in 2009 didnt think it would get any better until I got the 2015 Genesis. Now I know the only car that is better is my Equis.

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  Problems with door locks - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By Francis Rosse - November 5 - 11:52 am

  I absolutely love my 2015 Genesis. Its performance and finish are well above average. For the money it is a very nice automobile. However I recently had a problem with the passenger and rear doors. They would not unlock unless you crawled inside and manually unlocked each door. I took the car to the dealership for repair. After more than a week they found the problem, but informed me that it would not be covered by warranty. They stated that it was caused by external sources. Close inspection of the car shows that not liquid has been ever been spilled on the driver side door where the dealer said liquid had been spilled. i dont know what the external sources could be. Anyway it cost me $500 to replace the door module. This makes me question the validity of the cars warranty. I have written it off as maintenance, but should another incident like this occur I will definitely trade this car even though I love it.

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  Compares to my old Lexus LS 430 2006 - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By stuart Greenbaum - November 4 - 10:30 am

  Head lights do not go on when wipers turned on. Bluetooth sucks asking at least 3 questions sometime 5 to dial. Great move going to the low profile tires gives the Lexus ride without the power but hey its a 6 cylinder not an 8 real roomy inside and Im 300lbs plus which is why I went to the Lexus in the first place. I also miss the headlights that turned on the lexus when you made a turn. So far 4 month and 3000 miles I love it!

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  Changed my perspective of Hyundai - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jim - November 3 - 7:10 pm

  This is the first Hyundai I have ever owned. Ive been driving a couple of Mitsubishi Lancers and a Chrysler 300. So vehicles that stand out compared to the original smo joe car. I work at a dealership and this car came in well priced. Had to jump on it! Beautifully designed and amazing comfort. 0 complaints

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  Ahhhhh! Its comfy - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By Ed Pawlowski - November 1 - 8:11 pm

  I drove a 2014 Genesis base model and liked it enough to check out the restyled 2015. Glad I did. Major improvements and it will be looking good for a few more years. Bought one 4 weeks ago. I have 3000 miles in the first month. This weekend, along with another couple, we took a 750 mile round trip. After 300 non-stop miles, I never felt better getting out of the drivers seat. This was a combination of highway and secondary roads. On the highway, after a few hours I realized just how comfortable the seating and ride are. Very quiet, it is less tiring to drive. The technology is great. Adaptive cruise control is fantastic. If you are buying a premium car you should have all the options. Nit picks. I wish the headlights turned on when you turn the wipers on. That is old technology I had on cars 15 years ago and is a simple to do safety feature. Id like to have remote start on the fob. Using the phone works, but takes too many steps that can be done with a simple button push.

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  Pass It on - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By Robman4ud - October 21 - 8:25 pm

  I purchased this car after looking at BMW, Benz, Audi, and GM. I found this to be the best value. I have had a couple of problems that were taken care. The front and rear bumper had what was described to me by auto body repair technicians was bleed through. A product used to keep the bumper from cracking was turning my white pearl bumper into orange spotted eye sore. They told me that it was fallout and I said "hell no" and they repainted the front and bumper. The arm rest is cracking and I have an appointment on Monday. The rear camera goes blue screen on at least 12 times and they tell me that I have to recreate the problem for their techs (Good luck) in the shop. well, other than those things, I have received many compliments on my Genesis.