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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  Engine Noise - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By genesis - August 8 - 2:08 pm

  On normal acceleration at about 1800 rpm there is an engine noise. The dealer service mgr and factory rep have heard this noise and say it is a piston slap due to phenolic piston skirts. I wrote the company and they agree but say it does not effect the engine. Maybe not but it effects my hearing as I have to turn up radio not to hear it. I am sorry I traded in my M35 for this car.

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  Is This a Hyundai? - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Dallas Gen - August 8 - 10:12 am

  What a beautifully finished car. 4.6 L with tech. Ive owned many new cars and this one is perfect - I have been over it with a fine-tooth comb and I cannot find any flaw. The paint is absolutely perfect. It is really fun to drive and hugs the road. Its tight, however, the ride is harsh, especially on rolling bumps for those in the back seat.

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  Excellent automobile - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By rjj - August 5 - 8:29 pm

  Nothing is perfect but in my opinion there is not a better automobile for the money nor one worth the cost of the difference up the price scale. Mine cost $32,600 and its flawlessly built and has been completely problem free for the last two years. Everyone notices it and comments glowingly about its interior and exterior look. The more I drive it the more I like it.

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  Good but not Great - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Traderjo - July 24 - 9:45 am

  I rented this car from Avis for a week while on vacation. It had less than 4,000 miles on it. It has a buffeting noise that is really irritating when you are on winding roads, I dont think extensive wind tunnel testing was done on this car. My car also had a built in GPS and it was the worst GPS I have ever worked with. I had to put my Tom Tom in to get anywhere reliably. There is no power outlet in the rear of the car, I was traveling with my family and one power outlet is not enough for us. I have owned Audis, Acuras and Infinities. The Genesis is a good value for the money but they are still not in the same class as the more expensive brands.

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  Outstanding Value - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Rick - July 20 - 3:28 pm

  I purchased my Genesis 2 mos ago after researching price, quality, and driving experience. I looked at Volvo S80, Buick LaCrosse, and Ford Tauuus Ecoboost. None of them came close to content or price except maybe the Buick. I love the clean lines, quiet ride, and the acceleration of the V-8. I have 2000 miles on it and it is great.

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  Blown Away - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Bob - July 19 - 9:55 am

  That says it all. Blown Away. One doesnt have to say "for the price" when comparing to the Infiniti, Lexus or Benz, all of which I test drove and in the case of Infiniti, owned, prior to buying the Genesis. I bought the 3.8 after driving both, and figured the 6 to be plenty for my 48 years. Maybe at 25 Ive have opted for the 8, but at 25 I probably wouldve chosen something a little sportier. Bags of room, bags of features. Nav is great, but will probably take some studying of the manual to work it all out. I need to learn to skip over paragraphs that tell you how to insert a CD, and the like! Overall, very pleased and impressed.

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  Genesis Sedan 4.6 Budget Rental car - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Larry Hatch - July 16 - 2:29 pm

  My wife and I recently rented a car from Budget in Seattle for a 2 week trip to San Francisco. We reserved a Ford Focus. We got bumped up to a Genesis 4.6 Sedan. Wow! I fell in love with the car immediately. Loaded car. Drove like a dream. No matter how hard or easy I drove it I was never disappointed. We actually were disappointed to have to give it back to Budget at SFO and walk away. I would buy one without hesitation if I were in the market. I drive a 2003 Crown Vic LX Sport Model. The Genesis was the closest to a new version of the car I drive at home. Keep up the good work Hyundai. I will be looking for a clean used one in a couple years.

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  Awesome - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Carla - July 16 - 11:51 am

  I upgraded from a 2005 Sonata. Ive had it less than a week. I LUV the Genesis! This is my first luxury car and it has navigation too.

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  There must be two Genesis sedans - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By roy suthard - July 15 - 9:28 pm

  Hyundai must build two different Genesis sedans. The one I own certainly does not live up to the hype. I have owned 3 great Toyota Avalons prior to buying my Hyundai. I sure wish that I would have spent more time trying it out! A BIG MISTAKE! Toyotas concern about cars being produced rather than cars already in the hands of customers really ticked me off! Problems that I have with my Genisis are as follows: 1. Extreme engine noise when accelerating from a stop. Sounds like pinging, but its not. 2. Loud drone from rear sean when fuel get to 1/4 tank. 3. Steering wheel wont park at times. 4. Glove box wont open at times. 5. Tire noise. 6. Ft.Pass say seat too low. way too low

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  Driven 7 months so far - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Driven 7 months..... - July 15 - 12:43 pm

  Purchased 2010 3.6 new in Jan. 2010, after 7 months I am pretty happy overall but not without complaints. Radio/stereo with combined navigation on screen suffers from poor design, too many clicks required to do simple tasks like view then change radio station. Voice recognition software not great, will only turn off using the specific word, "suspend", otherwise wont go off and no manual off option. Driving and ride excellent after 7 months and 6,000+ miles, no repairs or squeaks. Dealer had to update nav software, and now must replace tilt wheel and seat memory chip. Dealer has great service, Hyundai customer serv. great! Overall, excellent vehicle, top warranty (10 yr) Paid $38k pre tax.