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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  85,000 miles and here is the reality - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By ben - May 24 - 10:06 pm

  This car either drifts dramatically or catapults, hard on tires my receiver went bad Hyundai wants 1900 wont do a dam thing for me called lexicon what a joke voice activation also connected to receiver bottom line Hyundai says I use the radio too much. Not all bad though still have 15,000 mile warranty on power train yippee!

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  Sorry Senior - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By marty - May 21 - 1:26 pm

  Transmission still clunks and jerks. No cure available. Hyundai buy back plan worthless. Dealer has been very very cooperative. Sunlight blocks out nav screen and back up camera. Both front seats need more thigh support. No light under hood. Bad blind area when drivers seat is all the way back. Drives like a truck rides like a brick. Fist year deprecation more than 35%.

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  more than we needed - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By kced - May 11 - 12:31 pm

  Weve owned the car for nearly a month and its been great! Fabulous highway and city driving. Decent fuel efficiency for the engine size (V6). Very smooth and quiet ride. The interior leather and finishes are beautiful. Everyone asked why we bought a Hyundai (had looked at CPO Infiniti and BMW). After they ride in it, they dont require an answer.

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  Big Problems - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Craig - May 11 - 8:03 am

  We have had the car just over one year. This past week while driving, the entire car shut down. The dealer towed the car and come to find out the rear engine seal failed they still dont have a clue as to why. They are putting a brand new engine in it at no cost to me so their service has been A+. They are sending the old engine back to the company to investigate. Their engineers and mechanics could not find a reason for the failure, that is why the old engine is being returned to their factory to try and find out why. They gave me excellent service but my problem is I no longer trust the car. As soon as I get it back Im selling it. If it happened once it could happen again!!!

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  So good, Im buying another one - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jeff - May 10 - 5:55 pm

  I bought the 2010 Genesis sedan with the V8 in early April. I totalled it two weeks later. I loved it so much that when I get my insurance settlement, Im going to buy another one. This time Ill get the V6 as I want better mileage and the V6 is plenty powerful. This car is great. Ive owned Lexus, MB, BMW and others. This one is the best. The technology, fit and finish and well thought out design is amazing. It has almost every bell and whistle I can think of. Styling is fantastic. Nothing negative to say. Its priced right and a great value. I loved it and will love it again.

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  Best Luxury Car - Especially the Price - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mark C. - May 10 - 1:18 pm

  My 4.6 is the best luxury car in this price range AND others that cost $10- 20K more! I drove the GS350, ES350, and G37. I really liked the GS & ES but couldnt justify spending at least $10K more. My friends dogged me for buying a Hyundai, but after seeing the car and driving or riding in it they have changed their minds. 2nd Hyundai and Im impressed. Quiet & comfortable. HD stereo is great but youre limited on stations. Nav is great - you can change it while driving. Takes a while to get used to command knob. I like this car much more than my wifes 07 TL!! Ive had the car for 5K miles and still love it. I highly recommend this car! I think Hyundai is building great cars.

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  best car for the buck - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By jose - May 10 - 12:40 pm

  I purchase th car 2 weeks ago and so far I like it better than spected. Love the interior design and quality. I can conplain about the exterior, it realy pull lots of heads.

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  BAD BAD RIDE. Avoid IT - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Bob - May 8 - 11:11 am

  I have leased this care now for 1 year, and I have 2 years to go. The ride is just horrible. It actually makes you sea sick on the roads. The stero is great, the interior looks great. Seats are comfortable, but you buy a car to drive, and it is the worst riding car I have ever had. I can hardly wait to get rid of it. If I wouldnt take a big loss, id get rid of it this afternoon.

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  It does not get any better - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By tazman - May 5 - 3:15 pm

  I leased a new Hyundai Genesis after 27 month lease on an E-350 MB. This is by far the best car for the money period. It is 24,000 less then the MB and a better car. I test drove BMW, Lexus, Jag, and MB. This car won hands down. Get past the Hyundai badge and you will be driving one.

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  Honest & detailed review - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Don - May 4 - 5:36 pm

  Price: you get so much more for what you pay for in this car, compared to others such a Mercedes, Lexus, Audi, etc.--- truly a great deal. Looks: I see people give this car looks all the time, and some people ask me about it, saying they really like it. Features in navigation screen: easy to learn. Heated 2 front seats and cooled drivers seat: works so well and keeps you so comfortable. Features: --rear window sun screen - I like it! --superb radio - complete quality. --memory drivers seat: controlling outside mirrors also. I will move up to the Hyundai Equus (the next higher model) next year. I have seen it, and it is even better yet than the Equus, but also more money ($56,000).