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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  I am a believer! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jason - May 1 - 7:59 am

  Like most of current Genesis owners, I was skeptical about buying a $40,000 Hyundai car. But after reading so many positive reviews and test driving for 30 minutes, I took a leap of faith and bought a Genesis. I have 2000 miles under my belt and I love every mile of it. I have the technology package (Please do yourself a favor and get the package) Smart cruise control is a must if you spend a lot of time on the freeway. Even after driving for 4 hours straight, I dont feel tired because of the comfortable ride and smart cruise control of the Genesis. If you were skeptical about spending $40,000 to buy a Hyundai like me, have a faith. This car is a real deal.

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  Worst Gear Shifting Ive Seen - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Tom - April 16 - 7:53 pm

  The car is OK except for the transmission. This car has a six speed transmission and it searches and searches ans still finds the wring gear. When going up a hill and you need to accelerate a little it will jump two gears instead of one. The transmission will also not release when you slow to stop. I cant coast in it. It is really an aggravating car to drive. Other than that it is a nice car or in other words, other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play? This inability to find the correct gear also has an affect on gas mileage.

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  quality car that is fun to drive - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By notavan - April 16 - 5:08 pm

  Love, love, love this car. Shopped Infiniti, Acura and Lexus and chose Genesis b/c I preferred the way it drove and the quality interior -- not b/c of price. Super powerful, smooth shifting, butter-soft leather, fun touch screen nav/radio. It is so much fun to drive. Great acceleration, braking. Lots of compliments from strangers on looks. Couldnt be more thrilled with purchase.

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  Genesis = smarter every day - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By projos - April 16 - 4:45 pm

  Thoroughly enjoy driving the Genesis every time I get behind the wheel. Nice performing engine very well coordinated with the smooth-shifting transmission. Terrific balance of handling and ride. Extraordinary value as compared to the prestige brands. Have owned all the other guys and drove there latest offerings. Genesis is a supremely sophisticated car for a lot less money. Love the car, love the multitude of "what kind of car is that?" questions, love the compliments. A truly rewarding driving experience and I feel smarter every day...

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  Fantastic luxury sedan at a bargain - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Tennessee Phil - April 12 - 9:30 pm

  The Genesis is an incredible vehicle. It exudes luxury, has unbelievable power, and the interior is attractive and comfortable. The 4.6 V8 engine is incredibly powerful and smooth. Cruising at 75 MPH barely touches its potential. The adaptive (radar) cruise control works extremely well. I use it in stop- and-go traffic on 2-lane roads going into work. Navigation and voice control systems work well. Visual display is large and easy to see. Backup camera is great. My iPhone pairs with system using Bluetooth. This is an incredible car priced about $25k less then comparable cars like BMW 550i. Dont buy a luxury sedan until youve driven a Genesis.

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  my first genesis - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By gusirani - April 11 - 1:39 pm

  i switched from a 5 series bmw, mainly because the 2011 5 will not come out till june, i am very glad i made this decision for the genesis, i read all the reviews and after test driving it fell in love, its not a bmw but its better then a lexus, all the luxury and options for about 20k less. i have had it only for 4 days now and am loving it, the electronics are so easy to use, its a great change from the stupid i-drive from bmw.

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  Best of the Best - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Richard - April 10 - 8:34 pm

  For the past six month I have been searching for an affordable sports,luxury car.I have been on the internet many nights comparing vehicles that matches my needs.The problem is they all starts at around $50,000 with few bells and whistle.The truth of the matter is a friend told me about Genesis made by Hyundai.I kind of laugh and said Hyundai only make small cheap cars.To make a long story short,we went to a Hyundai dealership in Miami and test drove both 6cylinder and the 8cylinder.I was so impressed with the 4.6V-8 with the tech.package.The dealership did not have one in stock.I waited 6 weeks for the arrival of my new car.The sales people treated me like family. Excellent purchase.

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  Could add a few upgrades - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By RK - March 29 - 11:02 am

  Having traded in a Lexus ls430 I was hoping for a comparable car. This model needs more storage space in glove compartment and center consul. It needs 3 way seats for small passengers. It needs wheel locks. It needs flatter response when cornering. Needs more leg room in rear. A 7 speed transmission would help mileage for longer trips. Otherwise, the car seems to be a good value with good performance.

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  Looking for excuses to drive it. - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Ash - March 29 - 1:21 am

  Ive always disliked taking "Sunday Drives" in cars just to drive around for no reason. After buying my Genesis though, Im actually looking for excuses to take it out and drive it. It is the first vehicle Ive owned, and Ive been driving for over 40 years, that I actually want to take out and drive around for no reason other than the sheer joy of driving it! The 4.6 is responsive and quiet. The interior is roomy and the leather seats are buttery soft and comfortable. The brakes have excellent stopping power. The ride is firm but not uncomfortable. I love the trunk space I have in this car too.

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  I couldnt put up with the ride comfort - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Paul - March 28 - 2:50 pm

  I was excited to buy this well priced loaded 6 cylinder Genesis. I loved the interior styling, sound system, and navigation system. I tended to overlook the ride comfort when I test drove it. What a mistake. It was the worst riding car I ever owned. Unless you were on completely smooth roads, the car would bounce back and forth quite a bit. After 3 months, I took a big loss and traded it in for a used Deville. Am I the only one to be bothered by the ride comfort of the Genesis?