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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  Wise Choice - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By SoCal - March 27 - 9:29 pm

  Have had car for a month and so far there have been no delivery or production issues. The most noticeable aspect of the car is the quietness of the ride and insulation from surrounding vehicles courtesy of the laminated glass and rigid chassis. Of course this helps accentuate the amazing audio quality from the 17 speaker, Lexicon stereo. It makes for a very comfortable and relaxing trip, so that you dont arrive fatigued. V8 has more than enough power - it never feels strained and is well- matched to transmission. Standard seating materials are a very soft, supple high quality grade of leather. Other makes either have high quality vinyl (think P-leather from M-B) or are non-perforated.

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  Incredible car - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Drobeta - March 23 - 12:58 pm

  I got it after testing Lexus 350, Infiniti G37, BMW 5.The clean and sleek design caught my eye.The interior is very roomy and looks awesome.The quality is unbelievable.The Genesis is by far the best value for the money.If you are open minded and not a brand name slave, take a closer look at it.Did I mention low maintenance costs, longer warranty, $30 oil change and regular gas instead of premium?

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  A happy owner - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mike - March 18 - 10:16 am

  After owning 2 Elantras and 3 Sonatas and having no reliability problems and next to none other problems with Hyundai cars I got a Genesis 3.8L w/Premium Pkg. Build quality and comfort exceed anything Ive ever owned and Ive owned Lincoln an Mercedes. Performance, considering the 3.8 is hauling around a 2 ton vehicle, is nothing short of amazing! All surfaces inside have that certain luxury quality look and feel. All exterior panels fit evenly and the doors, trunk and hood close with authority. Everything works as intended and expected. In town gas mileage can be no so hot at 16-17 at the highest, but on a run back from Omaha one day I got 29 which was a pleasant surprise.

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  NICE luxurious car - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By gohuskies77 - March 16 - 5:11 pm

  When my husband told me that he wanted a luxury sedan, I was worried about the cost. We test drove many cars and really liked the Audi A4. As we continued to look, we stopped at the Hyundai dealer to see what they had in the line of luxury sedans and were shocked to find the Genesis. A gorgeous car at such a low price!! One test drive and we were sold...done deal! We have already put 12,000 miles on it and have ZERO regrets. I do recommend re-badging this car. I found some neat "winged" Genesis badges on Ebay (very much like the Bently badge), pulled the Hyundai badge off the rear and replaced with the new, and added a badge to the front hood. Makes the car look more elegant.

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  MOST HONEST REVIEW = B+ Grade - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By 4.6 Honest Review - March 15 - 3:24 pm

  Driving: the car drives very good - it compares to much more expensive cars like Audi, Mercedes (not BMWs stiff ride which I do not like). Interior comfort is very good, soft leather seats (that need a bit more support). Lots of rear seat room for 3 adults. I have the tech package and to use the radio you must go through the "mouse" hand control -- unsafe when driving & miserable when it could be so easy with standard controls---same with navigation system (give us the "touch screen also Hyundai), but it does have a Nice big screen. My gas mileage is averaging 21 mpg - good for this size car. Consumer reports says reliability is only average on the v-8

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  A REAL HEAD TURNER - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By IronRock - March 11 - 12:46 pm

  I have had my 4.6 (tech package and every option available) for less than 2 months and so far I have nothing but the highest praise for this car. Its fun tor drive, loads of power in comparison to the 350 MB and 350 LX that I test drove before choosing the Genesis. The nav system is easy to use and the audio system is definitely comparable with the systems in cars costing thousands more. I plan to drive to Miami in June which will give me a chance to test it on a long drive. So far, I am extremely pleased with the car and happy that I chose it over the MB/LX. GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY!!!

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  Compared all..Genesis won hands down. - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Michael L - March 8 - 12:36 pm

  The sleek design and high quality is what first caught my attention. I test drove the Lexus 350, BMW 5 series, and Mercedes E-class, as well as the Audi 6. All nice cars but the Genesis sedan seem to borrow the best from each in styling and performance, easily matching and often exceeding performance. Lexus products (owned a few), are getting stale in design with little change in years. Same goes for the other makers, although Mercedes has some beautiful models out there. Final decision on the Genesis came after test driving all of them. Its nice to know that I will no longer have to pay inflated maintenance costs that the other brands love to charge (something rarely spoke of here).

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  Super value in a nice package - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By almacjr - March 8 - 8:31 am

  I have driven this car on trips and primarily around town and on country road regularly. It handles with amazing tightness in cornering and traction. Very little if any loss of traction under full acceleration even in corners. The car came with Sport 5000 M tires and I notice that the trad wear is somewhat excessive as this tire carries a 60,000 mile warranty on tread wear. The car though a little heavy weight wise handles with the agility of a much smaller lighter car. I have owned 3 BMWs a 3 and two 5 series cars, two Infinity autos, one a 38 series and one a 45 series and numerous Cadillac autos this car is extremely well made, plus handles better than many cars not comparable !

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  Surprising build quality - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Phil - March 2 - 6:00 pm

  This car is a winner. I loved my Acura RL - unfortunately totalled in an accident. Drove Merc E, BMW 5, Lexus GS, etc. If all the same price I would buy this car. More leg room than a BMW 750i, quieter cabin than a Merc S class, same HP, acceleration and MPG as a Lexus LS460. Linear torque curve & loads of power. 10 yr warranty & under $40k w/ V8 & tech pkg. Wow. What an incredible value. The topper is the xclt build quality & refinement, worthy of a Lexus. Minor complaints - should have more wood trim inside (theyre probably holding back to not outshine the upcoming Equus). The suspension is well tuned but transmits a little too much input to the passengers when on imperfect roads.

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  Cant beat it for the price - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Dennis - February 22 - 3:55 pm

  Start looking for a slightly used Benz. We have had Benzs for 20 years and they have been great cars. Read the reviews on the Genesis and decided to look and drive. We found it very comparable to an E Type for $20K less. Great interior chocked with all the goodies. Handles well though steering is a little too sensitive on center and goes like H--for a 6 cyl. The wife loves it after driving her S Type for years. Great Buy!