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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  The Genesis is a winner. - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Genesis Lover - February 15 - 7:39 pm

  I looked at Audi, BMW, Infiniti and Lexus before test driving the Hyundai Genesis. The Lexus was the only car that was slightly more comfortable, but did not perform as well as the Genesis. It is comfy, smooth, quite and has everything I could ever want at an unbelievable price. It is amazing and I am constantly turning heads. I like to think it is because of my beauty, but I know it is the car! o)

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  FINALLY A HYUNDAI I LIKE - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By RAMON718 - February 12 - 12:37 pm

  After trading in my 2006 sonota for a 2006 azera and having the azera for 3 a half years of misery , i finally got hyundai i LOVE. The car is the best bang for your buck when you dont want to over spend for a luxury car .

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Tom - February 11 - 8:00 pm

  Great ride - with a luxurious interior and classy simple exterior look. Got a call from a friend who drove by asking if I bought a Bentley...the Genesis emblems will do that. Everyone loves this car...Have had 3 new Infinitis since 1998 starting with the Q45 and this car does not disappoint. After test driving Lincoln MKS, the CC, and Lexus, the decision was easier than I expected. For the value, luxury and drive, and watching the road test comparisons on youtube against the BMW 5 series, I was sold. Oh and the warranty and safety features didnt hurt.

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  awesome driving experience! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Louisianaman - February 10 - 9:54 pm

  Get behind the wheel of this car, set creature comforts to your preferences. Then, push the start button and experience a vehicle that is comfortable, spirited to drive, quiet (with the desirable growl of the engine when pushed) and eye catching. Drive the E-Class Mercedes, GS class Lexus and the 5 series BMW, then drive the Genesis..youll be surprised and impressed, and have THOUSANDS of dollars left in your pocket!

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  Shifting Problems - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Ted - February 10 - 9:39 am

  My 2009 Genesis shifts from 1st to 2nd gear at about 4 miles an hour from a dead stop causing it to bog slightly, making it very irritating every time you start off. I tried to get Hyundai to do something about it but they said that even though if shifted quick that it was within their specs. The problem is that they are looking a numbers and I am driving the car daily, stopping and starting probably 25 times a day. It is very frustrating but there is nothing I can do about it.

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  "what dat" about the ride quality - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By stararobota - February 9 - 4:31 pm

  If any car deserves all 10s - this is the one. Clearly an incredible value. The suspension - so much talked about - is in the 2010 V8 excellent (we have also tested a 2009 V6 - it was a bit sloppy). If to describe it in one word - it is "supple". It certainly does not absorb all the roads imperfections - in terms of the road feel it is very transparent. It is always a judgment call - if you like to float over bumps - this one only does a so so job. The steering is precise, the body is rigid, the feel is amazing.

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  Hyundai Genesis 3.8 V6 Tech/Premium Pack - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By WESTWINDLION - February 2 - 1:01 pm

  Overall excellent product however, beware as there are subtle issues such as alignment (pull to left or right) and very bumpy ride. I recommend that you invest in cars that do not come with defects and have higher resale value. Also, company needs to stand behind its products and learn from Toyotas recent recall.

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  Could use improvements - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By nutsaboutcars - January 24 - 4:59 pm

  I purchased this car 2 months ago and I already have 3700 miles on her,,I have noticed the tires gotten noisier and there is wind noise coming in to the cabin..I also noticed the v8 engine is not as quiet anymore she does get shell super unleaded all the time and I followed the suggested break in period,,The upgraded lexicon audio can use improvement because I dont hear 528 watts of surround sound.

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  Attention Grabber, Substance & Style - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Attention Grabber - January 23 - 8:00 pm

  I bought my Black Genesis 3.8 V6 premium pkg 7 months ago, and honestly I still have people (ok, all have been guys) ask me WHAT it is Im driving -- at gas stations, grocery store lots, at traffic lights, you name it. It truly does look like a 7-series BMW, or a S-series Mercedes, but many mistake it for a Maybach or even Rolls because I opted for the "Genesis Wings" logo vs. the Hyundai "H". I love the lines of the car, especially in profile, and the performance matches the sweet, unique looks and all the hype you hear! Tremendous value for a truly luxurious sedan.

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  3.8 Genesis Sedan - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Stretch - January 20 - 2:41 pm

  Excellent ride, adaptive cruise control is nice practical feature. Disappointed with no partial woodgrain steering wheel that comes standard on 4.6 cylinder engine sedan, should be included in 3.8 technology package. Good value for the money.