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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  Love my Genesis - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Nidal bouchedid - January 19 - 12:46 pm

  I only have 2000 miles on my Genesis, however this car is so much fun to drive. The ride is comfortable and quiet, acceleration is superb for a big car, and the price is right. I also own a Benz E 350,a BMW 525I and a Hyundai GX350. Everyone in my household wants to take the Genesis. No regrets..

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  Love my Genesis V8 - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Genman - January 16 - 10:28 pm

  I own a BMW 525i and a Mercedes E350, I have more fun and get more looks when I am in my Genesis. The ride is smooth and quiet, power is plentiful, comfort outstanding, all kinds of bells and whistles, done very tastefully. I recommend this car to anyone who is looking for German performance at a beer budget.

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  Great Experience - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By From Texas - January 13 - 9:44 pm

  In the short time we have had the car, we are very impressed with the quality, ride, & features. We have the 2010 3.8 with the Technology & Premium Packages. The value for the money can not be equaled. We are looking forward to many years with the car

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  Could use improvement - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By nutsaboutcars - January 12 - 10:41 am

  The first hundreds of miles were great like the quiet ride v8 engine and styling

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  Test Drive It-You Will Buy It ! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Frank Duve - January 8 - 4:46 pm

  I have been waiting for this 2010 for almost 2 years. An awesome driving experience. On a recent 2,000 trip, averaged over 24 mpg. Friends drive MB, Lexus, BMW. Am so bored with their designs. I wanted something that will blow you away. The six is adequate. You dont need the eight. Get this car!

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  sorry senior - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By marty lenny - January 2 - 5:06 pm

  After a few months non repairable transmission shifting problems. Drivers seat cushion repaired four times. Dunlop tires edges wear causes noise and vibration. Sunlight blocks nav screen and back up camera. Window washers only spray lower half of windshield. When starting the car in moist weather half the windshield fogs up. Windshield wiper blade still rubs even after being replaced. No light under hood.

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  NOT FOR SNOW! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By tomfromnewyork - January 1 - 4:20 pm

  It has been more years than I can remember-since I drove a non-front-wheel (or all wheel drive)car in snow! I absolutely LOVE my Genesis!!! But when it snows - I will keep it in the garage and use my wifes Honda civic!

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  Hyundai Genesis 4.6 4dr Sedan (4.6L8cyl) - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By msork - December 31 - 1:32 pm

  Absolutely love the car! Excellent fit and finish, fun to drive, lots of power. Averaging about 21 mpg. Friends owning BMWs and Mercedes are duly impressed and even more so when the purchase price is taken into consideration.

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  Best buy on four wheels - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By thedean - December 30 - 10:33 am

  Yes its a Hyundai! I must repeat that phrase at least once every day. No one can believe that this is a Hyundai. Even the guys at Big-O tire asked if they could take pictures. The same happened when I had the windows tinted. In short, I have purchased 1-2 new cars a year since 1990- all brands and makes from Corvettes to camrys. With 5 cars in the garage we have a choice, and without fault the car that is out of the garage first is the Genesis. Personally, I like the gas mileage of the v6. hwy 28 mpg and 23-24 mixed driving. Very impressive for a full size family sedan. (and no- I dont work for Hyundai or any car biz.. I always wonder about other people that write these things :)

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  I feel like I stole it! - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By AJ - December 30 - 12:15 am

  I love my car and it has everything that I want in a daily driver. There is more than enough power but the Rspec 5.0 is tuned for efficiency so street racers will be dissapointed. Turn the ESC off for some mild hooliganism but you will still suffer from lack of agility problems and slow shifting. I get 23 mpg on a good day but no less than 20mpg if I put my foot in it regularly. There are no sport modes and so far no aftermarket ecu tuning available so you get what you get. If you like to upgrade your car then look elsewhere. I had the same MY v6 and its an even better bargain since both v6 and v8 have more power than the electronics will ever let you use but the v6 gave me 24-28mpg regularly. The v8 is a bit smoother though. The used prices on the Gen 1s are extraordinary for what you get. Minor nit picks are: The Navigation is already out dated and it cost too much for current maps. It cant find half the Points of Interests that try to find. Voice search is almost useless. The sound system is great but has only basic equalizer setting (bass, mid, treble). Since I like heart thumping bass I added sub woofer but the car is so well insulated I cant hear it well enough in the cabin. The trunk is huge but the rear seats dont fold down. The ride is plush but gets jarring on certain surfaces. Acceleration from a roll is slow for the 430 HP that this car has. Blue link is expensive and worthless I only wanted it for remote start but since it is through your smart phones internet its not worth it. Lastly, I worry about the electronics being hackable.