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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  13,000 mile update - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By DGSVerona - December 28 - 4:53 pm

  This is an update of my original review. I have the 3.8 V6 with premium package and all available options. Ive had the car for 9 mths and it now has 13K miles of semi- aggressive highway & city driving experience. I still love this car! And heres the best part, since Ive owned the car the only service required has been scheduled maintenance. No rattles, no signs of wearing, and still fun to drive. In the snow (we had an 18 in. snow storm last week), it handled better than expected. I did struggle up a steep hill that wasnt plowed well (4" of loose snow on road) but otherwise the car did fine. I dont have any issues sports handling - but the ride could be smoother. Buy this car!

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  I never thought... - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Woodsfortysix - December 26 - 6:03 pm

  Having driven 3 BMWs, an Infinity, and an Acura RL, I never thought I would own a Hyundai. Now I have two - a Genesis 4.6 and a Veracurz Limited. They obviously are doing something right. I tend to look at my new cars very closely - the only issue I could fine with this vehicle was that one tire was 1 pound under inflated. I think I can live with that.

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  A great business class vehicle - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By Eugene Gojka - December 26 - 12:22 pm

  The Genesis is overall a great car to own. Very comfortable and easy to drive. Steering is a little loose and it feels big, only because it is. For a larger person, Im about 64 190lbs, I feel very free in this car. Maintenance is expensive but the service that Hyundai provides has been great. The entertainment system is one of the best Ive ever experienced! Bluetooth is difficult for the 2011 model because its an older system which will not allow you to listen to your music. Fuel economy is pretty good for a V8 and power is exceptional.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Genesis Luver - December 24 - 9:51 pm

  Excellent quality. Very smooth ride. Quiet. Very responsive engine and transmission. Excellent braking. Handles very well. Needs better OEM tires. Tires tend to develop flat spot when car sits up for a while. Smooths out after driving several miles. Needs cooled passenger seat, power folding exterior mirrors, possibly heated rear seats. Overall not bad at all. Cant be beat for the price and quality.

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  Forget The GPS - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By NPG - December 24 - 11:47 am

  Great fuel economy. Easy to drive both city and highway. Sound system good. Proximity warning very helpful. Would buy another one but without GPS. GPS TERRIBLE ! Hand held units much better. Not enough words to describe how bad the system is. Dont get that accessory, buy a hand held.

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  Superb Choice - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By JIM - December 23 - 4:03 pm

  I had been evaluating several new sport sedans over a period of 11 months prior to selecting my Genesis. Specifically, I tested the BMW 535, Audi A6, Cadillac CTS and Mercedes E350. I have also owned Lexus vehicles. I was leaning toward the BMW but had not tested the Genesis during this time span. I had established a price range and didnt want to go north of $70k. After ten minutes in the Genesis there was no doubt in my mind that this car was the best of the group. The handling, spaciousness, quietness and overall good feeling left me with the impression that the other brands were over priced. The difference in the overall savings gives me free fuel and insurance over the 36 month lease.

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  Very impressive - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By iownsf - December 23 - 11:55 am

  I was looking to buy a sporty 4 door car that had a good amount of interior space. I researched and had the list narrowed down to an Audi A6 or BMW 535i. I test drove the A6, but didnt come away that impressed with the car in light of its pricetag. I was about to check out the 535i in person when I decided to give the Genesis some consideration. I went to the SF Auto Show at the end of November and was shocked at the features and looks of this car. I kept coming back to the car a few times even after looking at other makes such as MB, BMW and Audi. I purchased the car a week later and couldnt be happier. This is a lot of car for the money - a home run for Hyundai.

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  BUYER BEWARE - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Second Thoughts - December 20 - 12:59 pm

  Okay, so I was one of those extremely pleased individuals who purchased a Genesis and thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, AND rolled my eyes at bad reviews. But my electrical system hasnt been right since I drove it off the lot. So just be aware that the system is intricate, and new, so when things start going wrong, you may find yourself visiting the dealership MANY times to give them a chance to get it right. Ive been at least 6 times since I purchased the NEW car, and its still not fixed. The difficult part is that in fairness, its a car that gives a great driving experience, when it works the way its supposed to work. Be aware - bugs, bugs, bugs and more bugs.

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  Head Of The Class - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Frank Duve - December 18 - 4:19 pm

  I love everything about this 2010 luxury liner from the fit & finish to the fabulous sound,style & ride. Who needs Lexus,Mercedes or BMW. This trumps them all.I decided to lease because I like the change without the maintenance hassle. I am fitting the Genesis with new badges found on Ebay Motors web site. Be very careful, if you drive it, youll buy it.

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  Excellant car - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jim - December 17 - 8:14 am

  We love this Genesis and would buy another! I have had several nice compliments and folks wanted to know more about it etc.