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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  Great Car - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By pstl - December 14 - 1:49 pm

  Never thought I would own a Hyundai. This car is well built and is a pleasure to drive. Gas mileage is fairly good for a V8 producing 385 HP. Best bang for the buck.

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  Really like it - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jack B. - December 10 - 7:47 pm

  My wife and I have owned our Genesis for 4 months and remain very pleased. We test drove Lexis, Avalons, Lincolns and 3 Genesis. One Genesis test drive was for more than an hour. We were not surprised by the stiffness of the Genesis ride. Highway ride and quietness are excellent. Firm ride in town lacks something to be desired but my wife does not mind. Purchasing experience was good. Please do not drive up the cost by having "Genesis Only" dealerships. I do like the performance, interior and exterior styling and sound system. A great car to drive.

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  Awesome Automobile! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By klros - December 10 - 8:30 am

  I looked at the Taurus, LaCrosse and 300 before deciding on the Genesis. Ride, quality, performance are all top notch. Hyundais done an outstanding job with this car. It should be on every car buyers list. People stop and ask me about in Range Rovers and BMWs all the time--I say yes...its a Hyundai!

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  what an amazing value! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By JoeManGA - December 9 - 4:43 pm

  After much research and test driving I bought the Genesis 4.6 with tech package. I was a bit hesitant because the ride was a bit more firm and sporty than what I was used to with my Avalon. After 2 months, I have to say the ride is no longer an issue and I prefer the suspension in the Genesis to my "couch on wheel" ride I had before. I still cant believe I paid $36.7K plus T&T. Its just silly to think people pay $50 and $60K for comparable vehicles. I also got the wing emblems on wheels, trunk and steering wheel. It looks fantastic and Ive received many stares and compliments on the car. The ES350 was the only other alternative, but it is much smaller and has a dated interior.

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  One Happy & Satisfied 4.6 Owner !!! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By Banker - December 4 - 9:27 pm

  Just a fabulous vehicle to drive and just as pleasurable to look at. With badging, it is easily confused with being in the Bentley family. The ride is precise, fit and finish is several points ahead of Lexus ES 350. Very tight and very quiet ride. A winner overall. Tremendous value for your money.

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  C.D. Player does not advance - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By fcolby - December 2 - 4:16 pm

  The C.D. Player (six disk) does not advance. Apparently this is an endemic problem and has existed for some time. I have been asked to accept this as "it is built to factory specifications"!! I have also had troubles with the navigational system. Wow! for a43k you would think the C.D. would work.

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  Affordable Luxury - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Vegas - November 20 - 4:20 pm

  Excellent vehicle! Ive never been a "Label-looker" so I shop for the goodies at a reasonable price. This car delivers and then some. The ride is comfortable yet responsive. The interior is ample. Im built like an NFL defensive end and Im very comfortable. The amenities are numerous, you get a lot with the standard package. I have the Premium Plus and Im very happy. The trunk is spacious. The V-6 290 bhp engine is as smooth as butter on a hot muffin and you can cruise at 80 mph without nary a concern. An All-Wheel drive version would be too sweet! The stereo system is very nice, audiophile worthy. A great buy if youre into affordable luxury and you tend not to follow the "label".

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  This car is amazing - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
  By nutsaboutcars - November 19 - 11:03 pm

  I just took delivery of my 2010 genesis v8 sedan with tech pkg,,So far I am very impressed with this fine car, I also have a bmw 7 series and this car is just as nice for more than half the price

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  5 Days of Ownership and Loving It!! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By BrooksLovesThisCar - November 12 - 3:25 pm

  Wonderful car, Im very happy with my purchase. Makes it seem like a waste to purchase a BMW, Mercedes, Lexus or Infiniti for thousands more! I have the Genesis badge/wing on the trunk, and people ask me is that a "Bently". Looks and performs stride for stride with the premium luxury automobiles mentioned before. Well worth the $42K..BMW 550 will perform better but at a $25,000 premium. One of my co- workers owns one, and it is not worth the extra $$$. I took him for a ride in the Genesis, and he couldnt believe it was a Hyundai and the price I paid for it!

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  Love this car... - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Bobson - November 9 - 7:42 pm

  After 9 months of ownership, I have found this car to be everything promised. The interior and exterior styling are suburb. I have experienced no mechanical or other type problems. The car is very comfortable on long trips, although I sometimes prefer a cushier ride to the more stiff sport suspension on this vehicle. My only 2 complaints are the Lexicon sound system is not as good as it is cracked up to be in my opinion and the blue tooth interface is not as compatible as it claims to be with certain phone models. Nonethless, I receive weekly compliments on the car and believe it is one of the best values on the market today.