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:

• 

  Best Performance-Value Ratio. - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Young - November 7 - 3:13 pm

  After four months of ownership, I am extremely pleased with the car. The feel and comfort of the car are excellent. The highway ride and acceleration are super. The overall quality matches or surpasses that of most luxury sedans on the market -- except that Genesis costs thousands of dollars less. Looks great inside and out. Easily, one of the top performance - value vehicles on the road.

• 

  The best car I have ever owned! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Harold - November 6 - 12:58 pm

  I also own a Lexus and a Benz. This car is better than both. I would match this car with any car on the market that costs between 30k and 50k. I have own my Genesis for over a year and have had no issues with it. It beats both my Lexus and Benz hands down. Benz IMO is over rated I have had nothing but expensive problems with it since I purchased it new. The Lexus was an excellent car, but it is the little things that get too you.

• 

  16 months of fun and satisfaction - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Dullien - November 1 - 9:11 pm

  Yes, people make faces: "A Hyundai?" but I did four months of research and bought it for the value and havent regretted it yet. I also got lucky to have the wings on the trunk.This car kept every promise from riding comfort,road handling, to exceptional sound, and all the electronics are working very well with the small navigation button. I had Mercedes and still have a BMW Genesis compares extremely well. You have to go into BMW 700 category and the 550 Mercedes class, which will cost accordingly. And yes I had more than a dozen people ask me if it is a Bentley (because of the wings in the back).

• 

  Outstanding car - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Carguy - October 29 - 2:37 pm

  Hyundai has done just about everything right on the Genesis. There have been complaints about the ride. I find that tire pressure is the problem (and maybe the Dunlop tire as well). The techs at the dealer or tire store will put the tire pressure up to 35 psi. This will produce a rough ride. If you reduce the pressure to 32-33 psi, the ride will be about like a Mercedes E class. I find this to be about right. 30 psi would be even better but the low tire pressure system will signal low tire pressure if it gets below 30 and you have to run it up to 35 to reset the system and get the low pressure message off. Buy a good tire pressure gage and set the pressure yourself.

• 

  After 40,000 miles - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mr Valentine - October 27 - 6:49 pm

  I am not sure how many drivers have reached 40,000 miles with the Genesis, but I have. I driven it at speeds of 100+ miles per hour a few times and taken alot of long distant trips without a problem. This car really performs well in curves, it makes you sit back an enjoy the ride. I have added 20in tires and rims which has added alittle road noise. My only fault with the car is, I should have two in my driveway...HOOHA!!

• 

  ITs nice but - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By George - October 17 - 7:57 pm

  I have owned a Lexus LS 430 for six years. When I test drove and purchased the Genesis 4.6, it was compared to Lexus and BMW. My Genesis has several little problems that my dealer claims is on all the Genesis cars and they cant fix them. Plus the programming of many of the cars functions leaves alot to be desired. I agree the the car has excellent performance but a car that frustrates you every time you drive it is not a pleasure. Perhaps I expect too much by thinking that a $40,000 auto should have all the bugs worked out before it is put on the market but I dont think so. Perhaps I am spoiled by Lexus but relatively speaking, this car does not meet my expectations of $40,000 car

• 

  Satisfied with purchase - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By JoJofive - October 8 - 7:51 pm

  So far, so good with the car. I didnt really know what to expect with a Korean brand car. But the Genesis has proven itself capable to me. the Car is very beautiful, a little derivative. but most people think that it is a mercedes, which is a compliment. The dealership where I purchased it was definitely an interesting experience. Some of the team members were a bit oblivious to the features of the 3.8. but I finally got a guy to help me out with some important questions. Financing the car was good. got it for about 424/month with 1.9 APR.

• 

  2009 Genesis Review - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Derrick - October 7 - 1:20 pm

  This is a great looking car. I got lots of compliments. But the car simply has the worst ride of any vehicle Ive owned. My Toyota Camry rides way better. Im going for the second time to the dealer to see if anything can be done, but Im not confident. I cant see myself driving this car for three years-Id get rid of it tomorrow if I could. Very, very disappointing.

• 

  Bad electrical system - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By hs - September 28 - 7:36 pm

  Started having electrical problems within four months. Battery completely dicharges if vehicle is not used for 72 hours. Dealership has replaced battery numerous times and they can not figure out the problem. Changecd the radio/CD head unit for malfunction.Replaced the central console for malfunction. Seats are too small and stiff. Front passenger seat has very few adjustments. Air conditioning is not adequate for hot weather particularly when using in auto mode. CD functions are limited. CD does not change automatically from one disc to the next. The data stored in the memory, like phone numbers etc., are lost if you disconect the battery.

• 

  6 Month review of my Genesis - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Daniel - September 20 - 6:04 pm

  See my original review " Instant Classic" on 04/21/09. Ive now own my Genesis 3.8 Tech for nearly 6 months. No problems so far, fit, finish, ride remains top notch. The exterior design is even better than first thought while the mileage slightly less (lots of city driving) than before. The integrated bluetooth is used extensively and all autos should have them for safety in todays cell phone culture. The navigation even easier to use once you know all the short cuts Ive had no problems with the suspension and the ride remains a nice balance between soft and hard. Never a day goes by that someone takes a noticeable interest in my Genesis, This automobile is special!!!!!