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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  Pleasant Surprise - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Ledee131 - September 18 - 2:52 pm

  I was looking into buy a new car. I considered the Genesis brand. I changed the badge and I am happy with the car. It moves well and is comfortable. Hopefully, the car will last me for quite a while. I like the back lit controls at night. Really cool to drive in

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  Great car - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Happy Owner - September 17 - 8:37 pm

  After 6 Months of research I bought it. Has tech pkg. Quite, solid, fast, head turner, comfort. I have no complaints about the ride.People has mistaken it for a MB, Lexus, Bentley. Would be nice if the cd player was also a automatic changer. But the XM is great.

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  Genesis - Truly a Beginning - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By genesisdriver - September 13 - 4:52 pm

  Incredible experience! Speed/power, luxury and incredible sound system. Did I mention how fast it is? Looked at LexusGS350 but have no regrets. Car is a real head-turner.

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  needs much improvement - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By senior hot rod - September 9 - 9:44 am

  Need hand grips on under side of steering wheel. No timer for front or rear defrosters. Sunlight washes out nav screen and rear back up camera. Need larger sun visors with side extenders. Windshield washers only spray lower windshield. Limited warranty on all electronic items. Bad blind area when drivers seat is all the way back. Need light under hood. Rear mud guards are to small. Both front seats need the same features and more thigh support.

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  Typical Hyundai, Genius - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Eddyer - September 8 - 7:54 pm

  No complaints whatsoever. Im kind of a person that likes to buy based on Value. Of course, Hyundai was the ticket. though, I was a bit skeptical about the Hyundai brand, the Genesis shattered my perceptions about the brand. I can not say how classy the car remains even after a few months of ownership. put a Genesis badge and the car is not that much different from a Bentley IMO.

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  Rides too rough. - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Big Bear - September 4 - 9:08 pm

  I bought my pre-owned 3.8 from a man who is known to be less than frugal who really "unloaded" this beauty upon me. It is a gorgeous car, but after I drove it 850 miles it reminds me of the gorgeous, brainy woman who cant boil water. Only the BMW 318i that I just sold rode worse. The suspension system is horrible. When the tires are cold you can feel every tar strip in the highway. The guys who designed the suspension should not be allowed to graduate fro high school this year. The steering is also numb and it becomes very tiring to be driving with the intent to find a good centerline feel and have that suspension fighting me. There is too much road noise being transmitted into the car.

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  Worth every Penny - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By AnClybur - September 1 - 12:58 pm

  I got a Genesis for my wifes birthday. She couldnt be happier with the car. It was a 3.8 L with plenty of luxury accouterments. She certainly will drive this baby for the next ten years or so. It is snowy in Michigan, can this thing last in snow. well, the good thing is that the Genesis was fitted with winter tires. Hopefully, the RWD architecture will handle the icy conditions.

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  Happy with Car - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Wengert - August 31 - 3:59 pm

  I needed a new car, since I drive pretty often in the New York metropolitan area. Found this beauty of a car. the 3.6 L v6 with Technology. I can not find a negative quotient or facet where this car lacks. Its plenty big, plenty strong and comfortable for the long trips down Route 80 and I-95.

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  Beginning of a beautiful relationship - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By PlainJohn - August 30 - 12:37 am

  You know, things arent always what they seem. Ive been driving Caddys for a quite a while in my life time. Im an ol timer, not too old. But I gotta say that this vehicle really took me by surprise. Seeing the way how Korea has become a modern country. I can not be surprised to see the level of development in their car manufacturing. I got this 3.8 for about 37,500 at Iowa city. It is a great deal. It reminds me of 1988 all over again.

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  Its a great vehicle - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Ver234 - August 28 - 2:52 pm

  got this beauty for 38,000 with the tech package. I couldnt be any happier. The thing moves and is very nice to be inside. Looking forward to future Hyundai vehicles. Especially the Equus