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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  This Car is a contender - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By JOnstone - August 27 - 4:28 pm

  I got this car yesterday after test driving this vehicle. I certainly can say that the Genesis has a one of a kind personality. Though the car feels much more expensive, with luxurious appointments, the price paid was only 41,500 with all the options laid out.

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  Incredible car for the money - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By MS1 - August 24 - 9:47 pm

  Have had mine for only 3 weeks but I am loving this car. I am constantly being stopped in the parking lot to find out what kind of car it is. It is roomy, powerful, and luxurious. I drove Lexus E350, Infiniti M35, BMW 535 and this. Bought the Hyundai the next week and have no regrets. It stands out in the crowd of those cars on the road and is much less expensive. The ride quality is excellent in my opinion. I ride normal roads, some good and some bad, but I dont see where people are coming from in saying the ride quality is bad. This is a helluva car.

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  Homerun of a deal - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mark R - August 20 - 12:30 pm

  I got my 3.8 with the technology package and I can not say enough about the car. I also deflated the tire pressure to improve passenger comfort. It is interesting to hear people complain about the suspension, when in fact Hondas, Mazdas, and now fords ride give me a backache every time I drive one. The dealership experience was solid. It felt like I was getting a luxury car at a costco. There was nothing wrong with the dealers at Hyundai. They treated me well, they knew the details about the Genesis. As well, they did not rush me or push me to make a purchase on the Hyundai.

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  Great All Around - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By gen 36 - August 19 - 3:30 pm

  You just cant get more car for the buck than the Genesis. I wanted an entry full-size luxury car for a little over $30k, and so my options were limited. Shopped against Toyota Avalon, a few Buick models, Ford Taurus, even the Hyundai azera, and theres no contest here. Of course one can get a used Lexus or something, but I wanted a new car, plus Hyundai has the great warranty. And even if I could afford a new Lexus es or gs, Id much Rather save the money for gas and go with the no-name Genesis.

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  Great car. - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jeannie - August 17 - 2:21 pm

  I really love this car. The price was great. I got every option you could purchase and it is alot of fun to drive. The Nav system is superior. I think the Nav system is overpriced but worth it for me. The only complaint I have is about the road noise. I could really tell the difference between this car and my old car when I went thru the car wash. It was much louder. My old car was a Lincoln LS. To get a comparable Lincoln I would have had to spend about $10,000 more.

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  They have to get better at service - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Fred - August 16 - 10:23 am

  So today I went to Power Hyundai in Scottsdale AZ for my first service. My NAV/Radio were fine. They tried to apply the T63 update and after three tries quit because the second DVD of 3 was rejected. The technicians called Hyundai tech support all day and got no response from the tech people. My radio is OK but NAV stopped working and all works Verrrrry slooooowly. They promise to get this fixed. My beef is with Hyundai tech support. What right do they have not to call back all day to a dealership needing help? I called the consumer line and was told by the only person I could reach that he would call a regional manager- obviously a useless ploy. Hyundai needs to get organized/return calls!!

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  SUSPENSION is the PROBLEM - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By kidulan - August 10 - 2:08 am

  I just got my car on Aug 6th 2009 (Manufactured date: July 7th 2009). In general, I love this car lots. Only thing that ruins this car is its suspension. It is fun to drive but it is NOT COMFORTABLE with its crappy suspension design. The 7-speaker system is good. And trunk, glove box and handrest box are big but no partition at all. There is no way to organize the items, quite a mess. Many people starred the car while driving. And it brings some talks with friends and strangers while parking. Water came into trunk when open. Please and Please fix the suspension in all effort for the pioneer (who bought the first year Genesis) as the compensation.

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  A Follow Up Review - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By AAL3 - August 6 - 2:28 pm

  A follow up since my last review back in May. I now have 2500 miles on it and it is still doing just fine. This piece of advice may help with those complaining about the hard ride, I just spoke with my Hyundai Service Manager about softening up the ride. He told me that the car comes from the factory with a hard rubber tire, and that if it had a softer rubber tire on it, it would ride better with less bumps. Im not complaining, I still have all the luxury, I still have over $25,000 in my pocket vs owning one of those other high end luxury brands,its cheaper maintance, and EVERYONE STILL WALKS AROUND THE CAR ADMIRING IT. Im just waiting on Hyundai to Appreciate us Genesiss owners

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  Incredible driving machine - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By nova driver - August 4 - 7:07 pm

  I love this car. I was in the market for a BMW 535i (also considered Audi A6 and Infinity M35) until test driving the Genesis 4.6 with Tech package. Power and acceleration are great, delivered smoothly and eagerly. Handling is also very capable considering the large size of the car. The car is extremely quiet, even with sunroof tilted, making it easy to enjoy the 17-speaker Lexicon stereo (with CD/DVD-audio player and MP3/iPod inputs). Fit and finish is excellent, and I really like the clean, intuitive layout and controls. Technology is well integrated and works well (Bluetooth, voice recognition, etc.).

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  High hopes now back to BMW - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mike W - August 3 - 3:40 pm

  Nothing but praise for the first few thousand miles then occasionally starting goes to about 400 RPM and runs rough. Had to shut down. Access steering would run halfway down and would have to manually reposition it. Rear air would intermittently go to full hot (so much the the center console and side of the drvr seat was hot to touch). Theses a tech order out on the heat but the dealer is not allowed to change the part unless they can duplicate the problem.Now the "new" Tau engine is knocking for the first few minutes after start indicating a possible internal lubrication problem (dealer not sure if problem). First start of the day get out and listen.