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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  4.6 w/Tech - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Tech Junkie - July 15 - 2:34 pm

  This car blows me away - its worth every penny, the technology is top-notch, the interior is unbelievable. Its quiet, comfortable, and tons of power. My only complaint (reason for 9 in comfort) is road noise from the Dunlops and a little stiffer ride than I would have expected. Aside from this, its still one of the quietest cars Ive been in. Wing badges are essential, but leave the flying H on if you really want to raise eyebrows. HD radio = awesome. XM = not really all that awesome after listening to HD. Navigation works very well. Seats are VERY comfortable for me even at 66" and over 300lb. Best of all = wife loves it.

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  Im Impressed - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Marshall - July 14 - 2:28 pm

  The 4.6 Hyundai replaced my lease expired Chrysler 300 Hemi. The Hyundai is a better driving car and has more luxury features. The ride is smoother and quieter, the quietness being my first impression when I test drove the car. I dont think it has quite the acceleration of the Chrysler, but way more than enough for the traffic situations I drive in. The Hyundai exterior design is not as impressive as the Chrysler, but the interior is beautiful. The car is loaded with a surprising amount of luxury features, for the price. The car is as roomy as the Chrysler and has as much trunk space. The seats are well designed for comfort. Driver controls and pushbottons are readily accessible.

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  Elated by this car! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By RJJZOhio - July 12 - 9:15 am

  I cant say enough good things about this car. 8,000 miles so far and not a single problem. Performance is awesome, handling is very good and the ride, for my standards is just perfect. I have owned BMWs and a Mecedes before this car and never thought I would buy a Hyundai. Well, I dont think Ill ever waist $30K again just for the sake of a Euro label. This car is in every way that matters to me, a better car. I simply love it!

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  It is a very good car for the price. - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Joe - July 10 - 10:57 am

  You can not find a better deal than the Hyundai Genesis. I actually think that Hyundai is subsidizing this car in the United States to raise their image in North America and abroad. If people can not appreciate a 60K dollar car that is priced at just 33K dollars, what will make American customers satisfied?

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  What a GREAT car - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Luvthisgenny - July 9 - 9:00 pm

  Have been waiting for 3 months to write this... Have had the car for over 3 months now, over 10,000KM driven already. Cant wait to drive it everyday. The acceleration is silky smooth. It has tons of power,(375HP) tons of torque, it handles GREAT! Im amazed how good this car brakes! Interior is very upscale, fit and finish is superb. IMO, Tech package is worth it. Gotta stop putting so many positives cause you wont believe what Im saying. Dont try this car unless youre ready to buy it. Countless times people asking me what car this is. Amazed at how many rubber necks while driving are looking at the car...I have put the winged logos in the back and front. Hyundai...GREAT job

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  Deteriorating after 10K Miles, - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By NOT HAPPY - July 9 - 10:41 am

  I may be one of the unlucky ones. After 10K miles rattles and creaking have started to surface and they are getting worse. Especially one loud RATTLE from the rear end. Doesnt sound like a $40K car any more. My old Jeep made less noise. Registered my issues with Hyundai. Hope the rest of you dont wind up like me. Killed the fun.

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  What a great car at an Awesome price. - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Rick S - July 8 - 11:13 pm

  I have had the car since Sept 2008. I was very apprehensive about buying a Hyundai but loved the look and styling of the car. After the test drive and reading many reviews I was convinced to take the leap. 3 months later I am still amazed and loving this car. I have owned Lexus & Cadillac but this is my favorite yet.

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  One Beautiful Car - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Canadian Car - July 6 - 8:49 pm

  I bought this vehicle in Jan after looking at Lincoln, Maxima, Chrysler 300 of which I had a 2005 and it seems a million others and this one came out on top every time. I have not had to go back to the dealer once since I have bought this car and people are always asking me about it. I have the 3.8 with the premium pkg and would not change it for any other car.

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  Hyundais arrived - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Dave - July 3 - 10:50 am

  After researching luxury vehicles for over 8 months, I decided on the Genesis. I bought the 4.6 with the tech package in February when they became available in my area. Boy am I glad I bought this instead of the Lexus LS 460. Same car for 30-40K less. While the Lexus ride is smoother, Genesis matches most everything else. Why pay more? I put the Korean badging on it and enjoy watching the rubber-neckers wonder what type of car it is.

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  Youll be surprised ! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Frank J - July 2 - 6:30 pm

  I have only just purchased this car, and I must tell you, it is FAST. I have been driving an MB e500 and it is faster off the blocks and seems to have the same feeling that there is no end to how fast the car can go. It has all the high tech gadgets which are remarkably easy to operate especially by someone like me that eschews reading instructions and following complicated manuals. DO NOT TEST DRIVE the 4.6 unless you are prepared to buy this car when you return to the dealership.