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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Genesis is a Winner!! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
By Lou A - December 27 - 8:13 pmI just passed 1200 miles and this car is a winner for Hyundai. Drives well in Erie PA snow. There is a luxury about the Genesis that "drove" me to it. Everything so far is excellent... As with all new model cars there maybe an issue or two that comes up. Genesis provides the higher cost models (Lexus/BMW/Acura/Mercedes, etc) a true run for the money. The 5 year BTB is one of the key components for the purchase. Hyundais decision to extend the extra year was a thoughtful and calculated one. I agree with all previous comments from other owners. I did research for at least 6-9 months prior to purchase and I am glad I did. The service is key to post purchase and success to Hyundai.
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Genesis is an Excellent Car! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
By Wfoster - December 26 - 2:26 pmThe Hyundai Genesis is an outstanding car and performs very well. This is a luxury sedan that is powerful, quiet, luxurious, attractive and priced very competitively. Handles very well w/ a sporty ride. Great fuel efficiency for a 3.8L V-6 engine. The instrumentation is great and the sound system is top of the line. I compared the Mercedes E- Class, Lexus 350, Jaguar XF, Infiniti M-35/45 and BMW 5 Series before I chose this vehicle. I think its equal or superior in most aspects, yet was less costly than all of the other vehicles I compared. Great value. Hyundai has a real winner in my opinion!
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Great car! - 2016 Hyundai Genesis
By Michael Jones - December 25 - 10:05 pm -
Great Buy But ... - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
By Thomcin - November 23 - 12:46 pmThis car is smooth, fast, and comfortable. The driver seat is great but these is no cooled seat option on the 3.8. The passenger seat only offers a 4 way adjustment, a major oversight at this level and price point. A good solid car and buy at about $2000 off MSRP.
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hmg interface - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
By kabbut - November 18 - 9:33 pmI wanted to respond to spadesman review. In regards to this HMG interface recall. I have checked with my dealership and any recall lists found on the internet. Not one mention of a recall. Other than that.....we love our new car. So far it has lived up to all expectations.
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The Genesis is a winner - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
By CHI TOWN - October 30 - 11:43 pmI am a past owner of BMWs, Infiniti & Mercedes. I never thought I would own a Korean automobile until I test drove this car. Hands down the Genesis is the best car I have owned. For the first time I feel like I bought a car where the performance, quality, & amenities match the price. Test drive this car & I bet you wont be able to forget the experience.
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Deja vu of 1989 Lexus debut - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
By C in Indy - October 27 - 7:03 amWe wanted to drive a VW Passat, Chevy Malibu, and a Genesis on the same day. Went from the VW dealer to the Hyundai and bought the Genesis. There was no comparison, the other cars were nice mid size family cars (both with noted nice interiors), but couldnt hold a candle to the Genesis. The big Hyundai was quieter, smoother, and so much nicer on the inside and outside than the other two. It really reminded me of the Lexus debut of the LS400 back in 89. I went to that knowing that this car was supposed to be different than any other Toyota ever seen, but was blown away by how nice it really was. Same feelings here. My Wife is very happy with the car too.
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2nd great Genesis - 2016 Hyundai Genesis
By Mark J Rubin - September 18 - 2:23 pm -
great value - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
By curtis radel - September 6 - 12:35 pmlove it
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Genesis for 2011 - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
By philip streetman - September 4 - 5:53 amHave owned two of these cars. First one was a 3.8L, after a few months was disappointed with the power and shifting . A little to herky jerky for my taste. Traded in on a 4.6L and upgraded two years. Now I have the car I expected and desired. No comparison between engines. 4.6 was far and away superior for my taste. I will be upgrading soon and will go for the 5.0 just because of the smoothness and overall "feel" of the power. I accept a couple miles per gallon downside, but worth it to me.
