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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  Great value for the money!!! - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By Tom Storm - August 8 - 4:49 am

  I would definitely buy another Geneses.

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  First Three Months with Genesis V6 - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Lake Runner - August 1 - 4:26 pm

  We purchased our Genesis V6 -- Premium Pkg. -- in mid-July this year and have been extremely happy with it to date. Fuel economy is amazing, 20 - 22 in strictly in-town driving, high 20s to low 30s on the highway. On our first 1100 mile trip with mileage divided 80/20 between Interstate and local/city, we averaged 29.4 mpg. The comfort level is beyond any other car weve owned. The engine is nearly silent and very strong -- it loafs at 75 mph on the Interstate. Would strongly recommend a test drive to anyone who is looking for a very high level of comfort, features, and performance.

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  Genesis V6 with Tech - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By bill2006 - July 3 - 2:06 pm

  I have had my car 3 days. What a wonderful car. White Satin Pearl with Beige leather interior.This car is a beauty with great technology. Form and function at the highest level. Cant comment on mileage or reliability as it only 3 days old. Im still going thru the manuals(they are excellent).

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  Never thought I go from a S550 Benz to a Hyundai! - 2016 Hyundai Genesis
  By Chris G. - June 17 - 10:16 am

  Im not bragging but Ive owned Porsches, an Audi A8, 2 Benz S Classes and 4 BMWs. The thought of driving a Hyundai was the furthest thing from my mind until I started reading reviews. This car out-handles my S550 in AMG trim with 19" Pilot Sports! The technology package wows me. Filling up the 18 gal. tank with regular costs $30 compared to double+ that for premium blend in all previous vehicles. I suspect the Genesis engineers reverse engineered the car to mirror image the features of an S class or 7 series Bimmer. Would I do it again -you bet! Pros: ~ Costs half what a new S class would run me. ~ Debadged with the Genesis "wings" front & rear, looks like an Aston Martin. ~ Crazy good sound system that handles all medias including songs on my phone. ~ Handles like a dream - take that ultimate driving machine! ~ Excellent fit & finish. ~ "Command" center very intuitive - better than most other high end vehicles. ~ Just feels, looks and drives like a fine automobile! Cons: ~ Less storage room than Im used to. ~ No active bolsters or massage in seats. ~ Fuel economy around town 16-18 mpg. (but regular gas) ~ Motor lacks the ooomph and sound of the MB 8 cylinder More to come as the miles rack up.

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  Love it! - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By Karen Reeder - June 8 - 10:04 am

  An awesome car for an excellent price!

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  Early Genesis 4.6 Review - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By horse56 - May 26 - 2:50 am

  Took delivery today. Excellent build and performance. Ergonomics above average. Plenty of room for 64" driver (and legroom in back). Tech package definitely worth buying. Nav software not as good as Fords Navteq, but acceptable. As quiet as my 93 Mercedes S-class at highway speeds. Lexicon sound system wont knock your socks off with bass, but has very sophisticated imaging that is superior.

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  4.6 is very good - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By jeff - May 20 - 11:06 pm

  Just picked up 4.6 w/ tech pack. We were also considering BMW 550 and MB E500 and have owned two new 530s and Lexus LS. BMWs are great cars but expensive to maintain and repair out of warranty. Drove the 3.8 and was impressed w/ quality and drive. The 4.6 is the ticket though, smooth V8, powerful, great stereo. I would swear this was Lexus if this car were un- badged only because the seats feel more Lexusee than German. Hyundai, very well done!

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  Genisis R-Spec - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By Paul St Jean - February 28 - 6:09 am

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  2009 Auto of the Year for good reason! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By CommanderSea - February 19 - 1:36 pm

  I researched this auto in depth prior to purchase. After driving it, I traded my Corvette for it! 375HP, accel that pulls "Gs", Beautiful finish, luxury leather, 1500 mile trip: 27.5mpg at 70mph. Quiet, cool, beautiful, people ask me if its the new BMW/Mercedes/Infiniti--they cannot believe it when they see the Hyundai emblem! Acoustics are phenomenal, tech package is a must! I LOVE MY GENESIS!!

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  Hyundai Genesis - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By vjk6666 - January 26 - 5:40 am

  Ride is busy.. reflecting a stiffer suspension than the Azera. Rear seats do not fold. No passenger seat memory. Rear leg room limited for a 115 in wheelbase. Interior is nicely finished. Cassette tape player not included.