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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  2016 Genesis - 2016 Hyundai Genesis
  By John edwards - January 17 - 9:28 am

  Nice car, feel I may have overpaid for a "Hyundai". Lots of bells and whistles. Nondescript design as I have lost it in a parking lot and confused it for Chyrsler 200.

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  Great Car - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By pt - January 16 - 4:15 am

  Bought this car at auction and got at GREAT DEAL on the BASE model, (didnt give the option to change) going on 2 years and still love it. Giving bullet points" Great acceleration...I like to drive fast, hugs the curves nicely. Great breaking (I drive 35 miles each way to work on a major highway in rush hour traffic) Good gas mileage (depending on driving conditions...but I drove a 99 Suburban @13 mpg) average about 24 mpg hwy. (17 gallon tank) Stereo is fine...not as good as my 05 Altima or 2000 Infiniti but it does the job. Heated front seats (comfortable) and outside mirrors...awesome. Back seats...not sure..but heard nice ride...heat/ac vents for passengers. Back seats do not fold down...but there is a small pass thru behind the middle arm rest..not sure why people get so upset about this...its not a truck to haul things. The trunk is smaller than what I am used to (Chrysler 300/Chevy Suburban) but downsizing means just that. Groceries still fit. Console is smaller than what I am used to...but there are 3 usb ports and another (not sure the name but like a cigarette lighter)...oh and there is an ashtray and lighter. Not sure about the phone sync option...I dont use my cell when driving..but it is available...mic is right above my head. No problems with paint, gets washed every week. Oil changes run about $50 every 5000 miles......book says 7500. Uses Regular unleaded gas... My only complaints.... The front floor vents Not the best in snowy conditions....

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  Good and bad - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mikey - January 9 - 10:16 am

  I have been impressed since the first ad I saw. Visited the dealership just to see the interior and I was amazed with the fit and finish. Bought a V6 with all the bells and whistles the next day. 2 weeks, 500 miles later I was at the repair center because the stereo was wigging out. They replaced the $4K head unit which made no difference. Now they are replacing the amp hoping that will fix it. The alignment has been pulling to the left since I bought it and they supposedly fixed that too. Nope, still pulls left. Beautiful, comfortable, fun car but they still need to work out the kinks.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By kapa75 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my new Genesis. It is the perfect vehicle. I just purchased the V8 Tech package Genesis and I could not be happier. It is a pleasure to drive. I find myself just going for a drive to no where specific. I love it. A+++++++++ I recommend that anyone interested in this type of vehicle at least go look and drive a Genesis. You will absolutely love it

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  best car under $40k - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By hack - December 4 - 2:46 am

  after 6 lexuss, i decided to save $20,000 and purchase a 2009 Genesis. after driving the car for about 6 weeks, i would honestly say i would purchase the Genesis over the Lexus even if they were the same price. BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!!!!

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  Hyundai won this battle. - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jose Machado - November 24 - 10:36 pm

  I bought my car a couple days ago and I can tell you that this a nice car, I compared this car with the Lexus gs 350 and the Infiniti g35 and the handling, ride and quietness of this car is superior.

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  Why pay 60k+ - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By WillyB - November 15 - 2:23 pm

  I just got out of my 2002 S-500 sport M Benz. This car has it all! BMW,Lexus,Audi,Infinit, Mbenz all better watch out. This car is the real deal. I have always driven high line flagship cars and this is one awesome tight smooth killer looking car. Hyundai has the complete package with this quiet sleek machine. I highly suggest you give this car a test drive if your considering spending 30k to 40k on a ride. This is the complete package with out killing your wallet.

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  Pleasure to Drive - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Photo1 - September 25 - 8:03 pm

  I was ready to buy a new civic...but this thing blew me away and forced me to change my game plan. Have owned many cars and currently have a 528i in the garage. The Genesis is an extraordinary vehicle in that it is smooth - driving it is actually almost a pleasure (I drive over 100 miles a day for work). It is not as tight as the 5 series, but has more power than the 528. Refined, many options, very quiet, awesome interior detail. Not sure it will hold its value over time but jumped on a great lease deal for the premium plus package. Do get the premium package at least on this vehicle or you will lose money when you sell it. This will not replace a BMW, but sure complements it.

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  Luxury with performance and fun. - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Richard Bentley - August 26 - 8:56 pm

  Access to this red pearl beauty (might remind one of a Mercedes) is without reaching into a pocket or purse. The interior is soft and stylish (Lexus comes to mind) and adjusts to fit the driver and passenger perfectly, seats, mirrors, steering, and controls. The air conditioned seats will not be needed this winter, however, the heated seats will make cozy ride cozier. Recently on the interstate being caught up in a snarly of big rigs and car traffic, I thought I would test the 4.6 liter engine. I a few seconds the snarl was in the far rear view. I said to my wife, "I just glanced at speedometer and we are just come down from 110 mph." Fun and pride come from owning the Genesis.

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  BEST LUX CAR FOR $$$ - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By ARMEN BISHARYAN - August 21 - 6:56 pm

  very good all around car , nice exterior and interior