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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  One of the best entry luxury car Ive ever owned - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By Sangshin - September 1 - 2:44 pm

  Its not as luxurious as Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Lexus, but man does it compete...and considering the price...it wins. I owned a 2012 and thought that was a great car, but the 2015 model steps up again to take a swipe at the big boys. I love that the maintenance on these is a pittance compared to the luxury brands. I love that I just out sped a Tesla. I love that it has a sharp look, a quiet ride, a stereo that sounds like sitting in the middle of a symphony, and all for less than its competition. Go test drive one and enjoy.

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  Get more for less - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By Brian - August 24 - 7:42 am

  I recently sold my 2009 Audi S5 as we have a baby on the way and it just wasnt practical. I decided to go the sedan route and looked at Audi, Lexus, BMW and a few others but just couldnt get past the fact that the Genesis offered more features for way less money and did not sacrifice style and design. Once you put all the features on an Audi A6 (and fully equipped, it still doesnt match up to the Genesiss offerings), it was easily 15 grand more than the Genesis 5.0. I like fast cars and this one is fast! While the old S5 was probably a better driving car in the turns, the Genesis is quicker from a standstill. So far I have really enjoyed driving it and it has all the luxuries of a car youd expect to cost quite a bit more. Style is important too and this one does not dissappoint. I watched a guy driving down my street stop in the middle of the road, get out and do a walk around the car. I replaced the Hyundai "H" logo on the trunk with the Genesis wings and I think he was trying to figure out what it was. You really dont see too many on the road, especially the 5.0 with the quad tailpipes. Since I got virtually the same color (Monticeito Blue) as my Audi, most people at work didnt even realize I got a new car. They thought it was the Audi. While I have not had any experience with service at the dealership yet, I am very happy with the purchase so far and would encourage anyone shopping in this market to give the Genesis a look. Youll be pleasantly surprised.

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  World class entry for the mid luxury market. - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By Billy Samuels - August 22 - 10:21 pm

  It only requires a positioning mission statement from sales and then ...the Test Drive. If the driver has done his research..the Test Drive Closes the Deal....Period. If the prospect will just get over the BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Lexus ego trip over brand badging, and just test drive the car.....it is ALL OVER. The car is virtually flawless, and the Sales/Service committment is world class. Never been happier with a car till now. Hyundai is totally committed on this Genesis and am proud to be in on the new model 3.8 Genesis. No better value even close to this car!

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  Three years later and no complaints - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mr Ed - August 19 - 2:57 am

  I bought my 2012 Genesis 5.0 new and as my 2nd Hyundai. My first Hyundai was a 1987 Sonata. So, I had a brief 25 year interlude between Hyundais, but man on man what a difference a generation makes. I immediately changed the wheel, trunk, and steering wheel emblems to the Korean wings (removing or covering the flying H) and no one knows what Im driving. Ive had people in parking lots as me how I like my Bentley -) And I tell them just fine. The 5.0 V8 gets V8 gas mileage in the city. On the interstate for traveling I average 30+ miles to the gallon thanks to Hyundais economy mode. What, exactly, does ECO mode do? I dunno - I dun-care, but it works! Driving comfort is second to none. Get up and go is gone up and went. Living in the metro DC area and driving the beltway frequently Ive found myself having to yell, "whooo nelly" when I accelerate to get onto I-495 as she will ever so smoothly go to speeds in excess of the speed limit in zero-2-nothing flat. My only issue - on a very few occasions Ive turn on the car and the auto steering wheel positioner wont engage leaving the steering wheel in up, or parked mode. I turn her off - restart - and every time Ive completed this drill all worked fine. Truck space - two sets of golf clubs and extra room to spare. Back seat - lots of compliments from passengers in the room they have. Front seats - why oh why didnt they add the passenger vent (cooling) system? Newer models are so equipped, but, thats not enough to warrant a new version of the same car. Ride: I am so happy I have the V8 and not the R-Spec version. The ride is so smooth on both city and highway roads. Tire tread wear is holding up nicely - no issues. All other wearable items and not to much for wear. All in all I couldnt be happier and Im looking forward to getting all of my warranty (ten years) out of this car.

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  Better Car Than Any BMW I have owned. - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By Tom Buxton - August 15 - 3:55 pm

  It is hard to believe how quiet, comfortable and fun this car is. I have never owned a Hyundai, but have been considering the Genesis since the total redesign occurred. I have not driven it in the snow yet, but I expect that it will do well there too. Also, the heads up display is the first I have ever owned and it is spectacular. It shows much more than just the speed and improves safety immensely.

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  Over the Top! - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By David Paul - August 13 - 7:01 pm

  The new genesis is a pleasure to Drive, the lexicion surround sound is over the Top. Best car for the quality and Money Period! The technology in this Car is Amazing.

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  Genesis - a new beginning? - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By Glen Gardiner - August 13 - 4:10 pm

  I am quite pleased with my new Hyundai Genesis sedan. It looks good, drives well, has all the bells and whistles you could ask for. The car is great! What was very disappointing - and will likely continue to be so - is the dealer experience. While the car may be world class, the dealers that i visited do not seem to understand that customers purchasing $45K plus car rent going to be satisfied by a a less than robust level of dealer support and experience. If Hyundai wants to compete with MB and MBW and the like, they need to step up there game in a big way. Great car - just hope I never have to go back to the dealer again.

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  Just caught up to Germans! - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mike - July 31 - 1:28 pm

  Driving BMWs for 11 years and never thought in a million years I would be with another vehicle such as the 2015 Genesis!

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  2015 Hundai Genesis 3.8awd - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By sdrcp@hotmail.com - July 29 - 10:20 am

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  WOW! MB E350 vs Hyundai Genesis 3.8 - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jay Tate - July 27 - 11:02 am

  Traded my 2011 MB for 2012 Genesis after 2.5 years with the E350 4-Matic. Should have done this years ago. I bought in April 2015. It was a leased turn-in with ONLY 5783 miles. First noticed great acceleration...3.8 vs 3.5! Second, fuel economy... 19.5 around town 32 on the road vs 18 and 28. The great cost savings feature: regular fuel for the 3.8 vs hi-test for the E350! As others have reported, there is a slight lag gear shifting in city driving but NOT on the highway. Mine has the fantastic technology package...front parking sensor is very convenient rear camera with parking sensor is great active cruise control does not allow me to sneak up on a slower driver. BTW, great dashboard graphics on the active cruise. Vent seat is great...but, would like vent in passenger seat as well. Genesiss leather seats are far superior compared to the MBs faux leather. My E350 drivers seat developed a crack near the sown seam at 51K miles. I had the 6-year/100K warranty. The MB dealer would not honor...saying crack was due to fair wear. Thats BS! My girl friends 2012 GLK 350 has 90K (shes a manufacturers rep), has same seat faux leather material, shes in and out all the time, and her seat has not cracked. (Yet one more reason why I traded!) Per another review, I assume the tech package comes with rear privacy curtain. I like this feature...MB had same. Overall, the Genesis 3.8 with tech package is by far superior to my MB E350. And for less, $$$, one gets a LOT more automobile. Oh yes, if you like the Genesis wing emblem, this can be ordered to replace the leaning H emblem....front, rear, and on the wheel rim hub covers. Last comment....WOW! is a great way to describe this automobile.