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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  First V8 in Virginia Beach - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jon@VB - April 5 - 10:23 pm

  Bought 2 days ago and drove 200 miles. Thought about buying V6 tech pack, but for only $2K more I decided to wait for V8. - And glad I waited for V8. Power, solid feel, quiet, quick brake, and yes awesome sound system ! So far Im loving it. Paint job need to improve. Should have A/C seat on both front seat

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  Underpriced Luxury - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By kbmuenkel - March 6 - 4:43 pm

  Ive owned this car one month with every passing week appreciating the Genesis more and more. The technology features are plentiful and well thought out. Dollar for dollar the Genesis equipped with the Tech Package is a stunning value. The 290hp V6 engine is more than adequate for enthusiastic driving. The Genesis handling is nicely balanced between sportiness and numbness with just enough road feel to inspire confidence and comfort. Exterior noise does not penetrate the cabin yielding a wonderfully quiet ride. The 528w 17 speaker Lexicon surround sound fills your driving experience with clear, crisp, enriching musical enjoyment. I considered 335xi, CTS4, & ES350, but bought a Genesis. Wow!

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By TNCPA - February 28 - 3:40 am

  With 2,500 miles, the Genesis V-* with Tech package, has eliminated initial doubt about buying a Hyndai. The car is very quiet, nice interior materials with excellent fit, abundant power and great ride. Have owned new BMW 540, Acura TLs and currently have an 07 Acura MDX w/Tech. Gas mileage on a 1,250 mile trip was 27 mpg at legal speeds, city driving appox. 19-20 mpg.

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  LOVE MY GENESIS - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mark Howard - February 17 - 8:14 pm

  If it didnt say Hyundai, youd think this was a Lexus! Everything is top quality. Beautiful car inside and out.

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  Love my Genesis - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Julia Olmsted - February 4 - 12:46 pm

  You cant go wrong with a Genesis. I am so happy with mine and wouldnt drive anything else after having this vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By JM - December 30 - 5:00 pm

  A better car in all respects to my 06 Lincoln LS. I chose this car over Acura, MB, and Buicks I test drove. The car is a deal even at $33k-$37K for the V6 model. Black and Silver look great in this car. No cassette player- this is 2008. I have a 2000 Elantra with over 200K miles and it has been problem free.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Love My Genesis - October 25 - 8:46 am

  I had followed this car ever since it was revealed in Detriot Show. The only thing I can say is this is the best car Ive ever owned. I was an advent Nissan car owner, but when I test drove the Genesis, I was sold. For what you get at the price, you cant beat it. A gentleman in a BMW 7- series stopped me in the parking lot to ask me what kind of car is that, I proudly said "The Genesis"

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  Good bye BMW - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Claudio - October 8 - 6:50 am

  My last two vehicles where the 528i and the 745i. Hallelujah Hyundai Genesis! What more can I say, the car is great and without considering the price differential. The few detractors are simply jealous and it is all about status symbol for them. When I drove it home 3 weeks ago I found myself 50K dollars richer as I was about to buy the 750.

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  Genesis has issues to deal with... - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Darryl Rabideau - September 23 - 10:53 am

  After three months, I have found the Genesis to be unstable when driving in medium to strong wind, The steering wheel feedback from the highway is to severe and not acceptable, the manual trunk lid operation to be cheap and unacceptable, the lack of electrical front passenger seat settings to be unacceptable. I continue to study the driver services and reserve any comments on that part at this time. It is the items mentioned above that upset me as an owner and I find it unacceptable engineering for such a car Hyundai hopes to use in competition with BMW, Mercedes and Lexus.

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  Think about it. Drive it. Do the math. - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By ppirf - September 18 - 4:00 am

  Bought my Hyundai 4.6 last week. My first impressions are this is a great car for the price. If you are reading this and are thinking of buying a BMW, Lexus or MB you need to drive this car. Traded our Volvo s60 R for this car and I couldnt be happier. The steering is not as tight as a BMW or MB and the ride is softer but thats okay for my driving habits. I had a deal for a nicely optioned 2008 BMW 535I that fell through.When all was said and done we financed $17k less for a fully loaded Genesis 4.6. More reviews to come as I get more acquainted with car, but at first impression this car is great value for the money.