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:

• 

  Even better than all the hype! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By SkinnyLawyer - September 15 - 10:33 am

  Never thought Id buy a Hyundai. But I gave up my BMW 3-series for the Genesis, and I am extremely satisfied. Far more luxury and better craftsmanship. The extra cost of the BMW is only for the slight handling edge on the track and for the bragging rights; I need neither. I put 3,000 miles on my Genesis in just two weeks. Every mile adds to the satisfaction. Absolutely no complaints. If the Genesiss reliability is closer to that of the modern-day Sonata and Azera rather than the 86 Excel, thats all Ill need! Had just spent 3 months in Seoul, and was impressed with the Koreans fast- developing economy, technologies, and mentalities. The Genesis personifies them all.

• 

  Exceeds Expectations at Every Level - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jim P. - September 9 - 8:56 pm

  This is a perfect value proposition for a person who in the 80s and 90s drove Lincoln Town Cars and since 1998 a flawless Infiniti Q-45. I like quiet comfort and no mechanical problems, and so far so good. The Genesis has the exterior styling of much more expensive BMW and Lexus sedans and the interior is roomier than the Town Cars and the Q. The back seat leg room is amazing and without skimping on trunk space. The trunk is half again larger than the Q. The V6 has plenty of power and the transmission is as smooth as can be. My mileage depends on the brand of gas, and I get 29 mpg on brand name regular, and 25.5 on off-brand, a 10% trade off. The Q was 20 mpg on premium.

• 

  luxury car benchmark - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By JerryBunz25 - August 28 - 4:00 am

  I am only 19 years of age but I know cars. My parents have leased several BMWs which i have driven. I decided to purchase the Genesis because of all that you get for the money. The 4.8 Genesis has 7 series luxury, 5 series performance, for a 3 series price. The pickup is better than the Cadillac CTS, BMW 3 and 5 series, MB C, E, and CLK class, and Lexus IS, ES, GS, and is even compared to the LS, 7 series, and S-class. This car will be remembered for years to come. A true collectors item an the age where collector cars have died out since the 1970s. I will definitely keep this car looking good and running well to keep value high.

• 

  Jittery suspension - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mike - August 2 - 5:03 am

  Have owned my 4.6 for four months. it is a great car and excellent value for the money compared to MB,BMW and Lexus. Ive put 6500 miles on the car and the only thing that I dont like about the car is the jittery, bumpy ride on uneven roads, it is fine on the highways and on smooth streets. I live in South Florida and the secondary roads here are pretty good compared to areas that get bad weather, however any imperfection on a road and this car goes into convulsions. Ive complained to the dealer and basically the said there is nothing they can do about it.

• 

  Wow - What a Car - 2016 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jerry Krug - July 31 - 11:27 am

  I have owned my Genesis for 14 months and still get excited every time I get behind the wheel. Before buying the Genesis I test drove the 5 series BMW and E Class Mercedes. They are very nice cars but didnt show me anything better than the Genesis even at the much higher price. The design, and quality of workmanship is excellent especially the interior comfort. There are many great standard features but I also choose to equip my car with the signature and technology packages which I recommend. The adaptive cruise and lane holding features are great for long trips but do take a little getting used to. The only con I can think of is the temperature control dial which is too small and sensitive to control. This car is very quiet, handles precisely and has smooth ride. Has to be the best value in a luxury sedan.

• 

  A Nice Ride - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By MARVIN FOY - July 12 - 3:33 pm

  Great value. 60,000 mile warranty on transmission paid off. At 58,750, mine needed to be replaced. I was second owner. Local Hyundai dealer took care of it. No charge. Have had issues with electric windows, occasionally.

• 

  Makes a long commute a joy - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By ShoNuff - July 11 - 4:40 pm

  This is my first luxury vehicle, just coming out of a 96 Maxima SE. Test drove the 2009 Maxima, 2008 Acura TL, and the Genesis. The Genesis outclassed them all, so I ended up buying a V6 w/Tech Package. The features on this car are an incredible value even though I still shudder when I think about how much higher my loan is on this car. Great ride - kind of similar to my fathers 2001 BMW 528i, but more smooth overall. Definitely not as mushy as a Lexus, but not as punishing as a Beemer. Great looking car, too - Ive gotten a lot of rave reviews of the cars looks and disbelief when I tell them "Its a Hyundai." All-around excellent car.

• 

  Haunting noise - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Dave - June 17 - 3:46 am

  Ive had mine a couple of months now and 5000 miles. Two issues,,The speedometer reads about 10% fast. I hate doing math while I drive and I dont like knowing the odometer showing 10% more miles than actual, not to mention the gas mileage indication is also overstated. I also hear a faint "knocking" sound at 1900 rpm just before shifting. Seems to have changed somewhat after the recall reprogram. Dealer has been unable to assist with either problem. Anyone out there having similar issues?

• 

  Who needs a BMW 7?? - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By mn778 - June 15 - 5:13 pm

  Ive owned bmers since 89. Just had my 05 745 turned in and said goodbye! The Genesis is every bit the luxo ride. The V6 is faster than my 745 was. Every day I fall further in love with it. The tech package is great[much easier than the i Drive!] Best thing is I can buy two genesiss for the price of a loaded 7! Great Car.

• 

  Great ride for the road warrior - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Chitown Sales Guy - June 6 - 7:10 pm

  I was looking at Maxima and CTS and heard about the Genesis---took a look, a drive and was sold. Throttle is a bit sluggy off the line, but punch it a little and she zooms up to speed with very smooth shifting and great tracking- sound system is superior, hand free phone at HWY speed sounds great to callers, this is a great car and a great value- time will tell if the abundance of plastic parts will hold up and I noticed that the rear wheel wells are lined with some type of fibrous cladding- hope it holds up well to Chicago winter- all in all, this has been a joy to drive, and I am constantly getting the thumbs up from other drivers- this car is becoming the hot ride of the season.