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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  Extremely Happy With Choice - 2016 Hyundai Genesis
  By Scott Bux - June 5 - 11:25 pm

  Owned a 2011 Sonata before this car. I was really happy with the entire Hyundai experience. The sales people were not overly aggressive, lots of car for the price, reliability has been fantastic... I wanted to "step up" my car game a little so it was not hard for me to try Hyundai again. I absolutely love the design of this Genesis. Its a luxury styled sedan but with some sporty stylings. The interior is fantastic. I am above average in height (63) and this interior leaves plenty of room for me. The seat adjustments are great. Most cars in this class are going 100% digital including the gauges but I dont mind the traditional ones here. They look nice and there is a nice LCD screen between them for additional information. The multi media head unit is a nice upgrade from where the Sonata was with a lot of features including Siri and Google. Bluetooth works flawlessly with my phone. The base model was loaded and is a great choice but i bumped it up to the Signature package which includes the panoramic roof which is very nice especially at night. All interior lights are now LEDs. Seats have heating and cooling. I love the little touches and attention to detail such as when you get out of the car at night the Genesis logo shines on the ground on either side of the car in LED lighting. Might sound dumb or pretentious but you know you would like that. As I am still learning all the tech I do have one con. The rearview camera. The quality is ok. Not the sharpest. It does have trajectory lines and even can turn down to look straight at the ground for that extra inch but for some reason there are no front or rear sensors on this model. You have to get the Ultimate package for that which I feel at this price point it should come included. I also agree with one of the other reviewers that it should include remote start (although I dont have much of need personally). Having to subscribe to Bluelink for that just seems like a bad move. Of course driving it is important too. I was surprised by the power of this car. It really does have some kick to it. The Sonata had fairly decent wind noise reduction but this is far superior. You can whisper in the car going 70 and hear a pin drop. Might not be the quietest overall but it is definitely the quietest car Ive ever owned. Very smooth ride. It does not drive like a BMW but I like to drive luxury type vehicles in chill mode. Although I feel like it leaves just a few touches out from its competitors, I feel like they will only get better as they transition into its own brand and would recommend them to anyone. Hyundai has really made itself a real competitor.

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  AWD Genesis Ultimate - 2016 Hyundai Genesis
  By Chris - May 15 - 10:48 pm

  I am a third time Hyundai owner (2012 Genesis 4.6, 2014 Equus Ultimate) and now 2016 AWD Genesis Ultimate. First Genesis was great, no issues, put 80k miles on it, Equus had some issues so traded in for the Genesis Ultimate. Bought white with black interior, windows tinted, car really looks hot. For the price after discounts, a compatible BMW 535 was $20k more, Lexus GS350 was $10k more; overall the Genesis has more features and drives similar to the others. Love the fact we may have CarPlay added and all of the toys are top notch. Starting car with the Apple Watch is fun and now you can turn off car as well with the app. Treated by dealership very well and they have always had nice loaners for me. Equus was a lot of fun, kids loved the TVs in back and the reclining sets, but mostly I am on the road for business so I find the drivability of the Genesis much sportier.

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  excited - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By sonia adams - April 7 - 7:43 pm

  My husband bought me this car for my birthday and now he wants to buy him one. We own several cars but I have to say this is the best looking car we have driven. I traded in my 300 for the technology packet. I test drove a Benz, infiniti and several others this car beat them all. Dont let the name Hyundai fool you will love this car

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  Genesis - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By bernie ruddock - April 3 - 8:20 pm

  I ordered the Genesis 3.8 (V6) with the level 2 package (sun roof, Lexicon radio, 18" wheels etc.), not the Tech package. I love the car! I changed the Hyundai logo to the Genesis "wing" on the rear, wheels and front hood. Have 2500 miles on the car after driving from Florida to New Jersey.

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  I love this car! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By EugeneK - April 3 - 7:16 am

  Before I bought it I test drove Infinity G35, M35 and Acura TL. I even brought Infinity M35 to Hyundai dealership, parked both cars next to each other, opened all doors and trunk and almost compared each inch of the cars. I am waking up every morning and thinking: "I will be driving Genesis today again!" Incredible car!. Some previous reviewers seems like didnt read car manual. Side mirrors reverse tilt down can be switched OFF, trunk has push button right above license plate (slightly to the right).

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  Better than Germans - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By rodman - December 28 - 12:43 am

  This is my 96th vehicle and one of the best, if not the best. Ive owned many Toyotas as well as other Japanese, German, Italian and American cars. This one has the quality, the luxury, the comfort, the performance, the fun-to-drive and great gas mileage.

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  "Do not test drive this car..." - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Johnny from Montreal - October 21 - 5:40 am

  Im a huge car fan and the biggest BMW fan. Test drove everything out there. Being an Insideline.com fan, was reading on the Genesis and how impressed everyone was. Went to test drive it at the Dealership & that was it. I was hooked like a drug. Could not take it off my mind. Waited a couple of days went to test drive it again and was still stunned how well it drove and how great it made me feel. I just had to have it, a total no brainer for me - got the 4.6 Tech. If you can test this car and go buy something else for the same money or even more, good luck. Bravo Hyundai, what an amazing job you guys did with the Genesis. Thank you!

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  Great Value - Luxury on a Budget - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By dgsverona - September 27 - 12:03 am

  Ive had my 2009 3.8 Genesis with tech package for about 6 weeks. Have not seen the dealer since I bought - it was delivered with no defects. The interior is pure luxury and the Lexicon sound system is unbelievable. The ride is whisper quiet. The suspension has been a topic of discussion for many. In some circumstances, there is a little more bounce than Id expect and in others I cannot believe how smooth the car handles. I only seem to notice the suspension at slow speed on uneven pavement. The car handles great and is very roomy. I am getting about 23 mpg on regular gas with a mix of highway and city driving. This is a luxury car at a bargain price.

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  THE BIG DOG - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By AAL3 - September 20 - 1:06 pm

  Just bought mine 5/13/09 Cabernet Red with Black Leather with the Tech Pkg. Soon as I left the dealer I went and got the windows tinted, BEAUTIFUL Car. I get compliments on it everywhere I go, just took my brother back to the Honda Dealership where he bought his Civic and when he went into the dealership there was no one in there, They all had run outside to look at MY car and they told me that it was a beautiful car and that for the money it was the best car on the market. (that has to say something coming from a honda dealership) People tell me all the time that it looks like a Mercedes or a Lexus in the front. As far as the interior of the car it is top notch quality with great features

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  A luxurious sedan - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Greensander - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Lease deal was $473/Mo. $2199 upfront. I am quite satisfied its styling and convenience. Platinum Gray Metallic has edge at every corner, awesome color. I really enjoy tight and rich should of Lexicon. A Hyundai, youve never seen before.