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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  Great Job, Hyundai - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By JPG - August 13 - 2:40 am

  Ive had my Genesis for two weeks now and cannot say enough about this car. I also own a 2005 Infiniti and the build quality on the Genesis beats the Infiniti hands down. The acceleration on the V8 is amazing. Given the fairly similar fuel economy to the V6 and all the small extras you get with the 8, its definitely worth the few extra bucks. Ive driven an LS 430 several times and can say that this car knocks the Lexus out of the ballpark. Anyone who owns any of the major luxury brands and is in the market for a new ride should not discount this car simply because its a Hyundai -- and if they do, its their loss.

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  so far extremely satisfied... - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By serge fournier - August 7 - 7:23 am

  I have owed a Volvo S-80 2002 purchased that year and wanted to change it for a 2009 until I saw the comments written on Edmunds, about the Genesis. My Wife and I went on a test drive and we enjoyed so much the drive and the comfort that we bought it when we got back to the dealership and at a price nearly 16000.00 less than a Volvo S-80 2009.Im being congratulated continuously by people seeing it for the 1st time. The value of this Genesis is outstanding.

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  Good start for first time out! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Vince - July 23 - 12:40 pm

  Love this car, performance, handling, style, fit and finish. Chose this car over an Acura TL, Cadillac CTS and Saab 9-5.

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  Better than I ever thought it could be! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Chris - July 22 - 11:33 am

  After turning in my lease and getting bait and switched by the dealer on my Infiniti G35, I decided to test drive the Genesis, as I had followed since seeing the Super Bowl ad. All I can say is I am so glad the folks at Infiniti BSd me on the new payment! I would have missed out on the best vehicle I have ever driven. Everything from top to bottom is so well done. If this is Hyundais first attempt at a luxury vehicle, I can wait to see what they come up with next. This is a $60-70K car with a $35K price tag!

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  plush,luxurious, and quiet - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By randolphsmith - July 14 - 10:56 pm

  Im a jazz man and I love music. The interior is so quiet it enhances the sound of the already top quality speakers. Im riding in first class with a coach ticket. You cant beat that price. Thanks Hyundai for the Genesis, I dont have to pay a mortgage payment for a ride in luxury.

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  2009 Genesis v6 Prem Pkg Plus & Tech Pkg - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mike - June 30 - 10:56 pm

  Ive owned Bimmers, Acuras, and a VW, however, the Genesis is the piece de resistance... the ride is amazing.. completely comfortable. Phenomenal interior design and layout, with easy access to buttons, controls, etc. Gas mileage is a wonder- Jacksonville, Florida to Miami on 1 tank of gas (without reaching "Low Fuel Notification".. Very impressive for a car this size. The stereo is amazing, and sounds even better with real dvd movies, DVD audio, or a USB flash drive w/ high quality files :)

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  We love it!!! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By wbarnes - June 14 - 8:30 pm

  We have been looking at the Genesis since they were first announced here in the US. Always thought they were a great car for a wonderful price. Well the deal we got last week was just super, and we could not be happier with our new vehicle. Acceleration is super, really puts you back in your seat. The handling is spot on, very tight in the turn and you have a great feel of the road. Best of all we love all the gadgets. We got the tech package and it is worth every penny. The sound system is unmatched and the drivers information system is as good as Ive ever seen. Lexis, BMW, and Benz need to really be worried. Same quality and service for 2/3 the price.

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  Best car for the money - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By Jimmy Wilbanks - June 14 - 11:58 am

  Okay, I have read some horrible reviews on this car on this website and I can tell you from owning it personally for two years now that some people will complain about absolutely anything for no reason. I have had zero mechanical issues and zero paint issues. The one guy says his paint is "peeling off" - hogwash, unless he poured acid on it. I bought my 2013 Genesis as a brand new car in 2014 (it was the oldest brand new car on the lot) and the paint still shines like new today. The window sticker was over $40k but I practically stole it for $28k out the door. So for those of you that paid full window sticker or something close to it, I am sorry for your misfortune, but you should have shopped more wisely. Also, the guy complained about having to go to the "lowly Hyundai mechanics" instead of going to a high-end shop - well guess what - there was no high end shop when you bought the car and there still isnt up until this day. Although Hyundai has now proclaimed that "Genesis" is going to become their high end brand, building a whole line of new "Genesis only" dealerships and repair shops will take a long time. So the guy who complained about that also said he should have just went out and spent $125k and bought a Porsche Panamera in the first place. Yeah right - I know most people probably cross-shop a near-level luxury car versus a sports car for six figures - that makes total sense! You get my picture here? So, after driving my car for two years, I got exactly what I paid for - a very well appointed, near luxury car with all of the latest (at that point) gadgets. My one real complaint about the car is that even though it is supposed to have 333 horsepower and 330 pound feet of torque, it is quite slow to respond when you put the throttle down. You can almost count one Mississippi, two Mississippi, and then it decides to kick in. This can be a bit unnerving in a passing or emergency situation, but I can only think that the car is programmed that way to save on gas mileage. Otherwise my car is great, quiet, well composed, semi-sporty, holds the road well, is smooth, and gets pretty good gas mileage for a heavier v6 car. That other guy complained of "tons and tons of wind noise" - nonsense. There is a little bit of wind noise, but overall, I hear just a little bit of road/tire noise, but nothing the stereo wont drown out even at low levels. My only other small complaint is that the drivers seat front wont go down as low as I would like. Even with the motorized seat all the way down, the area below my thighs still seems a little too high. I can tilt the back of the seat up a little bit but that is not a perfect solution. So for $28,000 (after the awesome dealer discount), I got a fully loaded near luxury car with all the luxury trimmings that gets good gas mileage and has the longest warranty in the world. As far as comparing this car to actual luxury cars such as similarly sized Mercedes E class, a BMW 5 series, or an Audi A6, good luck trying to get one of those brand new and fully loaded for under $30,000.00. You would be looking at more like $60 to $65k. Heck, even the brand new Hyundai Genesis sedans are in the mid $50s now and it is based off the same underpinnings of my car. Realistically, you cant even get an American near luxury car such as a Chrysler 300, a Buick Lacrosse, or a Ford Taurus fully loaded for less than around $40k. And their warranties are not half as long as mine. I looked at every car out there at the time, and the Genesis sedan at the price I paid was the absolute best brand new car I could find. And I dont hang my head in shame when I go to my local Hyundai dealer; in fact, they are very nice, and know me by name. So I wont be cross-shopping the Porsche Panamera any time soon unless I win the lottery, and I dont think that anybody shopping for a car in the $30k range is going to be looking at anything even close to that either. So just take some of these reviews with a grain of salt. Additionally, if you are in the market for a certified used car, you could probably pick one of these up for half of what they cost new and still get that factory certified Hyundai warranty. Overall, I am highly satisfied with my Genesis. In fact, this is my fourth Hyundai and my other three were very reliable as well. Update October 2017. I still own my car. The paint still looks good. It still drives and rides comfortably and nothing has broken since new. The stereo/nav is a little slow to respond sometimes. It will show the Genesis logo on the screen until it wakes up. A little frustrating at times but its not often and doesnt last. My only real complaint is still the sluggish throttle response. It has 333 horsepower but you have to wait for the computer to figure out when to use it. I took it on an overnight trip recently with 3 male adults and a car full of stuff. We still managed about 29 mpg on the highway which seems pretty good. Overall satisfied and car still under warranty.

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  Genesis does a lot - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By msteam - May 7 - 9:13 pm

  I have owned 2 Lexuss since 1998 a GS 300 and clocked 187000 miles on it an excellent car which performed in all aspects wonderfully. I then bought a Lexus IS250 I enjoyed the all wheel drive but when reading about the Genesis I was very intrigued and once I drove the 4.6 I was ready to buy. The car has all the features of both my Lexuss except the doors dont unlock when in proximity to the car. The brakes are tremendous the steering perfect, fuel economy very good considering the V8 power,super ride, great acceleration, very fine interior materials comfortable seats and with Technology Package all the toys. I love the size of the car lots of comfort in the back seat best car Ive owned.

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  It Will Suprise You! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By JetMan - April 30 - 6:03 pm

  There is plenty to say about this car...all positive. The 3.8 has great acceleration and should satisfy most drivers. The gas mileage, well I have to keep checking it to make sure it is right! My wife drives mostly in town with a few highway trips and is getting 24 mpg on average. A quick 300 mile trek jumped it up to 28 mpg. I see other complaints about the suspension but we are pleased with our car; the wind and bumpy roads do not affect the ride that much and is an exceptionally quiet ride. My inlaws dumped their 2 year old Lexus after riding with my wife on that 300 mile trip. If you just have to have the snob appeal and want to pay 20-30 grand more for the same lux then have at it.