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:

• 

  Let em look! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By JimW - April 5 - 5:46 am

  Got a Sterling Blue V6 w/ Tech/Prem pkgs a month ago. Ive been enjoying the car very much. Its fun to come out of stores and have guys standing around the car and saying "thats a Hyundai?". I got the "wings badge" for the trunk lid, just to keep them guessing. The car is a dream to drive, and very well designed inside. I wish I had more miles on the lease, as I would love to just drive, drive, drive. I expect that when this market recovers, this will be THE car to own.

• 

  nice car - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By doberman - March 16 - 3:50 am

  I received the Genesis yesterday. What a great car. Iwas a little disapointed as far as the dealer. The very next day had to bring in for a airbag sensor. Genesis should have there own dealership.

• 

  thrilled then concerned - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By spadesman - March 6 - 11:56 pm

  I bought the car on labor day, loved the car. Everything I had wanted in a car and more. No problems first 2200 miles, other than transmission jerk off a start thought it would smooth out eventually. Than I learned about recall, hmg interface problem car could lock up at anytime. On sept 15 I was going up steep incline back wheels hesitated twice from there tranny shifted out of SYNC. Then burning smell in cabin at acceleration to higher speeds. Car now shimmys in idle. Its at the dealer now they just called me and told me the smelled the firey smoke smell also. Wondering if I made a 40,000 mistake. I will update with more info as I receive it

• 

  A Good One - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Taft - February 8 - 11:43 pm

  With less than 1000 miles I can still say that this is a really great car, especially when you consider the price. The fit and finish are superb, but the ride could be improved. The engineers should work on the rough and unsettled ride if they want to beat the big boys. We came from an MBZ 400E that was too old, but still gave us a great ride and handling. This is the first ownership of a car with all the bells and whistles, but were getting used to it and its fun. The acceleration is without peer and the interior quietness is excellent.

• 

  The Genesis is an instant Classic - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Daniel - February 7 - 7:23 pm

  Purchased a V6 3.8 Tech, Silver/black interior, Wing badges. Youll wont get a better car for the money. Classy looks on the outside incredible opulence inside. Well thought out design, comfortable seating, excellent handling, great power. and so quiet. The Genesis is the duplicating what Lexus did in 1989. This is my 5th Hyundi in the last 13 years. Every year they continue to improve their products and they hit this one out of the ballpark. From what I see and hear they seem to be attracting more BMW owners than any other luxury brand.

• 

  Seeing is believing - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Carl - January 9 - 2:30 pm

  I walked into the Hyundai showroom to see the Genesis in person as I had only seen it on tv. I am not sure how long my mouth hung open as I took in the whole car! Eventually I made my way to the sticker and realized this model cost 6k less than other similarly styled cars. I arrived in a 07 Altima SE and drove home in the same Genesis that afternoon. The car is so quiet and powerful,a head turner for sure. Everything I have looked for in a car.

• 

  Hyundai Hit The Nail On The Head - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Chuckster - December 20 - 2:26 pm

  We have owned several Lexus products since that brands inception in 89 and still have a 2006, SC430 coupe. The Genesis is comparable to the LS and superior to the ES series in every way. Our Genesis is Sterling Blue with the Tech. Pkg.. We have had the car for a month now. It feels solid, rides and handles well for its size, is quiet and everyone we know think its a good looking car. Gas mileage is good at 22 city and 28 hi-way on regular fuel. We saved $$ and have a car that meets and exceeds our desires. Time will only tell if the car stays true to our expectations of trouble free motoring.

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By Tammy Sartor - December 14 - 5:13 am

  By far, this is the most comfortable, easy driving, quiet car Ive ever owned. Hyundai was not even on my radar when I acquired this vehicle, but it is by far better to me than Lexus. I have only ever owned Toyota, so I was hesitant to purchase this vehicle. I purchased the extended warranty as a result. The seats fit me perfectly, and the heating part of the seats is divine. I will often just drive with it on instead of the heater (and sometimes in the summer with the AC on since it feels so good on my back). I am also blown away by the stereo quality. That, combined with the very little road noise, makes for such a pleasant driving experience that Im not fatigued after a several hour road trip. What I dont like about this vehicle is it does not show the outside temperature continuously, it drips water into the trunk when the lid is raised in a rain, and the resale value is less than I would expect, say from a Lexus. However, the initial price is less also. I plan to drive the wheels off this car. The paint quality is excellent with some beautiful, not boring colors,( mine is Parisian Grey with a Saddle interior) the leather soft and high quality, the cruise control doesnt upshift on a grade like the Toyotas do, the transmission is excellent, LOTS of power for passing. It is effortless to drive.

• 

  Rogers Raves - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Roger - November 16 - 5:33 pm

  I was looking at the Honda Accord V-6 & the Saturn Aura V-6. Then I went to the L. A. Auto Show. What a learning experience! I saw the Hyundai Exhibit and the new Genesis. I went home did some homework on the internet. The next thing Im test driving the 3.8. I say to the sales man, lets talk numbers, we walk in to the show room, there it is, Cabernet Pearl, Cashmere Interior, and the Premium Package, with a big red bow on the hood. The price was perfect, the dealership extremely friendly, generous, personable. It;s been 3 1/2 months, 4,000 miles and I LOVE MY GENESIS. I know its not American, but it beats anything on the market today.

• 

  A Whole Lot More Than Price Indicates - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By dshelley - October 21 - 9:36 pm

  This car is often compared to BMW 5 series and E series MBs, but its probably closest in size, engine type, features, and overall class to Infinitis M35. Closest until price is compared. At about $10K less, its the automotive bargain of the year, perhaps decade. Like others I looked at and drove BMW, MB, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti and others, all of which are a lot more money. Believe me, none are quieter, more comfortable, more solid feeling, or handle better in every day traffic. This Hyundai is that good. I can only provide a warning. DO NOT DRIVE THIS CAR, if you are not ready to buy. You will fall in love with an affordable automotive experience you may not have known existed.