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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  A Real Sweet Car - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Tom from LI - May 3 - 10:30 am

  Got my 3.8 on 5/22 - and just returned from a 1,800 mile trip to S.C. Despite getting into some horrendous traffic jams - the car still delivered over 25 mpg! Ride is quite smooth - but not perfect - especially on rough roads. Beautiful and comfortable interior. Whisper-quiet engine with lots of power. (Cant understand why anyone would want the 8 cly.) I did not order the tech package, but bought a Garmin instead. Unless you need frequent directions - this is the way to go. My bluetooth cannot read my voice commands! Will make an appointment with dealer to fix.

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  The Genesis a GS 460 for a 1/2 of the $ - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Pierre Boucher - April 12 - 2:33 am

  This is a beautifully made car that is going to put the Europeans and the Japaneses automakers to shame. A car with this much for so little. Thank you Hyundai you made a luxury car that I can afford.

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  Best Hyundai - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By dlflyboy - March 28 - 9:00 am

  Just took delivery on July 15th. Its a nice car. Good looks and ride. Nice features. I average 23mpg mixed driving. The car has a nice exterior design. Inside is kinda boring. Get the Lexicon sound system. Youll love it (I know I do). However, the cd changer had to be replaced (stopped working). The service department is not up to par with other luxury dealers (especially BMW). Loaners are nice when your car is in the shop for a day (the shuttle vans dont cut it). And for the amount of time I own a car (usually 3 yrs) BMW still has the best warranty. Love the standard maintenance warranty (4yr 50k). At the end of the day this is still just a Hyundai. But, overall Im happy with the car.

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  best value - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By shiny - March 27 - 5:36 am

  I bought V-6 in October 2008. I drove MB & Lexus in the past. This is absolutely much better car than MB and Lexus if you take the price into consideration. If you are willing to pay $ 20 or 30 K more just for the brand, go ahead but I really recommend this car why you waste hard earned money, especially under a current economic situation. Again, this car is equal to or better than MB or Lexus in all respects except for a hugh price difference. I am telling you that If your are looking for a new car, buy this car, you will nor regret.

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  2009 Hyundai Genesis Experience - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Happy Car Owner - January 22 - 1:00 pm

  Im so glad that I bought this car. I planned to buy a Lexus but I decided to buy this car after researching about this car. Im so glad that I made the right decision and I like my Genesis very much. This car performs just like the article in the February 2009 Consumer Report issue decribed.

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  Peoples Choice - WOW! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By HyundaiOwner - December 14 - 4:30 am

  This is an amazing car. The leather wrapped dash, AC seats, sound system, adjusting headlights, I could go on and on. I personally have never owned a luxury car but most of my friends do, and they cannot believe the features this car offers for under 40K. It is unbelievable how many Lexus, BMW and MB driver approach us, telling us how beautiful the car is and cannot believe it is a Hyundai. I would recommend this car to anyone, and do. I am looking forward to what comes next with Hyundai.

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  Listen to my words - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Dsplash - December 11 - 11:36 am

  Great Car, much greater than my previous Avalon.. Actually, uncomparable..., im sorry. Genesis deserves my loyalty to its brand. Those who read this comment should rethink about the brand image of Hyundai. Just remember, Toyota and Lexus were once thought of as inferior.

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  BMW - Mercedes - Lexus Look out. - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mikey - November 4 - 2:43 am

  I am having a ball with my Genesis 4.6 with the Technology package. BMW, MB & Lexus look out for the new kid on the block, Hyundai hit a grand slam with this one. I also have an 06 lexus LS 430. This car is nicer in every way. Looked at the new LS460 with all the toys and except for a few minor touches the Genesis is a steal at 25K less.

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  Second Time Around - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By K.B. - October 5 - 12:11 am

  This is my second time purchasing a Genesis. First one was 2012, the current one is 2011. The 2012 was a great car but after about two years I really wanted a Cadillac CTS which was a nice car but they charge for every little amenity. Their packages seem to leave out some of the best features. But after getting rid of that vehicle and dealing with Mercedes and BMW, I feel like I get the most for my money with Genesis. And much better reliability than the other brands.

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  No match for excellence yet - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By scott - September 21 - 4:20 am

  So many people are talking about it so I gave it a try. It sure looks like a elegant car, some what BMW, some what mercedes, some what Lexus. Yet, it is none of those, and that is the problem. There is total lack of personality. Well, car is just a car taking you from point A to point B. May be. Finding a car is not just a transportation device to me that actually bothers me.