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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  Genesis - Has been a dream car for us! - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By Karen Loera - July 17 - 10:25 pm

  My only disappointment in the car is that all of the electrical components have failed. I cannot hook up my iPod its very difficult to use the iPod in the car while driving when you cant see whats next. I drive a lot and use a smartphone it would be great to have the ability to keep my phone charging while driving. I have received many compliments on the cars Design This had been a wonderful car for us. We purchased it as a used car and it has been great.I find the acceleration powerful and had to adjust from our Lexus 6 (350) cylinder car. My husband says the head room in the Genesis is far more comfortable then our Lexus 350. I wanted this size car as I drive freeways frequently and like the safety record. The head rests are comfortably located, without touching the rear of drivers head. Many other cars we found the headrests to be intrusive and the only way to remedy the distance from head rest to driver was to incline seat, and we like to sit upright when driving. The styling of the car is beautiful and I have received many compliments. My family members have told me what an impressive car the Genesis is, with a great ride and extremely comfortable rear seating and leg room.

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  Genesis in Durham - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By Michael Johnson - June 16 - 11:39 am

  Awesome car for the money. You cant beat the bells and whistles for the price. Also the maintenance was easy with regular gas and simple checkups. I highly recommend this car. I have the 4.6 engine.

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  Best Luxury Sedan available - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Rich - June 7 - 8:46 pm

  The Genesis is actually the best stereo you can buy that that delivers you to your destination in fine luxury and comfort. The balance between comfort and being close to sporty is outstanding. Car & Driver and Road & Track can gig the car for Sportiness - not all of us like the taut, firm ride of the BMWS and Audis. The gas mileage is better than expected, especially cruising at 75. As mentioned by many, dealer support for a luxury car needs to be better. Hyundai does stand by there warranty. Our dealer gave us 2 years worth of oil changes and car washes, and has a very good reputation. I would advise finding a good dealer when buying. The value of this Luxury car is outstanding.

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  smooth - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By epstein - May 24 - 7:40 pm

  Bad ride hard steering need 6 way and air cooled passenger seat. Dunlop tires to much road feel and balance problems. Drivers seat to small not enough thigh support. Nav system pain to learn. Transmission has a slapping sound when stepping off and on the gas.

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  My car Phil.... - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By Tsquared - May 10 - 7:24 am

  Really comfortable, quiet and quick enough.

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  Hyundai serves notice to Lexus - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Victor - May 5 - 10:50 am

  If I remove the Hyundai badge on this vehicle, it would be hard to guess who built this vehicle - it is that good. I love the vehicle. Best value for the money in this segment.

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  Great Car and Even Better Value - 2016 Hyundai Genesis
  By A. Bratone - May 1 - 8:54 am

  Having leased Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW over the past 25 years, I was looking for a car that I wouldnt be paying for a name but was a great automobile. I found it with Hyundai Genesis.I love the exterior design, interior finish, power, electronics, sound and ride. Highly recommend thus car

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  Hyundai should be at the top of the list - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Lonny - April 11 - 5:00 am

  Like many others here, I too cant believe I even looked at Hyundai, let alone getting one! I began researching this car early in the year. I was coming to lease end on a 2006 M45 Sport and wanted something much less expensive, uses regular fuel and gets better gas mileage. I liked the handling dynamics of the M45 and was worried that I took a big step backwards in handling. Not so! I have found myself taking the same turns and curves in the Hyundai that I did with the M45 - at the same speeds - and the Hyundai is just as "planted" as was the M45. Obviously the M was quicker, but I enjoy everything about the Hyundai better.

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  You need to get one - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Great vehicle - March 10 - 1:50 pm

  This car is really nice to drive and looks great. I had corvette, porsche 911 and have ES 330 and LS 460. So, I am telling from the true experiences. Navigation system is very easy to use and great. Everything is simple to set up and blue tooth quality for the phone system is outstanding. Sound quality of the hands-free phone system is beyond my expectation. I will have to think very hard before I buy another LS 460. Dealer needs to improve long way before they catch up with Lexus on customer relations.

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  Very Nice Car - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Don - March 6 - 5:03 pm

  We test drove Toyota Avalons, Honda Accords and other cars but once we drove the Genesis, nothing else compared in the price range. This is a very solid, well built, car. Very quiet on the road, good handling and good acceleration. Great warranty. I have owned Hondas, Toyotas and Lexus in the past. So far, this is my favorite car.