Hyundai Genesis Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.66/5 Average
523 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 41 through 50 of 523.00
  • One Year After Purchase - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
    By -

    We purchased our Genesis 3.8 exactly one year ago. Our car has the signature package, and is very well appointed for the price class. We wanted a rear wheel drive sedan, and all competitive Japanese and German makes were substantially more expensive than the Genesis. This car is solid and very well thought out. We have had NO PROBLEMS WITH ANYTHING in the 1st year. Hyundai replaced the OEM Korean tires with Michelin Primacy MXV4s at factory expense because of excess ride harshness and noise with the Hankook originals. The build quality and material quality on this vehicle is excellent, and I dont think there is a better all around value in the market today. Best car we have ever owned.

  • Service - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
    By -

    This car is a lemon. It has spent 7 month out of 3 years in the shop. I am on my third engine. Now they will not fix my radio and nav system. I have had it the shop 4 times the the radio and nav.

  • Three Genesis in Four Years - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
    By -

    Take a drive after reading the literature. Study the safety features. Be ready with questions. You may well leave with a Genesis.

  • For the value its the best midsize luxury car! - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
    By -

    I bought my Genesis a few months ago and its a 2012 with 30,000 miles. Its very comfortable and seats 5 easily with lots of room. It is very quick for its size and definitely turns heads. The only downside is the gas mileage is 22 mixed and city 18. Its a great car for the value!

  • Great car, when its not having issues! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis
    By -

    I purchased this car at 20,000 miles. It now has 35,000 miles. Within 1 month of purchase, I noticed the breaks got squishy. They issued a recall for having used bad break fluid which ruined the breaks. Within 6 months, my alignment started pulling to the right. The Hyundai mechanic drove it and agreed that he noticed the pull. Was called next day and told "nothing was wrong, we dont notice any pulling". Its still pulling to the right... The rear tail lights got moisture inside, had to have Hyundai dealership replace lights. The engine light came on, made appointment. Within a week the car wouldnt even start up. "Bad fuel line". Great car, when not being serviced!!

  • Big bargain! - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
    By -

    Review I purchased 3.8 RWD Genesis with all 3 packages on 3/22/15. I saved ~$15-20K from buying a brand name with identical options. Im happy it came with Michelin instead of Hankok tires. I love the whisper quiet inside the cabin that almost isolated from any engine and road noise. Its so roomy for 5 adults together with a huge trunk. The 311 HP engine is not that sporty with "Eco" mode but adequate to drive this heavy big sedan agilely. However, once youre engaged in "Sport" mode, its another different story. For 0-62 MPH, the time should be 1 second or more less in "Sport" mode. Pretty well balance during acute cornering, I feel secure with the safety packages. Favorite Features I love the safety technology like the blind spot detection/rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, haptic steering wheel, electronic parking brake with automatic hold, automatic emergency braking, especially the smart cruise control with stop/start. Therere many features I appreciate most like head-up display, power trunk lid, slide panoramic sunroof, Lexicon 17-speaker with surround sound, Power rear sunshade, 9.2 inch HD display as well as the ultra premium leather seats and genuine matte finish wood trim. Suggested Improvements The windshield wipers cannot be raised for cleaning. No power tilts up function after closing panoramic sunroof sliding cover. No remote control for windows open. Brighter head-up display. More power for 3.8 liter V6 engine. Higher mileage for gas. No Frog light. No folding rear seats.

  • So far so great - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
    By -

    Favorite car so far. For the price, I dont think you get the same value anywhere else. I have had several random conversations with people since I bought the car (you should get used to that) who either wish to ask what kind of car it is - or tell me how someone else they knew traded in a BMW or Mercedes to get one. I have the Ibiza Blue only available in the 3.8 AWD Ultimate Package. I personally knew someone who had the older body style that had 80K miles on it. He loved it, and said he would not hesitate recommending the brand, model and dealer that I wound up with. When I asked what others experiences were with their Hyundais (non - Genesis) they were resoundingly positive.

  • Awesome experience - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
    By -

    Ive owned my 2015 Genesis for 3 months and have enjoyed everyday of ownership. I compared this model to the Infinit Q70 (previous car was a 2007 Infiniti M35). Every aspect of this car is great. I went on a 2k trip and never was tired. Handling is great and virtually no road noise (not even from the tires). Great value for the money and a great deal. Great features for a great price. Has more technology than the German options and a better value than Lexus or Infiniti.

  • Love my Genesis, but have two (minor) issues - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
    By -

    I bought the 3.8 with the Signature and Tech packages, plus AWD, since Ill be driving in snowy mountains in the winter. Ive had it for 3 months now, and absolutely love it. Im amazed at how much value the Genesis offers. Unless you really need superior "racing" performance, it can go toe-to-toe with BWM, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus, etc., but for $10K-$12K less. I wouldnt say those brands are in trouble, but they are definitely under attack.

  • Love this car! - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
    By -

    The 5.0 Ultimate is fast, quiet, and has a killer sound system. It is the only car I have ever owned which was delivered with no problems at all. I love everything about the car. I am glad that I read the positive reviews of the new 2015 model and decided to go for a test drive.

Hyundai Genesis Reviews By Year:
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