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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  GPS 2005 era - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Ken - December 29 - 5:13 am

  I have owned this Car for about 2 weeks and what a pleasure to drive. This Car I like very much but have only driven it 600 miles. It seems to equal everything my BMW 540i did. My first tank of gas averaged 27.4 mpg now that I like. Of course its not a V-8 but we have to give a little somewhere.

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  BEST SO FAR - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By Guadalupe Olvera - December 25 - 10:37 pm

  I purchased this car new in 2014. I traded in a Chevy Tahoe. I was taking a chance going from the comfort of my Tahoe to a Hyundai. In the 3 years that I have owned this vehicle, I have had no problems what so ever. Its awesome on the highway. I have to be careful because everything is so smooth and quiet that if I am not careful I catch myself going 90 plus. And that is with barely touching the accelerator. It has way more power than the V-8 Tahoe. The gas mileage on the highway is great. I got over 27 MPG on my last trip. In town its around 20 to 23. I change the oil myself cause I do not trust strange people working on my car. I change the oil every 4000 to 4500 miles with Mobile 1 and it still runs like new. I have 27,000 miles on it and do not anticipate any mechanical issues. I am very satisfied with my Genesis. I would buy another one but since they branched off to a luxury brand I cannot afford the price. The car still looks great and everything is functioning as it is supposed to.

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  Its For Real - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Douglas - December 4 - 10:30 am

  After reading Edmunds reviews and specs, I dug deeper into consumer ratings and overall satisfaction. I owned a Toyota Avalon and planned to go back to the Avalon. The features and amenities on the Genesis are just too many to list. The dealership owned both Toyota and Hyundai and put both cars side by side - Clearly the Genesis came out on top.

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  I cant take my eyes off her :-) - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Steven C - November 24 - 11:03 am

  I did a lot of research, checked out the competition (Cadillac, Infiniti, etc.) and the Genesis out performs them by far. The fit and finish of this car is amazing. I find myself just stopping to admire her beautiful lines inside and out. Everyone is surprised when you tell them its a Hyundai. Hyundai hit the nail on the head when developing this great luxury automobile.

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  The best car I ever owned - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By wes0922 - October 21 - 2:26 pm

  I owned Cadillac since 1966 and wanted to buy American but driving the two cars the Genesis was head and shoulders. I also drove Lexus and Lincoln. This is a well designed and built car.

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  09 Genesis...my wish list - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By jerry - September 13 - 3:06 am

  No doubt the best luxury car for the money. Might trade mine in for the V* when it shows up. My wish list. Back up camera (NAV Model) needs to come on faster at start up. Genesis logo remains on the screen too long when put in reverse at start up. I have backed up 10 feet before the screen goes to back up.

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  Genesis - The good and bad - 2016 Hyundai Genesis
  By Bernard Klotz - August 6 - 10:55 am

  The Genesis runs smooth and quiet and a pleasure to drive. Definitely worth the money. However, the bells and whistles takes getting used to because the navigation is tricky , the side outside mirrors takes time to get used to, the dash board controls needs improvements. Before leaving the dealership you need a good lesson on learning the electronics.

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  Loved my 09 Genesis - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Deidre Dunbar - July 25 - 3:40 pm

  I drove a Mercedes E320 prior to buying my Genesis. I had less maintenance issues, and interior cosmetic damages in the Genesis than I did with the Mercedes. My next car will be the Genesis G80 Sport!!

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  Seven series killer - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By James - June 8 - 4:06 am

  Believe it or not I once believed that Hyundai was an inferior brand, after buying my Genesis And driving the car for the last week I must say that anyone in the large performance Luxury Market would be foolish not to buy this car every aspect of this automobile screams Luxury From the twelve way power seat to the throaty almost three hundred Horsepower v-6 I have owned a diverse selection of luxury cars and I have to say I have never been more impressed with a vehicle. I am also surprised how many people break their neck looking at the car If you are considering a new Luxury car drive all others first and then drive the Genesis. better yet just drive it first then take it home

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  Nice, but definitely doesnt compare - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By bbrown - June 5 - 6:10 pm

  I recently purchased a 4.6 Genesis for my wife, and Im not too impressed. An impulse buy really, but Im beginning to see why the car is so much cheaper than my BMW. The engine is pretty nice, but in no way compares with my 550is V8 (torque curve, etc). Im pretty particular about my cars, and its the little details with the Genesis that turn me off. The materials just feel inferior, and it just seems like Hyundai stole design features from all of their so- called "competitors", down to the fake iDrive and 5-series exterior styling cues. I think the buyers of this car will realize over time that this car is just a flashy attempt at producing a true luxury car w/o any substance.