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:

• 

  A Hyundai!!!! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By MC - May 16 - 12:36 pm

  Ok here it is...I purchased a Hyundai. I feel so much better getting that out in the open. I was driving a Lexus IS before the...Hyundai. Still difficult to say. The car has great power with the V6, wouldnt pay extra for the V8. The ride is what you would expect from a Lexus, Benz or BMW. Small storage space is limited. Average 27-28 MPG on the Hwy. Being 61" the cabin has more than enough room. The back seat is also very spacious. Simply said I love the car and at $31,999 the price was right.

• 

  Bump unsettling ride - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Houston - May 16 - 2:30 am

  I just purchased a Genesis 4.6 and although it is a high performance beautiful vehicle I am very concerned about the bumpy jittery ride. I actually had a headache from the bumpy ride. I test drove 3 different vehicles in Houston and Phoenix and did not experience the rough ride. But the vehicle I purchased was located for me to meet my color preference and the ride is rough. Are there adjustments that can be made to smooth out the ride? Is it tires, shocks? I am very concerned as I was thrilled with my purchase my now am worried I made a huge mistake.

• 

  Genesis - Luxury at a reasonable Cost - 2016 Hyundai Genesis
  By Greg Ceshker - April 11 - 7:27 pm

  This car has everything you would want in a large, luxury car. Still learning all the great bells and whistles.

• 

  Genesis ROCKS! - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By impressedbo1 - April 11 - 11:40 am

  Drove the car for the first time yesterday and all I can say is WOW! Never thought driving a Hyundai could be so fun or engaging yet so relaxing and assuring. Feels more secure than any BMW Ive ever driven definitely more on par with an A8 as far as structural feel. In performance driving the car has such a neutral feeling and is very balanced weather on or off the accelerator. I dont think the ESP even tried to keep the car in line it just did it on its own. This car looks great with tight wheel well gaps (looks like its already lowered) and sharp tight body lines. The only thing I might change is the rear tail lamps so it looks less like an Infiniti.

• 

  Hard to beat - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Beemerdude - March 3 - 10:30 pm

  purchased the Genesis 4.6 with Tech package for my wife as a replacement for her Acura RL. While lacking snob appeal, Hyundais execution on this vehicle is impeccable. After 2 months, she is extremely happy. the car is a pleasure to drive. extremely well appointed. great performance. so impressed with this car are we that Ive purchase a 3.8 liter coupe. while not as much car as a G37, at 15k less Im very happy with the coupe as well.

• 

  A winner - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Mike S. - February 2 - 8:03 am

  Have owned many luxury automobiles, Lexus, MB, Infinity, Audi, and Acura. This car is a winner. Comfortable, responsive, quiet and fun to play with. Have the Premium Plus pkg and Tech Pkg. Also included the "European prestige" pkg. Given the choice, I would pick the Genesis. Just to note, some of the comments indicated that they had not read the manuals. The outside mirrors do not tilt down if the control is centered. Left or right will tilt if the control remains on either left or right. This car should not be overlooked by anyone looking for a handsome, well made luxurious and reasonably priced auto.

• 

  Never had issue with this car. - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By Moone Primrose - January 15 - 2:03 pm

• 

  Quality car! - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By Dean Deangelis - December 25 - 11:21 pm

  great car, attractive, comfortable, decent power, quality materials, reliable!

• 

  my 2009 buggy - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By john tammaro - December 1 - 3:41 pm

  Buy a later model. We gave this one to my granddaughter and she (and her companions) love it

• 

  Terrible ride - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
  By Don - November 15 - 9:53 am

  At first glance it looks like a lot for the money but on closer inspection the interior is cheaply constructed, you cannot transfer the phone book from your cell phone and the seats have no real lateral support. But all of this pales in the face of the terrible suspension. The ride is rough and jittery with a tendency towards porpoising on almost all surfaces, even those that appear to be smooth and or recently paved. I would test drive the heck out of a potential purchase and if you experience the slightest bit of what I have described, pass on it and look at something else. No other car that I have driven in recent years, of any price point, has these awful ride characteristics.