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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best buy in the 40k segment - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
By quanva - May 12 - 9:13 amthe second gen is an huge improvement over the first gen. I did not own a first gen but ive spent weeks with a rental Even the basic signature is miles ahead of the 2014. overall i love the car, hyundai did drop the ball on a few things but none were enough to move on to another and most can be corrected in the aftermarket. Im referring to the lack of foglights for the V6, which they admit is the volume model(they can be sourced and installed)the amber DRL, its very 2004 and has NO PLACE in a in my case 47k vehicle, the canadian version somehow uses the LED strip for its DRL the car is very quiet,great interior room (im 67) you cant go wrong
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What is Edmunds thinking!!! - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
By llpowelljr - May 7 - 10:43 amEdmunds, I have no idea what the B rating is about , but your the experts. Granted , this is my first time in the 35,000-$45,000 segment, This is by far the best Car Ive ever owned. To step up to this level in automobile was so important. So I wanted value above all. and this car offers that and some. Ive read all the reviews, and looked at other brands as well.Its very responsive but not as spirited as some german brands, but very complete in performance for only its 2nd Generation. Future is bright for this car and Hyundai/Kia. It offers way to much for your money that the others brands will have to adjust. Well done Hyundai!!!
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Best car Ive ever bought. - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
By rpkelly - May 5 - 1:00 pmHyundai has come a very long way, and the 2015 Genesis sedan puts it in the elite company of Mercedes, BMW and Lexus. I purchased mine yesterday and was amazed at the fantastic electronics package, the amazing comfort and overall stylish look. I traded in my 2007 Lexus which I had purchased new and in all honesty, cant hold a candle to the Genesis. We had looked into buying the Lexus LS460 which this Genesis is comparable to in all ways except for being about $25k less in price.
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Superb vehicle - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
By howidee - May 3 - 10:37 amHyundai hit a home run on 2nd Gen Genesis redesign. This is truly a very well designed and executed vehicle with phenomenal value. I traded in a 2012 Azera for 3.8L Genesis and could not be happier. This vehicle is a thrill to drive. It starts with closing the door and hearing this solid quiet close, then experiencing a very serene ride and sharp handling for a vehicle this size. The sound level is amazingly quiet, like being in a vault. Safety features are state of the art and an indicator of what is to come.
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MY GENESIS 4.6 - 2009 Hyundai Genesis
By jerrymax - April 18 - 11:31 amI bought my 2009 Genesis six months ago strictly as a touring sedan. I quickly put 1200 miles on the odometer on a road trip and only another 1200 more since then. It is a beautiful car, very comfortable and moves like a rocket if you tap the gas. The build quality is rock solid and the 17 speaker sound system is the best Ive ever heard. Id give it a top rating on everything but the "fun to drive" item due to steering that is precise but feels sort of numb. But as a full-sized luxury car its not meant to handle like a Porsche.
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Love This Car! - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
By cc_alan - April 15 - 2:56 pmI bought my 2015 Genesis in December, 2014 and absolutely love the look, feel and way the car drives. My prior car was a 2007 Infiniti M35, which didnt have Sirius radio capability or any of the advanced safety features that attracted me to the Genesis. Its worth noting that the 2015 version of the Infiniti costs $18K more than the Genesis with the same features, plus I now have a much better warranty than I would have had otherwise. I did see one review that complained about Hankook tires, but I had them on my Infiniti and think the ride is both quiet and smooth. Ive owned a dozen cars, including a BMW and an Infiniti, and the Genesis beats them all hands down.
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Great car, second to none! - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
By tropo - April 10 - 8:19 amLeased the Genesis AWD with ultimate package about a month ago. After looking at all the luxury cars I came back to the Genesis as it felt the best. Love the technology and electronics, as well as the car road handling. Quality and finish are top rated, very roomy both front and rear seat. Driving and handling is great, both in the city and on the highway.
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Genesis is following in Lexus footsteps - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
By Doug Murray - April 1 - 2:31 pmRemember when Lexus first hit the market? It wasnt too long afterwards that it was a big hit! The same story is unfolding for the Genesis. This car has the luxury, style, sportiness, and power of the Mercedes E-class, BMW 5 series, Audi A6 and the Lexus GS... and for 15-20K dollars less! It can do 0-60 in 5.1 to 5.3 seconds, too! The 5 liter V8 is rated at 420 horsepower with an 8 speed auto transmission. It does everything really well. I bought the Ultimate package and Im glad I did. My last three cars were a Mercedes and Lexus. I alomst went back to Lexus, but decided to give the beautiful Genesis a chance... Im glad that I did!!
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Pleased from Day One - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
By Derrick Crandall - March 29 - 7:41 pmAfter a decade of driving Cadillacs -- mostly SRXs -- I decided to see what else I could find in the $40K range. After looking at BMWs and Audis, I drove the Genesis 4.6L and took it home that night. Looked very nice, had far more features for the money. And I have been 98% delighted ever since. Great warranty and pretty good dealer support for normal maintenance. Only problem -- really, the only problem -- is a mysterious failure of the entertainment center once every 80 or so starts. On for 15 seconds, then off for 15 seconds. Cant find a way to correct it once it occurs ... but after being off for a few hours it is back to normal, and normal is very, very good with great sound syste
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Never a problem! - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
By Ralph DiMare - March 16 - 12:43 pmMy 2012 fully loaded Genesis V6 has 55,000 miles and very reliable.