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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  Look out BMW ! - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By wacman - September 4 - 9:00 am

  While I only have 1700 miles on my new Genesis as a BMW owner I can say Look Out 5 series ! This car comparably equipped is $20,000 under MSRP to a BMW 535! And, the 5 has less room to boot ! Getting used to less road feel is the only major difference between the two. You need to drive both and decide for yourself. Then ask the banker what the better value is ! Get all three packages and cruise on down the road!

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  The Germans Should Watch Out - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By msticks - August 14 - 11:47 am

  I took delivery of a 2015 Genesis AWD with the Signature, tech and Ultimate Packages just over 6 weeks ago. This was my second Hyundai as I traded a 2013 Azera in on the Genesis. The car is a wonder. It has so many features it took me a few days to figure them all out. But on a purely subjective assessment the exterior exudes "luxury". The fit and finish are up to luxury car standards. The interior is also outstanding with butter soft leather, burled walnut and nary a hard plastic surface to mar the ambiance. It is a great value and you are getting a superior car. How much is a BMW propeller or Mercedes Tri-Star worth? Not the $15,000 - $20,000 they charge for a comperable vehicle.

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  Value - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By jparry6 - August 12 - 2:17 pm

  I have the 6 cylinder with premium and tech package. First with the high tech equipment this car compares favorably with a BMW or Lexus costing $20k more. This is the quietest car I have ever driven. I have had Lexus and BMW 5 series. The ride is more Lexus like. Handling isnt as sporty as a BMW but compares favorably Lexus and Mercedes. Has very little roll while cornering. At highway speeds it feels glued to the road. Have had for two months, no problems at all. Very comfortable interior and well laid out controls. Entertainment system is superior.

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  So far, so good... - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By frustrated86 - July 19 - 9:47 am

  Moved up from a 2009 Sonata (which was a fairly reliable car and a good value) to a 3.8 Genesis RWD with Ultimate Package. I have had the car for about 3 weeks and driven 2,000 miles, both hwy. and city. I must say that I am very impressed. The car is very quiet, responsive to all driving situations and has a ton of features all which improve the driving experience. The interior layout is clean, logical, and elegant. Seating is very comfortable and ergonomically designed to fit almost anyone, including rear seating. The exterior design, albeit not my favorite compared to Cadillac or Audi has been a head turner and a source of several compliments at gas stations and supermarket lots.

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  my New Genesis 2014 - 2014 Hyundai Genesis
  By 200sowner - July 14 - 6:24 pm

  picked up car 2 weeks ago New,after driving and putting on about 400 miles found some areas disappointing . Contrary to what is on you tube from motor week, car and driver etc etc. yes car in quite if your stopped at a light or slow moving traffic. Surprised at the road noise level inside the cabin traded in a Chrysler200 (2011) S model which was much more Quite . Engine noise is Quite as well as wind noise, BUT that road noise is a killer Dont know if its the tires or what ???

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  Wont buy another Hyundai - 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  By mmdv61 - June 21 - 11:00 am

  I have 33k on my 2012 Genesis. Since purchase in 8/2011 I have had the navigation replaced, the fuel injectors had to be cleaned because they were so dirty the car would stall in the middle of driving and now the oxygen sensor had to be replaced....stalling again, but this time the engine light went on so they could find the problem easier. Last time when it was stalling they couldnt find the problem until after keeping the car for 5 days. Now they recommend I buy fuel injector cleaner and put that in the tank every time I get an oil change in order to keep it from happening again. Even doing this, the car still has a rough idle at the start of the day.

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  Great value for money - 2011 Hyundai Genesis
  By bmwe32 - June 12 - 10:34 pm

  Purchased a CPO 2011 4.6 with all the options 6 months ago. Have put about 12K miles on it since then and love it to death. I can get 28 - 30 on the highway at speed if Im not obnoxious with it. You definitely dont want for power or luxury goodies in this one. I always said Id never buy anything that wasnt a BMW, but they arent made like they used to be and this one seems to be. If you detest the feel of most newer cars, check this one out. Steering that feels like your actually connected to something and isnt overly light. A ride that is communicative and design that is well thought out.

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  2015 Genesis - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By jsinterested - May 30 - 1:58 pm

  I read the recent review posted by the "professional critic" and I must say that I completely disagree, and consider he is delusional when it comes to back seat leg room. I compared the new 2015 Genesis against each of the following cars the Audi A6, The Mercedes E350, the BMW 535i and the Lexus. After test driving the 2015 Genesis, hands down the new 2015 Genesis AWD 3.8 fully loaded, out performs, out classes in all areas all of these cars. I have personally been driving for the last 40 years Mercedes, BMW, Range Rover, and Lexus, and this new 2015 model is a game changer...period!

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  Not quite ready for Prime Time - 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  By alfredf - May 22 - 3:26 pm

  Nicely executed exterior design, quiet and composed ride, but clear cost cutting everywhere else with a plain-jane interior that neither feels luxurious or sporty, cheap plastic switchgear abound, ventilated seats that bearly ventilate even on the hightest setting, surprisingly cramped rear seats, a smooth but gutless powertrain and truly mediocre fuel economy. The only bright spot is the panoramic sunroof. Oh, did I mention the Hankook tires in a $45K "luxury" car?

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  2013 genesis 3.8L Sedan - Little things - 2013 Hyundai Genesis
  By choctawchuck - May 21 - 8:15 pm

  Just purchased the car, used, with 27K miles. Have driven about 1500 miles so far. Positives: I do like the looks and the way the Genesis drives - quiet and comfortable, plenty of power. Complaints: Interior pieces break off - AC vent direction knobs came loose and blew out Gas mileage takes a dive (avg 14) if you accelerate much. You have to be real careful with the acceleration to reach the 18 MPG city advertised low end I have not driven car long enough to judge the reliability, so gave it a 3 for now, especially since some little plastic interior pieces have broken already.