Overview & Reviews

Hyundai sells two cars under the Genesis name, but they could hardly be more different. The softly sprung Genesis sedan is a luxurious shot across the bow of high-end European and Japanese carmakers. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe, on the other hand, is a serious rear-wheel-drive sport coupe that gives more established performance marques a run for their money.

Available with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a naturally aspirated V6, the Genesis Coupe presents typically impressive Hyundai value, but with a high-performance edge. Sending power to the rear wheels makes for a superior driving experience, and the Genesis Coupe also boasts distinctive styling and ample feature content. These virtues make Hyundai's taut two-door one of our favorite affordable performance cars.

Current Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is available in six trim levels: 2.0T, 2.0T R-Spec, 2.0T Premium, 3.8 R-Spec, 3.8 Grand Touring and 3.8 Ultimate.

Power is provided by either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine ("2.0T") or a 3.8-liter V6. The turbo-4 makes 274 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 cranks out 348 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. For the base 2.0T, Hyundai offers either a six-speed manual (with hill-start assist) or an eight-speed automatic (with rev-matching downshifts and manual shift control). The R-Spec trim is manual only, while the Premium level is automatic only. The V6 models follow suit: a choice of manual or automatic for the Ultimate trim, manual only in the R-Spec, and automatic only for the Grand Touring.

Hyundai's reputation for generous standard equipment continues, as even in base 2.0T trim standard features include 18-inch wheels, keyless ignition and entry,  automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and USB/iPod integration. The performance-focused R-Spec loses a few luxuries (including keyless ignition), but adds 19-inch wheels with summer tires, Brembo brakes, firmer suspension tuning, a limited-slip rear differential and front sport seats. The 3.8 R-Spec gets the same upgrades.

Instead of the R-Spec's performance add-ons, the 2.0T Premium adds perks such as a sunroof, rear parking sensors, a power driver seat, the Blue Link telematics system, a navigation system and an upgraded audio system. The Grand Touring and Ultimate trims further add niceties like leather upholstery, heated front seats and rear parking sensors.

In testing, a V6-powered Hyundai Genesis Coupe ran the 0-60-mph sprint in a quick 5.3 seconds. The 2.0T did it in 6.5 seconds. The 2.0T's lighter weight, however, makes for a slightly more balanced driving experience. That said, either version provides the engaging and athletic driving dynamics expected from a well-engineered, rear-wheel-drive sport coupe. Steering response is quick and crisp, balance is excellent and body roll is kept nicely in check. On the other hand, the ride in R-Spec and Ultimate trims is a bit rough due to their firmer suspensions and bigger wheels, so make sure you go over some bumps on a test-drive.

Inside, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe has relatively high-quality materials with good fit and finish. The driver seat has ample bolstering and provides a low, cockpit-like driving position. Buyers should know that the small backseat is strictly for children. Overall, though, the Genesis Coupe is a winner in the South Korean carmaker's lineup, helping to further define it as a value leader in both luxury and performance cars.

Used Hyundai Genesis Coupe Models
The Genesis Coupe debuted for 2010 in seven trim levels, which are for the most part similar to those of the current car. Key exceptions would be the "Track" trims – the 2.0T version was dropped after the first model year, while the 3.8 version was eventually replaced by the Ultimate for 2014. Originally, the 2.0T's turbo-4 produced 210 hp, while the 3.8-liter V6 produced 306 hp. The available automatic transmissions were different as well, with a five-speed paired to the 2.0T and a six-speed for the 3.8.

The most notable changes occurred for 2013. Front-end styling became more aggressive, the eight-speed automatics were introduced and both engines received their current outputs. That year also saw revised, sharper steering and the availability of a telescoping steering column. A year later saw the addition of keyless ignition and entry, hill-start assist and rev-matching downshifts for automatic transmissions.

User Reviews:

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  My Favorite Car Ever! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Lisa Hays - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I am so pleased with my Hyundai! The performance is outstanding and I constantly get compliments about how great the car looks. And of course, you cant beat Hyundais warranty. Great car!

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  Great Value Sports Coupe - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Shane - March 19 - 1:40 pm

  I used to sell Infinitis for a living and its easy to see what the benchmark for this car is. For almost $20,000 less for a similarly equipped car, the Genesis is 95% of the way to a G37 Coupe. Yes, it does ride firm but its a sports car. Being British, Im probably more used to firm riding cars. The road noise is noticeable. Im looking forward to changing to high performance tyres in the spring to see if that helps.

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  A Fun and Awesome "Genesis Joyride" - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Ken - March 16 - 11:30 am

  What a terrific car! Look out Infiniti G37 and BMW 3-series - the Genesis Coupe IS the best designed coupe for the value! I love just about everything on the 3.8 Grand Touring I purchased six weeks ago. Overall performance and acceleration on the 6-spd auto transmission is excellent and I love the "shiftronic" option with the paddle shifters. I chose the black exterior color, which contrasts nicely with the reddish brown leather interior of the GT. The high-tech gadgetry (the voice- activated and touch-screen GPS and Bluetooth) makes the Genesis Coupe so much more fun to drive. People ask me when they see my car, "Thats a Hyundai?" and I proudly say with a smirk, "Yes, it is!"

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  Stay away from the 2.0T - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By nwillingham - January 31 - 10:59 am

  have the 2.0T premium coupe. Ive had it for almost 5 months. Beautiful car, fast car, love the navigation (hate the ipod interface), comfy car in the front seats, BUT The sticker of 20/30 mpg is a complete lie. You would have to be going downhill all the time to come close to either of those numbers. When I drive like a grandpa I MIGHT get 16.5mpg in town and 24mpg on the highway. The 5 speed doesnt seem sufficient. ALSO, the T in 2.0T is for Turbo and Turbos use supreme gas only. Personally with the trash gas mileage, slow to shift paddle shifters, crap iPod interface, and supreme gas, I hate that I bought this car and wish I had gone with another.

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  Disappointing - 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By attaymik37 - December 16 - 4:12 pm

  I bought a 2.0T Coupe in October, drove it for over a month and traded it in (I leased) for a Veloster, which suits me better. I thought I was ready for a sports car but the ride, comfort and fuel economy were not at all what I expected. I purchased in Red and it was a beautiful car but not for me. The ride was harsh, there was an annoying buzz on the passenger side, the seats were not comfortable, it aggravated my carpal tunnel and I had to wear my wrist brace just to drive without pain. I also own a Volkswagen CC and the steering, handling and cornering are heads above the Coupe. I wanted to like it but back it went. A disappointment for me.

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  Creaky and unstable - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Stinky - December 11 - 2:06 am

  Ive had this vehicle for a year. The thing has more creaks and protests from its interior than my mother-in-Law does about her aging frame. The handling on pristine pavement is fine. However, if the road surface gets the least bit uneven/rough the suspension simply becomes unpredictable. Ive learned to modify my driving style when confronted with such conditions. Not the hallmark of a true GT/Sports car. At this point in time Im glad that I leased as this vehicle. So, build quality and handling are things that Hyundai needs to consider if they want to be something other than a company that produces affordable cars that merely satisfy as opposed to excite and generate loyalty.

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By merft - November 27 - 3:47 pm

  Ive been watching the GC for a couple years and waited to see first year impressions. After test driving the equivalent Camaro and Mustang, by price, what sold me was the handling of the Genesis. Going fast is nice but where other than the track can you do it legally? However, get the Genesis on some curvy mountain roads and the competitors pale in comparison. I am in love with this car and have no regrets or complaints.

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  New Genesis Coupe - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Myls-O2L - November 17 - 3:40 pm

  Have only owned for a week, but what a great week. This is definitely a sexy looking Hyundai. The styling reminds me of the Porshe 944. The sheet metal Z-styling and wide rear end make a nice statement. Power is not a problem with the 3.8L V6 and it features a nice exhaust purr at start up and acceleration. For a coupe, the interior is quite comfortable (at least in the front)and well appointed at the price level. Ride comfort is what you would expect from a sports suspension and low-profile Potenza tires. The vehicle is longer than you would expect for a "Sports Coupe". Overall, if you are looking for a fun, great looking car you cant beat the 2010 Genesis Coupe. Big bang for the bucks!

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  great value but with a caveat - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Peter - October 11 - 9:03 am

  Bought the base model with automatic trans. and have been test driving (breaking it in ) since got it. Generally fun to drive but base model lacks power and engine is noisy like hell during 1st. and 2nd.gears upshifting. Even while its in idle the throttle vibrates like a wild pony. Other than that its been great so far - the technology included like Bluetooth, XM radio, Ipod connection cant be beat. The handling is great - you can feel how firm the steering is, gas mileage not bad .either

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  Driving the first Genesis Coupe in town - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Denise - October 10 - 9:56 am

  Happened to be on the lot when this one arrived at local dealership. Looking for replacement of Elantra totaled this week. It catches your eye immediately. First thoughts, this isnt a Hyundai, but do the walk around and you know. They have really taken this one up a notch. This is the seventh Hyundai for our family and my son has a Tibaron GT. The Tibaron is great but really doesnt compare to the Coupe as far as I am concerned. Drivability is excellent and exciting. Front seat comfort is great and back really isnt terrible, what youd find in any coupe. As a female I am loving the thought that I know what Ive got under me. Drive one, youll see! Parents, drive before you buy for a child