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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  This is a Hyundai?!? - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Cruizin3 - February 13 - 2:46 pm

  If you are looking at this car, make sure you drive the track model. I drove the touring and liked it, but the Track Model blew me away. I first looked at the 2.0t. i liked the power, but thought it needed a little more. Should be an easy fix for anyone willing to make a couple changes, but I prefer my warranty. The 3.8 has plenty of power to spare though. Turn the traction control off and the rear end swings out easily. The car picks up great and the throaty growl of the engine is awesome when you get on the gas. There is minimal body roll and the car stays composed as you fly around the corners. The big 4 caliper Brembos scrub off the speed in a hurry too.

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  Spiffy - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By ABQTones - January 26 - 12:50 am

  Love it! Its not perfect, BUT great torque and pick-up. Accelerates very quickly. With respect to driving experience, the only thing Ive noticed is that it can sometimes be a little slow to respond when coming out of a dead stop. Its like it takes an extra second or two before it realizes it needs to go and once that happens the car moves very quickly. Wish it were a little more responsive. Looks great, VERY sexy. Ive gotten compliments from co-workers and friends! (very cynical people)

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  Dont judge a book by its cover - 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By tirbid - January 17 - 1:26 pm

  A beautiful and comfortable ride ruined by terrible transmission and waste gate design. Shes quick, relatively inexpensive, comfortable to ride in but she has a fatal flaw. She sounds like a bucket of bolts after three thousand miles. My friends think theres something broke but there isnt. The waste gate rattles loudly and the transmission grinds. Hyundai claims this is normal and wont do anything about it, essentially their build quality lacks.

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  Greatly improved - 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By stalyn59 - December 21 - 11:25 am

  As a previous 2010 coupe owner all I can say is that Hyundai has improved this car inside and out. I think Hyundai has done and outstanding job of responding to the earlier owner surveys, its no wonder how they have become so competetive in todays market.

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  Best Car I have ever owned!!!!!!!!!! - 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By cbarron721 - November 30 - 5:49 am

  The car is blast to drive and is the first vehicle to ever replace the thrill of the ninja ZX6R. The turbo feels smooth and kicks in hard. The only two areas where I would say need to be improved (they seem to be on the 2013) is the quality of the interior and the performance. I gave both of those a 4 because the interior is nice but does leave something to be desired and the performance is great but they really should have used a larger intercooler and could have tuned it better. I have owned this car since new in February 2012, I bought the 2012 because the 2013 front end just does not do it for me, and the 2012 is more mod friendly. I have already switched to a single exhaust and SRI

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  Love it, but not unconditionally - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By curtis - October 14 - 11:00 pm

  Love the car overall but it does have limitations. Car handles and drives great and looks even better. Love the saddle leather interior though seats are very firm. Ride is a little rough, when coupled with road noise makes any trip over an hour tiresome with back/butt aches. GT was $27k out the door (incl the $500 military rebate), VERY well equipped for the price. Cockpit feel is great with everything within easy reach but has limited storage. Clutch is VERY hard to master- HATE IT! Very difficult to shift smoothly w/o skipping gears to improve smoothness(i.e. going 1-3-5 or 2-4-6 instead of 1,2,3,4...). Was a die-hard 6-spd guy, now Im cured. Nav is easy to use but screen is a tad bit small

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  drove it had to have it - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By t - September 29 - 8:33 pm

  all the sales person had to do was get me behind the wheel, it sold its self. Great power and just fun to drive. Gets a lot of attention since there are not many out yet.

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  Value for Money - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By es - August 8 - 5:33 am

  This car is unbelievably smooth with raw power and exquisite handling not to mention the awesome design and looks. I could not have asked for more for the value that I got compared to the base model of other car makers, this car is without a doubt more than a base model. It has leather seats, fog lamps, power remote trunk, alarm, remote keyless entry, electronic stability control, abs, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, 18 inch alloy wheels, satellite radio, automatic headlights, automatic air conditioner, bluetooth, etc. The ride is not punishing but stable as it glides through the wind. Two extra seats in the aft section for petite passengers.

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  Dropped a Jag for a Hyundaiot - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By GenCoupeLover - July 10 - 7:23 am

  Until I test drove this car, I couldnt imagine buying a Hyundai. But as soon as I got behind the wheel, I fell in love. Being Hyundais first rear-wheel drive car, their first real sports car (Scoupe/Tiburon dont count), I expected a lot less. The turbo gives the car a "peppy" feel you dont get with the V6. The exterior styling is unique and almost exotic. You could probably slap an Aston, Infiniti, or Lotus badge on it and it wouldnt look out of place. Road trips are a blast -- its quieter than my Jaguar X-Type, and it handles like an M3. This is by far my favorite car Ive ever had.

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  Love this car! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Aura - June 26 - 8:20 pm

  This is my first passenger car, I’ve always had SUVs, and so far I love it. The drive is fun and sporty and very comfortable to drive everyday to work. The quality in the feel and drive is great and the features are second to none. Highly recommended!