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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  What a car! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By wadeboshiverson - June 10 - 8:33 am

  At first glance of the stylish exterior you would think that the Genesis coupe is an upscale Italian designed wonder for the super rich. The car is much more stylish and classy looking in black and white but for the "younger" generation the bright colors make it look extremely young and fresh. I personally love the black and white color choices as well as nixing the spoiler option. The cabin is a lovely place to be and is very quiet and livable with automatic climate, leather and touch screen navigation. The automatic is wonderful as well and the sound of the exhaust is intoxicating willing the driver to push the accelerator down. Steering feel is excellent. Bottom line a driving pleasure!

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  2013 Genesis waste gate Rattle!!! - 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By orvpickett - May 29 - 8:24 am

  My 2013 2.0T premium has a horrible rattle coming from the turbo waste. Hyundai refuses to fix mine or anyone elses saying its normal. Trust me when you hear the loose washers on a bolt sound coming from our cars you wouldnt like it either. Its awful! Wouldnt recommend this car to anyone since Hyundai refuses to fix them. It cost way to much money to own a car you are embarrassed to start around people.

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  BEST CAR EVER!!! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By buffus1 - May 16 - 8:35 am

  I am a self-admitted car snob and if you had told me 5 years ago that I would buy a Hyundai, I would have laughed at you. I am also notorious for getting bored with my cars at about the 18 month mark. I have had my Genesis for 2 1/2 years and love it as much (quite possibly, even more!) as the day I bought it! It is amazingly nimble for a car its size! It handles about like my 350-Z did stock and the back end isnt twitchy like the American muscle cars tend to be. Its definitely quick and its very comfortable. Best of all, it has been extremely reliable! Only con is that people stop me everywhere I go to look at it and ask me all about it and there are always noseprints on the windows!

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  Genesis Coupe is on the Market - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By jdfoster1 - May 9 - 9:43 pm

  The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe boasts the advances of this Korean company in todayÂ’s world. This new coupe has everything a perspiring luxury car owner is looking for. With a 3.8L engine, this car will give you that feeling of power and superiority that you get from many exotic cars. You will not feel slow in this speedster. This car easily possesses the visual effects of a Ferrari, such as the head-turning effect. With many colors available, such as the vibrant yellow, this car will not be missed as it takes a stroll down the street. The 2011 Hyundai Genesis is a very reliable competitor in the rising sports-car industry.

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  Dont buy a Hyundai Genesis - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By davidirn - May 1 - 4:12 pm

  We bought a new Genesis coupe in 2011. This is the worst mistake of our lives. It is by far the cheapest vehicle we have ever owned. The ride is so stiff and uncomfortable. We dont dare take it on long trips. The road noise is so bad you cant even hear the stereo or hear yourself think. The interior is so cheap just touching the interior causes marks that will not come off. The navigation system has taken us to places we never programed it for. After owning it for just a few months we had to take it back to the dealer to have the seats replaced because the stain on the leather was wearing off and white spots are coming thru. The transmission is very difficult to shift. Dont buy!

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  Superb sports car for the money. - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By UpInSmoke - February 27 - 10:00 am

  After researching various vehicles, I decided on the Genesis Coupe, and boy am I pleased with my decision. Walked into a dealership without any intention on buying that day, but after one test drive, I was sold. The car handles great, performs even better, is surprisingly refined inside (especially with the new 2011 interior changes), and literally screams "Look at me!" from the outside. Even things that other critics cited as potential issues, such as a very bumpy ride on the track model and sub par sound from the infinity sound system, didnt seem justified from my experience so far. My only advice, leave the ESC "ON" until you become accustomed to the power and handling of this beast!

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  great car, questionable warranty support - 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By putz5 - January 6 - 6:17 pm

  this car has the same issue my 2.0t sonota did (same Turbo) and Hyundai is still turning a blind eye to the issue saying it is "normal" such a great looking car, shame it sounds like a dodge K car with no oil

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  Nothing But Good Things - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By maj17 - November 26 - 8:50 pm

  I purchased the 3.8 Genesis Coupe on 9/19/09 and have enjoyed every minute behind the wheel. The acceleration is excellent as is the ride - very smooth. I get 29 mpg on the highway and 25 in city driving. Once I adjusted the seat to my liking, everything is fine. My only complaint is the console between the seats - it continuously pops up! Its annoying but until I take the car in for servicing Ive learned to live with the problem. Taking curves at high speed is nothing but fun. Ive never had a vehicle with such power and this car is what Ive been looking for. Ive received thumbs up from the police as well as average drivers who cant believe its a Hyundai.

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  Drive before you buy! - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By spark1952 - November 23 - 8:05 am

  This auto performs and handles excellant. The problem is the ride ( of course it is a sports car) and the road noise. I own a 1968 RS/SS Camero that rides better. I drove this vehicle 400 miles on interstate and wasnt impress with the quality of ride and road noise. I bought new drove 400 miles and 3 days. In contacting the dealer. He would take it back if I tok a $10,000.00 hit on it. Not a very good deal. Wouldnt recommend. Stick to American sports car.

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  Get the V6... Awesome car! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By danneenee - October 11 - 7:30 am

  So I am a recent college graduate and I wanted something that would be fun to drive. I first tested a 2.0Turbo automatic and a 3.8L V6 manual... initially the clutch was a bit rough to get use to but after two test drives I was convinced. The V6 is very powerful for the price and just everything about the car feels like your not paying enough. The base V6 still has the ipod connections and interface, blue tooth, black leather, auto headlights and climate control. Dont think that you need the upgraded sound the base sound is still great I was very impressed. Do yourself a favor and get the manual V6 feels and sounds like a muscle car.