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 Chess - January 25 - 9:03 am

  Ive had my Genesis Coupe GT for only a week now but all I can say is "Wow, what a car!" After test driving a Camaro and then laughing at the salesman when he told me of the $3,ooo minimum mark up above sticker, I tried my luck on a Pontiac G8. Nothing doing there either. So I went across the highway to the Hyundai dealership to test drive the Genesis Coupe, and boy am I glad I did! The Gen Coupe handles amazingly on all types of roads. Ive already driven it on the interstate, local roads and hilly, winding roads as well. Power is abundant, and the transmission shifts smoothly. The suspension and cornering are sports car tight and it hugs the road like it is bonded to the pavement.

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  Love the car - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By curtis - January 2 - 12:26 pm

  Out the door at $27k for 3.8 Grand Touring w/ 6-spd & nav. VERY powerful, handles great, and fun to drive. It rides a little rough compared to the avg sedan but thats to be expected- ensure you hit rough roads during your test drive or you may be disappointed. Seats become very hard and uncomfortable to the back/but after about an hour on the highway. Nav is easy to use, love all of the features on the GT- great value. A great city car, not so great if you need people/cargo or drive on crappy roads. Definitely turns heads. Makes you slightly taller, more intelligent, funnier, and lots more handsome. Love the car but it has limitations- not a good family car but a very fun toy for 2 adults.

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  They Broke the Code! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By RPMontgomery - December 14 - 6:20 pm

  OMG! I am a 62yo professional whos had lots of luxury and a little performance, and this Genesis Coupe is the hottest thing Ive ever had, in so many ways! People ogle it! I love the way it responds to my subtlest tickling of the pedals and steering wheel! Great acceleration, nimble as a cheetah, and so well-balanced its a dream to drive, easy or hard. Love it! The fit, finish, and style of every little detail is unsurpassed! And the car is intelligent! It wouldnt even allow my wife to lock the key in the trunk--it knew it was there! Mileage on regular gas is far better than I expected, and the engine has a great sound. No detractors! I could sell these things!!

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  Amazing Car - 2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Carlos Valdes - December 3 - 8:43 pm

  first off this website has a few things wrong with what the car exactly has. i have the base model but with duel tone seat and i had it checked out and i do have a limited rear slip differential, audio and cursie controls on the steering wheel and a few other things. I had the 2.0T before i got the 3.8 and as soon as i drove the 3.8 i could notice an extreme difference in the response and in the gear shifting. The actual gears ride to higher speeds while in the 2.0t the first and second is basically never to be driven in because it just doesnt reach high enough speeds to be practical while the 3.8 first and especially in second. and i know they fuel mpg is average around 18 but i drive in cruise control and i get around 22mpg. As well as it is a very safe car while i had the 2.0t someone going 65 in a 35 hit the front bumper and everyone in the car was completely un hurt and fine. Overall the 3.8 is a much better then the 2.0T and a very safe and practical car

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  Ridiculous value - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By KC Cruiser - November 9 - 10:30 pm

  Ive only had this for a short while, but everything about this car has met my high expectations. For Hyundais first venture into the performance arena, the Genesis Coupe is a stellar debut. With comparable equipment, the Infiniti G37 listed out over $10K more & the only real edge Id give the G37 is in the aesthetics of the interior design. The Gennie Coupe is comfortable, quick off the line & navigating in traffic, nimble in maneuvering, & very stylish---talk about turning heads on the road! I would definitely recommend it as a quality performance car that represents a clearly superior value to anything in its price range, & it can compete with others priced several thousand dollars more.

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  Features and performance that undercuts the segment. - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By compugeek5150 - October 12 - 4:48 pm

  2nd owner 2011 3.8 RSpec Imola Yellow. After looking at several vehicles and test driving even more at the $20k pricepoint, theres just not a lot of other cars that ticks of as many checkboxes that this does. My only real gripe is the lack of cruise control on the RSpec (but its standard on the Track edition - wat.) This car compares favorably to the 350/370z, although interior materials fall a bit short of a G35/G37. I cant comment on the stock navi, as the previous owner has replaced it - no complaints with usability however you might want to look to other reviews if this is a must have feature for you.

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  Cheap cure for midlife crisis - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Govols - September 28 - 10:26 pm

  Ive put ~1000 miles on my Genesis Coupe and I have not regretted the purchase. The car rides every bit as well as it looks. The automatic transmission is silky smooth and theres plenty of oomph. The brakes in the base model are a bit waffly, though. Ive been averaging 25 MPG in mixed city/highway driving. The engine emits a spine-tingling growl, but on the flip side, theres way too much road noise on the highway. Even the base model comes loaded with features. Seats are comfortable, but I really would like to have more up/down adjustment or a telescoping steering wheel. Visibility is surprisingly good for such a low car. The bluetooth is buggy -- mine has not worked from day one.

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  A real pleaser !! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By cnauta70 - September 24 - 6:00 pm

  By far the best bang-for-the-buck out there today across any platform. Get the 2.0T as it will be more customizable and tweekable for performance as more and more comes out for it. If you dont want to tweak performance, then get the 3.8. This is one smooth, quiet and confident car when accelerating, braking or turning. As far as looks go, there is none better in this class. I get looks and double-takes at every stop light. I even heard a biker say "Look that is one of those new Genesis cars..wow I heard they sell for $ 60,000.00 !! :) Lol....little did he know that I only paid $ 29,000 Canadian for it.

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  Awesome Car - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Zach - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome ride. looks amazing, have gotten a ton of comments from family and friends, but even more from complete strangers. quick and light too, love the acceleration and power it has. styling is sick, both inside and out. all around really fun to drive around town and zip down the freeway in. have yet to take it on windy roads to really see what she can handle. and for the money theres no better car.

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  Excellent Sports Car- Fun to Drive! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Michele Smith - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Genesis Coupe a few weeks ago. My brother introduced me to the car; reporting it to be one of the best cars out this year. When I first laid eyes on this car, I couldnt believe it was a Hyundai! The exterior is sleek and very sporty. The interior has all the bells and whistles as a 350z or G35/G37. I was upgrading tremendously, coming from a 07 Toyota Corolla! The ride is smooth and handles well around corners. You know you love your car when you look back at it 3-5 times as you walk away!