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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  Not bad - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By 5000 - August 19 - 7:10 pm

  I just got my ride today 9-1-2009 and I drove it today about 60 miles and it was a different experience for me. I have a 07 BMW 335i twin turbo and that thing just makes anything out there seem pretty tame and lame. This car is not bad for $29,500 that I paid for it. I got it for 400 over invoice and I am sorry to see the BMW go. Now this Hyundai is a head turner and I have to until the 2011 535is come out with the new body style and engine. For the money the car is nice.

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  Nice car - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Jack - August 8 - 2:00 am

  A really nice car - fun to drive, easy to drive, looks and sounds great, and all at bargain basement price. What a deal.

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  Beautiful is what im hearing - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By connie - June 23 - 2:03 am

  i absolutely love the styling of the vehicle that is why i bought it. i have received quite a few raving compliments on it already. gas mileage is 29 on highway and about 20 in town which averages to about 24 when driving both. it definitely feels like a sports car. my only regret is that i did not buy the top of the line. money was tight and i didnt feel justified spending too much (i bought the 2.0 premium, but i really, really wish i had spent more to get the bigger engine, the fog lights, side mirror lights, etc. i was able to have a spoiler added to the premium package by the dealer and the spoiler really makes the car look great. nothing else out their compares!

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  Super fun - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Popeye - June 6 - 12:16 pm

  I would love to submit a review on this vehicle. The look is superb and is definitely a head turner. I have a friend who owns a Santa Fe and it was through this referral that I even considered a Hyundai. I initially did not think I would find any vehicle in the sporty line but indeed I did. This is a great ride and I look am happy I made the purchase. May I also note the dealership was excellent.

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  LOVE my Diamond Blue Genesis Coupe! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By BEN44 - June 2 - 4:23 pm

  I always look forward to pressing the automatic start button and driving this WONDERFUL CAR of mine! The way she handles the road is simply phenomenal... even if its just maneuvering through a grocery store parking lot! My acquqa minerals blue beauty actually makes the drive to work every morning a stimulating experience!

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  My First Car, but shes a beauty - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By inate71 - May 19 - 2:29 pm

  Its my first car, and I LOVE it. Its so much fun to drive, I enjoy the performance, and I simply love the way it looks (I got Silverstone). This thing is incredible. It handles like a dream. It gallops like a stallion, and she is gorgeous to look at--even sounds good. ;)

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  Love this Car! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Joe - April 3 - 12:30 am

  Owned the Genesis Coupe for about three weeks. What a car, performance and power is great and what a value. Would recommend this car to anyone. Love the ZF automatic transmission and the roar of the engine and exhaust is really cool!

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  Good 4 the Money - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By GI 1982 - March 13 - 3:16 am

  Ive had a good time so far with this vehicle. Ive had other sports cars (7), from RX7s to INTEGRA GSR. This car is great. I would like to take it to a good road and just push it to the max, but Ill probably busted. AZ is harsh on speeding, but I understand. I haggled the best I could for a decent price. A "Pretty Blue Boy", thats what I call it!

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  Great Car but with a few downsides - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Eugene - January 22 - 2:03 pm

  I purchased my car in November 2009 and I can say that Hyundai makes great cars. But the main problems I have is that it has a bad rattling noise from the sunroof. I took my car to the dealership but they said they cannot hear the rattling. They said that the rain might have lubricated the sunroof and to bring the car in when it is not raining. Also, the transmission does not down shift smoothly. Other than that, I think the car is great and the styling is awesome. I get compliments from people all the time. The car feels like its worth $40,000 but I only paid $27,000 with a navigation. Unbelievable deal. To me, it looks better than the Infiniti G37.

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  Grinning all the way - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Bill K - January 13 - 8:06 am

  My wife and I both love this car. We are retired and gave up her 2003 Acura 3.2TL and my 2004 red Z06 Corvette to go to one car we both could live with. ItÂ’s a great fun car fully loaded with features. Enjoy the spirited, quick and agile drive. Fit and finish is superb and the best warranty in the business. Some details that donÂ’t show up on the feature list are side door windows that move down a half inch then up into a groove for a water tight seal when the door is closed. Under the hood it has an ignition coil per plug that bolts down over the spark plug eliminating the plug wire. It has a ram air intake from the front grill through duct work to the air filter.