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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  The car! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Ryan - March 17 - 1:00 pm

  If youre in the market for a sports car this is it! Drove all the American muscle, very big and clumsy. The Genesis coupe suspension and steering is tight and nimble, throttle response is fantastic and the paddle shifters are responsive for the money. Cant believe this is a Hyundai. They have come a long way from the 80s when they manufactured crap. Go test drive one and you wont have to read another review. The Genesis coupe speaks for itself! Under normal driving conditions leave the traction control on or you may leave a skid mark and not the kind you find on the road.

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  Outstanding Choice - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By pokey411 - March 5 - 12:51 pm

  My choice was between this coupe or the VW cc and after driving the 3.6 and the 2.0 RSpec I landed on the 2.0 Premium. Very tight ride and smooth to the road, the interior is simple but very well designed and elegant. Comfort and noise level was important to me because of the amount of time I spend in my car, this does not disappoint, even on the 2.0. I believe the cloth seats are more comfortable than the leather. Acceleration is phenomenal, a tough choice between the 2.0 and 3.6 but a few dealers did say they liked the 2.0. Overall, you cannot go wrong with this car based on far to many factors

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  It Sold Itself - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Buff - January 29 - 9:26 am

  While my wife and I was looking for a decent economy car for our daughter, we bought one of the best driving experiences Ive ever had. The steering is tight and precise, and the turbo is more than quick enough for a normal commuter dodging cell-phone-users on the interstate. People in every parking lot Ive been in stare at it. The fact its a Hyundai blows them away. The only downside for me is that it is my daughters...

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  Very, very fun - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Nick - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I waited a while to review and after almost a year the car is wonderful. Chopped off the resonator for a bit more power and changed to a k&n intake, but other than that stock. Car is quick, not fast. Handling is superb. Very reliable, no issues. Cant wait to take it to a track day and see what it can do in a safe environment. Great for 2 people but back seat is only for storage. Paddle shifters are in the wrong place though, should be mounted on to the column instead of the steering wheel making it clumsy. Use the sequential gearbox instead. This is a great car until I go get a vette or a jag s-type. You wont think it is a Hyundai.

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  Gets Lots of Attention! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Val - January 18 - 6:00 pm

  A beautiful car that gets lots of attention. Handles very well. Gas mileage isnt as good as advertised but not bad for a sports car. Poorly- designed front bumper as it catches on every parking curb - has been ripped off once and scrapes every time. Auto body shop says he sees this car for same problem frequently. Brake pad rumbles/vibrates when coming to hard stop. Blue Tooth Technology not so good - takes too long to engage the cell phone. Otherwise, Ive really enjoyed the car.

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  Not to be expected of Hyundai - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By pcseely - January 16 - 3:36 pm

  Fantastic car to drive. I have had a few longer road trips and the car feels the road like you would expect from a european model of $20K more. I am a tall man 63" and sitting in the drivers seat feels extremely comfortable and has great visability. I fell in love with the look from the 2009 model and have received numerous compliments from people. Each one has been shocked this was a Hyundai. The car has aggressive lines and the two-tone interior really adds the extra sportiness to the black exterior. Very happy about my decision.

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  People Keep Asking - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Karen - October 2 - 1:06 pm

  People keep asking me about this car and commenting on how great it looks. I get a lot of "thumbs up" when driving down the road. I was hesitant to give up my Saab 93 convertible but am glad I picked this car when the market fell out from under Saab.

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  In the Beginning - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Stinky - August 23 - 8:23 am

  If this is how Hyundai enters the sports car market I can hardly wait to see the refined product a few years from now. Handling is excellent. Power& low end torque are good. Exterior styling is luscious; far better than the vanilla g37,370z, mustang and the clunky camaro. Interior styling is pleasing and the seats are way comfortable without sacrificing support. Forward visibility is excellent. Rear window visibility not so hot; proper mirror adjustment compensates nicely. Whether driving in town, on the interstate, or backroad twisties this car behaves admirably. Steering is responsive and provides good road feel. Rear end feels hooked up and predictable when pushed to this cars limits. Great car!

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  genesis coupe 2.0 is a sweet ride - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By roll875 - May 16 - 2:26 am

  Once owned a Honda crx the gas mileage was great but the quality and ride of the Genesis coupe blows it away. Considered the eclipse and the forte coupe but they dont compare the the Genesis coupe. Internet dealer gave me best price held true to it went out of his way to find me the exact model I wanted. Test drive one and you will see for your self. 2.0 has plenty of power 80 in a flash and wants to go faster but generally I never go that fast

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  Its nice fooling all of the others - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By TRP - April 26 - 12:20 am

  10 year/100,000 miles 25 combined MPG (my experience, not EPA) 306HP and 266Lb/ft torque Leather seats, iPod, USB, and Bluetooth This is the only vehicle which fit my very, VERY short list and I had to make no compromises to get. $25,000 for a car which can easily be in BMW/Infiniti range, from a company with no previous hits. I run heavy on the gas and still get 25 miles per gallon, along with at least one redline per drive. There are only two reasons this car didnt get a 9/10 or 10/10 in one category (see below).