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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  Comfortable for the Long Haul - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Gerald Burda - February 15 - 4:46 pm

  I Purchased mine on 06/20/2009. I drive 90 miles a day round trip. I find the ride very comfortable and relaxing to drive. It performs just like or better than my XJS Jaguar ever did. The handling on the curves, is like riding on a rail. I find the acceleration is there everytime you hit the gas. No slow response from the engine, its up and running before you know it. I do recommend when you buy this car you better buy a radar detector, because you get lost with speed of the car and feel as if your not traveling at a high rate of speed, even though, you really are. Its a must buy if you like a fast running, head turning, hand waving, second look fun driving car. And yes its a HYUNDAI.

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  Genesis Coupe 2013 3.8 track - 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By johnnylobo - February 13 - 4:39 pm

  This is one really impressive car. From nose to tail. I owned a 2008 Infiniti G37 Sport and this car is a very close second to it. In some ways better. The design is a real head turner. The interior is quite comfortable and spacious. The interior and exterior illumination is fantastic. The sound system could be vamped up a bit but still sounds good. The ride is decent. A little rough and the road noise can be loud but not overbearing. Compared to the G37 it feels way lighter. Most standard features are the same in both cars but the Genesis does have a little more. I lease this car and Im excited to see how the Genesis Coupe progresses in the future. Im extremely happy I picked this one.

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  Fabulous Car - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By rphello101 - February 8 - 4:56 pm

  Ive had my car for almost 2 years now and I love it. Ride is acceptable. Handling is very good. Power is phenomenal. Absolutely no issues with it. Build quality is quite good. Sat nav is next to useless - maps are outdated. iPod and Bluetooth connectivity are fantastic - interface lacks a bit. Infinity sound system is fantastic. Maintenance is cheap. I have two formal complaints: the traction control is absolutely horrible. It allows for 0 tire slip - very safe, but not fun. It will practically put your head thru the windshield when it kicks on. Take it off and youll end up backwards. Secondly, the exhaust sounds like it came off the Elantra. Im in a big V6 sports car - sound like it!

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  Buy one - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By demcowboys9 - January 30 - 3:20 pm

  I love this car! I bought the base package (no sunroof, leather, push button start, nor brembo brakes) and still found it to far out weigh anything else in value. Comes standard with a 6spm, bluetooth, and tons of other features. My only complaints about the car is that it can be a bit noisy. At about 10k miles, there are a few rattles and small things that annoy me. Also, the car feels like it needs more straight line speed, however if u really want to enjoy this car, get out on a back road and just gun it. The handling is so smooth and responsive. Tuners will have a great empty slate with this car. I bought for $21,600! Payments only 286mo!

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  Amazing Coupe - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By flashgordondayton - January 22 - 10:46 am

  I bought my coupe Saturday June 13, 2009 and it is amazing. The ride, power and comfort level are great. I get looks from people driving corvettes, porsche and Nissan Zs. It is a great value at a low price. Its 306 hoirse power is refined and the ride is smooth. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  genesis 2.0 had for two years - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By cindyropp - January 3 - 7:44 pm

  I bought this car new 2010. I love it, it gets lots of lookes, excellent handling, excellent braking, fun to drive....only minimal repairs. good sound system. Tranmission (manual) no the greatest, seatbelt position is horrible for short people. Back seat folds down but you only get about 20-24 inches of go through space because of design. Gas mileage disappointment for 2.0 4 cyl...21 in city, 24 highway

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  2013 R spec 2.0T Outstanding value! - 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By bdblom - December 23 - 4:30 am

  Purchased this R spec 3/22/13. Coming up on first 1000 miles, Love this car so far! This is our 2nd Hyundai in 2 yrs, My wife drive a 2011 Sonata 2.0T and we love that car as well. The 2.0 direct injected variable valve timing turbo engine is very stout and with 30k on the Sonata, trouble free. I hoped Hyundai would put that engine in the Genesis coupe, so when they did it was a done deal for me. That engine mated to a 6 spd manual is really fun to drive and I love the new look of the coupe. I also appreciate the simplicity of a rear wheel drive 4 cylinder. I am a experienced auto tech (30+ yrs) and find this car to be well thought out. Looking forward to a long term relationship.

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  Great Performance - at any price - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Bob - December 13 - 9:46 pm

  I had bought 3 previous Hyundai models for members of my family and none of them have disappointed me yet. But when Hyundai went into the sports car market I wasnt quite sure what to expect - the Genesis Coupe, like the others didnt disappoint, it is clearly the best yet. I have owned other sports cars, BMW, Mercedes, and a Camaro and the Genesis Coupe outperforms them all in overall performance. Love the exterior and interior designs, everyone who has checked it out has been impressed. The interior is plush but sporty with a cockpit feel to it, the controls are easy to use, and the technology of bluetooth, XM radio, and Ipod connections add to the exceptional performance of the engine

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  Mid Life Crisis - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By SloRideBob - November 17 - 10:30 am

  So far (2800 miles) I have had nothing but great fun with this car. It certainly is a head turner. When the turbo kicks in I get shoved back into my seat, which is great and the bolsters do a good job of keeping me centered in the seat. Cornering is fun and very stable. Speeds approaching 100 (or so Ive heard......ahem, cough, cough) the front end gets really light). The sound system is pretty good, without being very loud on the high end. I love the ipod hookup and the XM radio. The shift pattern of the 6 speed manual is VERY tight and takes some getting used to. Overall my gas mileage is not too bad as long as I try (grin) to stay out of the turbo. I dont regret this purchase.

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  Fun car, very quick - 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By guymoulton - October 20 - 11:15 pm

  The decision for me came down to a used FR-S, Mini or Gencoupe. I chose a 22k miles Gencoupe for a lot of reasons. The head-turning styling, fantastic performance and interior trim all set the Gencoupe apart. The FR-S, with less HP and MUCH less torque, it looks great in the rear view mirror as you blow them away. Plus the Gencoupe has much more rear seat room for my kids. The Mini was the handling choice but lacks power. I love the wastegate chatter (I want to hear my turbo work!) but the turbo overall is not loud enough. The 6 speed tranny is fantastic- tight and precise, its taken some time for me to learn to heel n toe with it (thats made a big difference in smoothness).