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New car reviews » 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Better than: A surprising number of more expensive cars.
But not as good as: The Genesis Coupe will be (for us, anyway).
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 83.69  

For many years, Korean manufacturer Hyundai has been offering models that are essentially bargain-bin versions of popular Japanese cars like the Camry, Civic and RAV4. To bolster consumer confidence, they introduced their famous 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, and with each generation Hyundai has been improving quality while undercutting the big dogs. The new Hyundai Genesis Sedan builds on that momentum by taking a very serious swipe at the likes of Lexus and BMW.

The Genesis is available with a 290-horsepower V6 or a 375-horsepower V8—we drove the V6 model. Hyundai’s Genesis targets the market for cars like the Lexus GS, Inifniti M, Pontiac G8, and BMW 5 Series. For the record, a V8 BMW 550i starts at $60,400; the V8 Genesis, with 15 more horsepower than the V8 BMW, starts at $22,000 less. The V6 Genesis starts at $32,250; compare that to $44,850 for a Lexus GS.

Forty-five grand is no paltry sum to spend on a Hyundai, but even the V6 Genesis comes with all the goodies you’d expect in a luxury sedan, like leather seats (heated up front) and a six-speed automatic. The Genesis we drove had an upgrade package with 18-inch wheels, a 14-speaker Lexicon sound system, and a moonroof. The GRM staff was genuinely impressed by the fit, finish, power and composure of this big sedan. While we’re much more interested in the upcoming Genesis Coupe—it’ll be based on the same basic RWD platform—any of our readers shopping for a luxury sedan should really give the Genesis a try before making a final decision.

Other staff views:

That was the V6? Wow, can’t wait for the V8. I only drove the Hyundai a little bit, but if first impressions mean much then Hyundai did a swell job. I was mainly a passenger in this one, and I can say that the back seat is very nice. Looks like Hyundai has been studying Toyota.

Reader comments:

1. P71: — Feb 9, 2009 8:54 a.m.
   

   Yes! GRM reviews the Genesis! Even if it is the luxo-sedan, it is still a way cool car and it really says something about Hyundai. I’m glad to see the sedan scores so well, that heralds great things for the coupe.

   How did it handle though?

2. Nashco: — Feb 10, 2009 4:12 p.m.
   

   I read the reviews above three times now, but I still feel like I’m missing something. How did it drive???

3. Per Schroeder: — Feb 10, 2009 6:08 p.m.
   

   It was nice, solid build quality. A few slight hums/buzzes here and there, but otherwise, quiet and nice. Good power, reasonable chassis. Really, no terrible habits–but it was still a large luxury sedan with all that entails. I’d compare it with the Lexus GSwhatever. Rear wheel drive and good power, but not a sportster.

4. pinchvalve: — Feb 11, 2009 11:51 a.m.
   

   I have ridden in the V8 and it has lots of oomph!

5. PatrickWeaver: — Feb 21, 2009 4:53 p.m.
   

   I owned a 2005 Tibby. Very good looking car. There is a reason scca puts it in H stock. Is the rear wheel drive coupe for real?

6. aussiesmg: — Apr 30, 2009 8:24 a.m.
   

   I am very interested in these, for my work vehicles I need the room and reliability, also any idea on the economy?

7. Tim Baxter: — Apr 30, 2009 9:23 a.m.
   

   Aussie, look in the spec box (upper right)