2009 Hyundai Genesis new car reviews

The Genesis Sedan is handsome, and the lack of a Hyundai logo on the front of the car is an interesting design choice.
Inside, the Genesis stays on the luxury sedan target with high-tech gizmos and attractive materials.
Hyundai's Lambda V6 engine provides ample thrust, and we were shocked to find that it's just slightly behind a Lexus engine in smoothness.

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: 85.69

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

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens
Editorial Director

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.

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Comments
Nashco
Nashco UberDork
2/10/09 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???

Per Schroeder
Per Schroeder PowerDork
2/10/09 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.

pinchvalve
pinchvalve GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
2/11/09 11:51 a.m.

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

PatrickWeaver
PatrickWeaver New Reader
2/21/09 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?

aussiesmg
aussiesmg MegaDork
4/30/09 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?

Tim Baxter
Tim Baxter PowerDork
4/30/09 9:23 a.m.

Aussie, look in the spec box (upper right)

amyguo861023
amyguo861023 None
9/12/10 10:14 p.m.

I have AD900 Pro and AD900 manual,but i don't know where i can attach it.anyone need it ,pls feel free to contact me.I am happy to share it to everyone.

E-mail:sales02@cardiag.co.uk MSN:sales02@cardiag.co.uk phone:(86)15072360818

Scott Lear
Scott Lear
12/10/13 12:00 a.m.

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.

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