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By 
Bengt Halvorson, Editor
The automotive experts at TheCarConnection.com have consulted with reviews from a range of respected sources to produce this comprehensive report covering the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. TheCarConnection.com’s editors have seen the Genesis up close and bring you additional observations that may help distinguish it from the competition.
Likes
-Straight-line acceleration
-Elegant, stylish interior design
-Quiet, refined cabin
-Vast backseat space
Dislikes
-Overly conservative exterior
-Doesn’t handle like a sport sedan
-Some details are lacking
The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is an entirely new, sporty rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan that takes the top position in Hyundai’s lineup, above the front-wheel-drive Azera.
From the outside, the Genesis is proportioned as nicely as most sport sedans from Europe or Japan, but its styling cues are more familiar than fresh; its bright and prominent grille design is perhaps the most memorable attribute.
Inside, the cabin feels much less derivative and follows an especially distinctive design path, with gentle, flowing curves and a horizontal dashboard design that minimizes the center console and allows a more open front-seat area. Depending on the trim, the door panels and console lid are wrapped in leather. Seating space is also a strong point, especially in back where the Genesis is much more spacious than most sport sedans, and acoustic laminated glass helps cut down road and wind noise.
Two models of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis will be offered; the Genesis 3.8 comes with a 290-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6, while the Genesis 4.6 packs a 375-hp, 4.6-liter V-8. Both engines deliver their power through six-speed automatic transmissions, and both meet tighter ULEV-II emissions standards. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended for the V-8, but both models have respectable fuel economy, with the V-6 rating 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway.
The V-8 model can accelerate to 60 mph in less than six seconds, according to Hyundai, and an advanced, aluminum-intensive, five-link suspension setup helps provide responsive handling with good ride comfort; kickback through the steering wheel is said to be reduced by the arrangement. Though the arrangement doesn’t provide the kind of road feel or agility when pushed hard as the best European sport sedans do, it strikes a good balance of comfort and responsiveness.
Standard features on both Genesis models include dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a proximity entry system, a power sunroof, power heated side mirrors, heated leather seats, and a seven-speaker sound system. The 4.6 model upgrades to premium upholstery, a rear sunshade, a leather-wrapped dash, and rain-sensing wipers. A Technology Package adds ultrasonic front and rear parking sensors, a heated and cooled driver’s seat, and adaptive front lighting, along with a navigation system and DVD changer.
There’s also a Lexicon surround-sound audio system with 500 watts, 12 channels, and 17 speakers, plus an HD radio tuner. All Genesis sound systems come with XM Satellite Radio and inputs for USB and iPod attachments, and models with the navigation system also bring the XM NavTraffic service, a Bluetooth interface, and a screen-based menu system.
The Genesis comes with all the expected safety equipment for a high-end luxury sedan, and then some. Side-curtain airbags for front and back occupants, front side airbags, rear side airbags, and active front head restraints are included, along with electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes. The 2009 Hyundai Genesis received five-star crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but has not yet been crash-tested by the insurance-affiliated IIHS.
The Bottom Line:
The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is an extremely plush, comfortable luxury sedan, with a dash of sporty character; it costs less, but lacks the prestige of luxury-brand rivals.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Hyundai Genesis, also consider:
Chrysler 300C
Infiniti M35/45
Lexus GS 350/460
Pontiac G8
Hyundai has targeted BMW as a benchmark, but the real competition for the Genesis is from Japan—from the likes of the Infiniti M35/45 and Lexus GS 350/460—and also from Chrysler and GM, with the 300C and G8, respectively. According to initial reports, the Genesis doesn’t deliver the edgy handling response and communicative steering that characterizes the M35/45, or the flawless execution of the details that the GS flaunts, but against the American-brand sport sedans, the Genesis is a compelling alternative. Versus either the 300C or the G8, the Genesis sells for a similar price but offers a more spacious interior and a wide range of standard features. Dealership service is another issue; although Hyundai says that it will have a dedicated area and specially trained salespeople for the Genesis at each of its U.S. dealerships, it competes with several luxury brands that offer far greater depth of service at their dealerships.
Buying Tip
If you’re considering the 2009 Hyundai Genesis against one of the luxury-brand competitors like Lexus or Infiniti, be sure to go to those dealerships and consider the worth of the extra services—such as free loaner cars during service—that they might provide.
Comments (18 total):
Comment on Genesis
By Joel Farr | Posted: 10/7/2008
Beautiful car!
Comment
By Joel | Posted: 10/7/2008
Beautiful car!
Genesis Test Drive
By Craig Ojala | Posted: 16/7/2008
Drove the 290hp V6 yesterday. Very impressive inside and out. Solid, quiet, powerful and comfortable. Take the "H" off the trunk and most would think it was a Lexus or other luxary sedan.
Genesis Test Drive
By Craig Ojala | Posted: 16/7/2008
Drove the 290hp V6 yesterday. Very impressive inside and out. Solid, quiet, powerful and comfortable. Take the "H" off the trunk and most would think it was a Lexus or other luxary sedan.
Test drove one yesterday
By Ray | Posted: 18/7/2008
I also drove the 6 cylinder. It did not have the technology package. Likes: Interior styling, fit and finish, awesome stereo (am anxious to hear the upgraded version in the technology package!), roominess, features, very cool dashboard & instrumentation, quietness, very smooth ride. Dislikes: Too big and cushy to be tossable (this is NOT a sport sedan), does not feel as strong as 290hp, accelerator needed to be really floored before the car would get up and go. Brakes a little bit touchy. Driver's seat felt more economy-car to me than luxo-cruiser, would have liked a little more thigh support. Verdict: A worthy replacement for my 2007 TL which comes off lease next year. Others to consider will be new TL, TSX, and Maxima.
Nice but way over priced
By rmoriarty | Posted: 23/7/2008
Test drove it last weekend and was impressed...however, was extremely turned off by how much the dealership was asking for it...$40k and it only had the standard package...so much for their "Luxury Sedan for under $30K" promos...I told them I'd check back with them in a few months and wished them luck!
Genesis test drive!
By Yoon Choi | Posted: 29/7/2008
Awesome! I drove the genesis last sunday and I thought I was driving BMW. Cabin was quiet, brake was firm, and handling was solid. Two of my kids who were sitting back said they had enough reg room.
bought one -- love it
By Chris | Posted: 2/8/2008
I now have 1K on the car -- bought a month ago for 36500 with options. I'm getter way better city mileage than I expected -- 24mpg, and have yet to take it for an extended drive on the highway. You do need to purchase the optional Ipod cable if you wish to take full advantage of the IPOD's menu. Car takes too long to reduce RPMs if you push the accelerate to the floor and then instantly remove it... mind you I used to own a porsche, so perhaps not a good comparison. Great ride, very comfortable. For my money, it provides all of the options I want without the overpricing you pay for the bwm/lexus/infinit branding.
bought one -- love it
By Chris | Posted: 2/8/2008
I now have 1K on the car -- bought a month ago for 36500 with options. I'm getter way better city mileage than I expected (6 cyl) -- 24mpg, and have yet to take it for an extended drive on the highway. You do need to purchase the optional Ipod cable if you wish to take full advantage of the IPOD's menu. Car takes too long to reduce RPMs if you push the accelerate to the floor and then instantly remove it... mind you I used to own a porsche, so perhaps not a good comparison. Great ride, very comfortable. For my money, it provides all of the options I want without the overpricing you pay for the bwm/lexus/infinit branding.
bought one -- love it
By Chris | Posted: 2/8/2008
I now have 1K on the car -- bought a month ago for 36500 with options. I'm getter way better city mileage than I expected (6 cyl) -- 24mpg, and have yet to take it for an extended drive on the highway. You do need to purchase the optional Ipod cable if you wish to take full advantage of the IPOD's menu. Car takes too long to reduce RPMs if you push the accelerate to the floor and then instantly remove it... mind you I used to own a porsche, so perhaps not a good comparison. Great ride, very comfortable. For my money, it provides all of the options I want without the overpricing you pay for the bwm/lexus/infinit branding.
bought one -- love it
By Chris | Posted: 2/8/2008
I now have 1K on the car -- bought a month ago for 36500 with options. I'm getter way better city mileage than I expected (6 cyl) -- 24mpg, and have yet to take it for an extended drive on the highway. You do need to purchase the optional Ipod cable if you wish to take full advantage of the IPOD's menu. Car takes too long to reduce RPMs if you push the accelerate to the floor and then instantly remove it... mind you I used to own a porsche, so perhaps not a good comparison. Great ride, very comfortable. For my money, it provides all of the options I want without the overpricing you pay for the bwm/lexus/infinit branding.
bought one -- love it
By Chris | Posted: 2/8/2008
I now have 1K on the car -- bought a month ago for 36500 with options. I'm getter way better city mileage than I expected (6 cyl) -- 24mpg, and have yet to take it for an extended drive on the highway. You do need to purchase the optional Ipod cable if you wish to take full advantage of the IPOD's menu. Car takes too long to reduce RPMs if you push the accelerate to the floor and then instantly remove it... mind you I used to own a porsche, so perhaps not a good comparison. Great ride, very comfortable. For my money, it provides all of the options I want without the overpricing you pay for the bwm/lexus/infinit branding.
Mr.
By Tim | Posted: 4/8/2008
I drove a V-6 today, without the technology package. As a whole I was impressed. The car is solid and well isolated from both noise and road roughness. The interior quality is as good as most luxury cars, and the cabin layout is intuitive. The engine did not feel as powerful as I expected, but it sounded great. The car had very neutral cornering with only a hint of oversteer. I could carry a lot of speed through the corners with this car, the tires gripped well and the suspension felt solid. The steering had very little feedback however, and although it cornered well it was not anywhere near as fun to drive, accurate, or confidence inspiring as a BMW, often considered the benchmark for cornering dynamics. Once again, this car was very impressive as a whole. There is no question it's a bargain, and the difference in cost between the Genesis and well known luxury cars are mostly intangible (service, cornering feel, etc.)
I dunno...
By Lincoln | Posted: 18/8/2008
I'm totally impressed by this car, don't get me wrong. But for similar money, you could buy the Lincoln MKS which was scored slightly higher by Car Connection. I think the MKS has a little more bang for the buck because of it's technology. I know a lot of you may never get a Lincoln but I must say the MKS looks like a marginally better car.
WOW!
By Ray | Posted: 21/8/2008
Great car. For the price please I have Ford and Lincoln products, and nice as they are they dont hold a candle to the V8 version. If I was German I might be getting a little nervous at this point.
President
By Steve W. Truitt | Posted: 25/8/2008
I test drove the Genesis 2 days ago before I inked the deal for a 2009 Maxima. I was told by a friend that I at least needed to look at it before I bought the Maxima. I was hoping to find fault with the car as i REALLY wanted to Maxima I had already took for a test drive. When I got in the V-6 model without the Tech package I will have to say I was in awe! The only thing I found fault with was that it did not offer a heated steering wheel. I loved the Genesis and will take delivery of my blackpearl/cashmere Genesis V-6 with the Tech package tomorrow. It is by far the best car for the money out there!
Bought one then another
By Dennis | Posted: 27/8/2008
Last week I bought my wife the V6 with everything but the tech package. I drove it over the weekend and was so impressed that I went back on Monday and bought myself one. I have owned many German autos and this is in the same league as the 5 series and costs less. I am impressed with its handling and quiet interior. I have never been impressed enough to buy two of the same vehicles at the same time. If you are thinking about one take a drive and you will be impressed.
Just traded in my CLK
By Chuck | Posted: 28/8/2008
Test drove it yesterday and traded in my old CLK. I needed a commuter car and you can't beat this car in price/performance. I was also looking at the 550i since BMW is giving .9% interest. I needed a commuter car and you can't beat this car in price/performance. I also have a Porsche for the weekends.
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