2012 Hyundai Genesis
Starting MSRP $34,200–$46,500
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National February 14, 2011Vehicle Overview
Introduced for 2009, Hyundai's Genesis full-size sedan aims at established luxury cars like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class with its rear-wheel-drive layout, available V-8 power and upscale features. Other primary competitors include the Ford Taurus, Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon.
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe, a sport-oriented rear-drive car, is covered in a separate report in the Cars.com Research section.
New for 2012
Following a slight bump in horsepower to the 4.6-liter V-8 for 2011, Hyundai has made more changes to the Genesis' available drivetrains for 2012. The base V-6 is now rated at 333 hp, a 43-hp gain, and another V-8 has been added to the engine offerings. A new 429-hp V-8 goes in the 5.0 R-Spec model, which is a new performance-oriented version of the full-size sedan. In addition, the Genesis gains some mild exterior styling tweaks.
Exterior
The Genesis doesn't break new ground with its exterior styling, but it manages to look upscale, if a bit conservative. Changes for 2012 include a wider opening in the lower front bumper, a slightly different look to the grille and new headlights with LEDs (on R-Spec models, the headlights have dark chrome accents). The taillights have a new look, too, and the car gains power-folding side mirrors. Exterior features include:
- 17-, 18- or 19-inch wheels available
- Optional adaptive headlights that swivel in the direction of turns
- Standard heated side mirrors
- Standard fog lights
Interior
The influence of the luxury segment can be seen in the design of the Genesis' cabin. The middle of the dash bulges outward like the one on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Hyundai has picked up on the German luxury brands' fascination with integrated control knobs with a system that's used to operate one of the available navigation systems (a touch-screen navigation system is also offered). Interior features include:
- Standard XM Satellite Radio
- Standard Bluetooth cell phone connectivity
- Standard USB audio input
- Standard leather upholstery and power front seats
- Standard heated front seats
- Optional cooled driver's seat
- Optional heated rear seats
- Optional leather dashboard
- Optional power sunshade
Under the Hood
Genesis buyers have the choice of a V-6 or two V-8 engines. The Genesis is rear-wheel drive, and all of the engines team with an eight-speed automatic transmission that improves gas mileage. Mechanical features include:
- 333-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 that makes 291 pounds-feet of torque
- 385-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 that makes 333 pounds-feet of torque on premium gas (slight decrease in performance on regular gas)
- 429-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 that makes 376 pounds-feet of torque on premium gas
- 5.0 R-Spec adds larger front and rear stabilizer bars, special 19-inch alloy wheels and optional summer performance tires
Safety
Standard features include:
- Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
- Electronic stability system
- Side-impact airbags for the front and rear seats
- Side curtain airbags and front active head restraints
- Optional front and rear parking sensors, backup camera, and lane-departure warning
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Kristin Varela | Cars.com National | January 24, 2012 |
| David Thomas | Cars.com National | June 20, 2011 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | February 14, 2011 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Scott Burgess | The Detroit Newspapers | October 13, 2011 |
| Clifford Atiyeh | Boston.com | August 10, 2011 |
| Warren Brown | washingtonpost.com | August 5, 2011 |
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