The Hyundai Genesis has brought a very positive boost to the Hyundai brand and the new lineup of powerful full sized sedans have made the Hyundai company much more than an economy car maker in the public's eyes. This is a change that has been long in the making and finally has come to pass with the Genesis and Equus are really turning heads not only in the auto industry. The Genesis sedan brings a very powerful car to the foreground of the Hyundai lineup. This model can come with engines offering 290 horsepower forma 3.8 liter V-6 engine or 385 horsepower from a 4.6 liter V-8 engine. Both of the motor options in the Genesis offer a good amount of power, but the V-8 can turn this sedan into a very fast car for a 4 seat vehicle. The Genesis also offers a surprising amount of fuel efficiency considering its powerful motor. This car can get up to 27 MPG on the highway.
Being compared to the Toyota Avalon and other well respected power sedans, this new model from Hyundai has yet to prove itself, but has a lot of potential.
The Range
Body styles: Sedan
Engines: 3.8L V-6, 4.6L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
Models: 3.8, 4.6
What's New
Not much changes for the Genesis for the 2011 model year. The company simplified the number of interior/exterior color combinations available from 16 to 13. The only other change is that the 3.8 Technology package now is standard on all 4.6 models. This includes a 17-speaker 7.1 surround sound audio system, navigation, rearview backup camera, Bluetooth, smart cruise control, and cooled driver seat.
Exterior
The understated Genesis has attractive yet derivative styling. Its most distinctive feature is its grille, which is not universally loved. But its dimensions allow for plenty of interior room and a sizable trunk.
Interior
Leather seats are standard, as are an eight-way power driver seat and a four-way power front passenger seat, both heated. There are also plenty of creature comforts available, including iPod integration, navigation, and satellite radio.
Performance & Handling
During instrumented testing of the Genesis, it ran 0-to-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at 102.2 mph -- and brakes from 60 mph in 113 feet. It also has excellent steering, which is smooth and precise. Even though the Genesis' performance at the track is impressive, it does have some shortcomings, though, the most noticeable being its ride quality on the freeway.
Safety
Ventilated front discs, solid rears, with four-channel, four-sensor ABS, brake assist, traction control, and tire-pressure monitoring are standard. Front airbags, dual front side-impact airbags, rear side-impact airbags, and front and rear side curtains are standard.
EPA Fuel Economy
3.8L: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
4.6L: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Smooth, generous power
- Impressive value
- Quality interior materials
- Good fuel economy
- Excellent transmission
You Won't Like
- Nervous ride
- Odd-looking grille
- More cruiser than sport sedan
Sum Up
Close to beating Infiniti and Lexus
If You Like This Vehicle
- Toyota Avalon
- Buick LaCrosse
- Acura RL