The introduction of the Hyundai Genesis back in 2009 proved that the South Korean automaker could produce a credible luxury sedan. More and more, Hyundai has been reaching beyond the mainstream, value-priced models for which it's been best-known for three decades. In 2011, the company added an even larger and more posh Equus sedan.
What's New for 2016
Last year, the Genesis got all-new styling. Standard LED daytime running lights and high-intensity-discharge headlights have been added for 2016. The Genesis 5.0 is now available only in Ultimate trim. An available suite of active-safety features includes automatic emergency braking, a head-up display, blind-spot detection, and lane-keep assist.
Choosing Your Hyundai Genesis
Two distinct powertrains are available: a 3.8-liter V6 rated at 311 horsepower, and a 5-liter V8 that generates 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Both engines mate with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available, but only on the Genesis 3.8.
Fuel economy is estimated at 18/29 mpg (city/highway) for the V6, but only 15/23 mpg for the V8. All-wheel drive drops the V6 to 16/25 mpg.
Starting near $39,000, the 3.8 model includes nine airbags, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated 12-way power front seats, a backup camera, 7-speaker audio system with HD and satellite radio, 8-inch touchscreen navigation display, pushbutton start, Hyundai's BlueLink telematics and a 4.2-inch multi-function display in the instrument cluster. Bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights, LED daytime running lights, power-folding mirrors, paddle shifters, and electro-luminescent instruments also are standard.
All-wheel drive is a $2,500 option, which also includes heated rear seats, heated steering wheel and heated headlight washers. The $3,900 Signature Package adds a panoramic sunroof, power adjustment for the steering wheel, power rear sunshade, ventilated front seats, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and a 14-speaker Lexicon surround-sound audio system. The rearview camera display contains park guidance.
Obtaining the Tech Package requires the Signature Package, adding lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, automatic emergency brake assist, high beam assist, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a 7-inch multi-function display in the instrument panel.
Finally, the Ultimate Package builds upon the Tech Package, including matte finish aluminum and wood trim, a head-up display, a 9.2-inch touchscreen navigation display, 17-speaker Lexicon audio, and a power trunk lid.
For some $15,000 more than the price of a V6 model, the Genesis 5.0 brings V8 power. Now offered only in Ultimate trim, the Genesis 5.0 includes just about everything that’s available in option groups for the V6 models, including comfort/convenience items as well as active-safety features.
While $39,000 or so might already sound like enough to pay for a Hyundai, the Genesis 3.8 can be loaded with additional technology that would make some other luxury cars envious. Moving up to the Genesis 5.0 adds plenty of noteworthy features that cost extra with the V6 model, but pushes the price near an eye-opening $54,000.