2009 Hyundai Genesis: Tester's Comments
2009 Hyundai Genesis ▼
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- MSRP: $32,250 - $37,250
- Invoice: $30,243 - $34,521
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. See if the 2009 Hyundai Genesis is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Hyundai Genesis |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | 3.8 |
| Arrival Date: | 12/12/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc V6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 32,250 |
| Price as Tested: | 36,000 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 5745 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 6037 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 292 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 16.86 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 17.44 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Premium Plus Package (18-inch alloy wheels w/235/50R18 tires, Lexicon 14-speaker premium surround sound audio system w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, leather-wrapped dashboard and door trim, power sunroof w/tilt and slide, power tilt and telescopic steering column, integrated memory system, rain-sensing wipers, auto-defogging windshield
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
In terms of power, interior appointments, quietness, passenger space, and luxury features, the Genesis is an impressive effort that compares favorably to cars costing thousands more. Genesis's Achille's heel is its unrefined suspension, which makes for a clunky ride that's quite unbecoming in a large luxury sedan. Still, this is a lot of car for $36 grand.
Don Sikora
The Hyundai Genesis has the ingredients it needs to be a serious player in its class. But somehow the car seems to be a bit less than the sum of its parts. Ride control and winter drivability aren't the best, and some small details are a bit underdeveloped for the crowd this car wants to compete with. Genesis is a fine effort, but it compares much more favorably to a loaded Chrysler 300 or a Lexus ES350 than it does to a BMW 5-Series or Cadillac CTS.
Tom Appel
Genesis is the pretty girl with nothing to talk about. She doesn't care about music, doesn't follow politics, and will watch what ever is on TV. Like that girl, Genesis comes up short on personality. It's plenty attractive--if not actually good looking. The cabin is very nice, the design is nice, and the car is chock full of features. But there's no magic here. Nothing about the experience of driving Genesis makes you feel special. Well, there is one thing: $36,000. That's the sticker price on our well-equipped V6. How good a deal is that? Well, to get this much stuff on the smaller, less-powerful, Lexus ES 350, you're going to need close to $40,000. We made Genesis a Consumer Guide Recommended car for a reason, it's a heck of a deal. But before you buy one, be sure you're not looking for any witty conversation.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Hyundai Genesis |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | 4.6 |
| Arrival Date: | 01/26/2009 |
| Engine: | dohc V8 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 37,250 |
| Price as Tested: | 41,250 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 5288 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 5710 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 422 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 20.46 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 20.63 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Technology Package (528-Watt, 17-Speaker Lexicon Logic7 Discrete 7.1 Audio HD Radio And Complimentary 1-Year Subscription To XM Satellite Radio & Navtraffic Navigation Sys W/6-DVD Changer; Rear Backup Camera; Driver Info System W/Controller; HID Auto-Leveling Headlights; Adaptive Front Lighting System; Front & Rear Parking Assist Sensors; Cooled Driver Seat; Bluetooth Phone System/Display)
From the Back Seat
Jennifer Geiger
Hyundai has much to be proud of with Genesis. This sedan does many things well: Power is smooth and ample, the top-notch interior is inviting and comfortable, and the features-per-dollar ratio is unmatched by rivals in this class. People looking for a luxury sedan without the luxury brand name and price tag should drive a Genesis.
Rick Cotta
It has the look and power of luxury competitors costing far more, but I can't say the Genesis blew me away. Rear-seat room and small-item storage aren't great for a car this size, and some serious work needs to be done on the suspension before Hyundai can claim to be a cut-rate contender to BMW or Infiniti.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Hyundai Genesis |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | 4.6 |
| Arrival Date: | 10/23/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc V8 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 37,250 |
| Price as Tested: | 41,250 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 1120 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 1898 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 778 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 34.924 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 22.28 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Technology Package (front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, navigation system, upgraded Lexicon sound system, hard drive, rearview camera, heated/cooled driver seat, steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights)
From the Back Seat
Don Sikora
The new Hyundai Genesis is a fine effort for a large luxury sedan. The big Hyundai compares very well with a loaded Chrysler 300 or a Lincoln MKS, but not so much as a bargain BMW 5-Series substitute.
Ed Piotrowski
At first glance, it would seem that Hyundai is throwing it all away by releasing a rear-drive, V8-powered large sedan. You could say that the company executives are living in a land of confusion, not quite grasping the "smaller is better" mantra that has been sweeping US car buyers of late. The company is in too deep to back out now, being that they've invested time, money, and other resources into bringing this car to market. I'm sure they're taking it all too hard from the rest of the automotive press, though, as Genesis has a lot going for it. Make no misunderstanding, Hyundai's flagship is roomy and comfortable, with a great V8 and top-notch interior appointments. Like it or not, I say a loaded $41,000 Genesis V8 is a better value than a $38,000 Veracruz. That's all.
John Biel
Anybody who's ever driven a Hyundai before (or at least thinks they know what a Hyundai is) will be surprised at the look, feel, and driving characteristics of the Genesis. They'll also be surprised at the price--delivered, the V-8 in this test stickered at $41,250, including a $4000 option package. All told, though, it does a pretty credible imitation of similarly sized luxury cars, but in a price range about one prestige class down--which makes it worth considering.
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