2012 Hyundai Genesis: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis gets some notable updates, including freshened styling, new powertrains, new features, and a line-topping performance model. This is the smaller of Hyundai's two large cars. Genesis lends elements of its basic design to the sporty 2-door Hyundai Genesis Coupe and premium-large Hyundai Equus (see separate reports). Returning for 2012 are the base 3.8 and uplevel 4.6 models. The former reprises a 3.8-liter V6 engine but with 333 horsepower versus the 2011 models' 290. The latter retains its 385-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. Newly standard on both models is an 8-speed automatic transmission, which replaces a 6-speed automatic. At the top of the 2012 Genesis lineup is the new 5.0 R-Spec. It has a 429-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, a sport suspension with 19-inch wheels and optional summer performance tires, and unique interior and exterior styling cues. Safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front- and rear-side airbags. Leather upholstery with heated front seats and keyless access/engine start are standard across the board. A cooled driver seat, heated rear seats, power tilt and telescopic steering column, navigation system, rearview camera, sunroof, front- and rear-obstacle detection, and adaptive cruise control are optional on the 3.8 and standard on the 4.6 and 5.0 R-Spec. Newly standard on the 4.6 and 5.0 R-Spec and optional on the 3.8 is lane-departure warning. This report is based on an evaluation of the 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 and preview drives of the 2012 3.8 and R-Spec.