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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Hyundai Genesis

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Hyundai Genesis

Overview

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2011 Hyundai Genesis Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.5

After entering the U.S. market with an inexpensive (some might say cheap) subcompact car more than 20 years ago, Hyundai has continued a climb upscale. Recently, the brand took its most ambitious step in that direction ever with the introduction of the Hyundai Genesis, a luxury sedan with the amenities of vehicles costing thousands of dollars more. Though intended to compete against the likes of the Chrysler 300C, Lexus ES 350 and the Volkswagen CC, the new Genesis actually channels attributes of even more expensive models, like the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Powered by either advanced V6 or V8 engines, the rear-drive Genesis is filled with upscale items like adaptive front lighting, proximity key with push-button start and a truly amazing Lexicon 7.1 surround-sound audio system.

You'll Like This Car If...

We think you'll like the Genesis if you are less concerned about brand prestige and more concerned about the driving experience and the vehicle's feature set.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you seek the razor-sharp handling of the best of the German luxury brands, you may not be satisfied with the Genesis despite the fact that in V8 form it mimics them well.

What's New for 2011

Changes for 2011 are limited to the 4.6 model, which gains an additional 10 horsepower, a faster zero to 60 time (5.3 seconds vs. 5.7 seconds) and the addition of last year's Technology Package – navigation, Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround sound audio, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlamps, heated and cooled front seats, front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera – as standard equipment.

Driving the Genesis

Driving Impressions While hard to distinguish from the outside except for their different wheels, the V6-powered Genesis 3.8 and the V8-powered Genesis 4.6 have different characters. The 3.8 offers 290 horsepower, which...

is plenty, and feels softer over the road and in hard cornering than its 385-horsepower near-twin. Both accelerate smartly, but we prefer the extra horsepower, taut feel and more responsive electro-hydraulic steering of the 4.6. Stopping is swift and sure thanks to large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brake distribution (EBD). The brakes on the 4.6 models are especially notable – four-piston fixed-caliper front brakes with larger front rotors. Hyundai calls the Genesis a sports sedan, and while the 3.8-liter version might be a little soft to justify that, the V8-powered car lives up to it. The interior quiet during all types of driving is praiseworthy, and a sophisticated rear backup camera plus eight ultrasonic sensors located on the front and rear bumpers help detect how close objects are when parking.

Favorite Features

Lexicon Audio System
The sound from this 7.1 Discrete audio system is not only powerful, it is beautifully nuanced – one of the best factory sound systems we've ever heard in a vehicle of any price. Auxiliary USB and iPod inputs allow drivers to fully control and charge iPods directly from the head unit.

Overall Interior
As noted before, the interior of the Genesis is truly outstanding. The extravagant use of genuine leather and wood plus meticulous fit-and-finish make for an interior worthy of a top luxury brand.

2011 Hyundai Genesis Details

Interior

To our practiced eyes the interior of the Hyundai Genesis is almost shockingly good. The leather-wrapped dashboard and steering wheel show levels of design and execution that would put many luxury-brand interiors to shame. The front seats are not only covered with rich leather but can be both heated and cooled as well. The rear seat area is equally well-finished and has ample head-, hip-, shoulder- and legroom. The design of the dash is simple, which makes operation of the climate control system easy. (Of course, with automatic temperature control, it doesn't take much fooling with.) Hyundai decided to emulate the European brands by using a joystick-type controller for navigation and audio functions, and that is a mixed blessing. Yes, you need master only one interface, but that interface isn't all that intuitive.

Exterior

Attractive though conservative and largely derivative are ways to describe the Hyundai Genesis's exterior. Its light but torsionally stiff body structure echoes styling motifs from several luxury brand competitors. The grille and front end evoke Mercedes-Benz, while the rear quarters complete with LED taillights pay homage to both BMW and Lexus. The judicious use of polished metal for items like window surrounds, door handles and the attractive wheels add a decidedly upscale feel. The overall exterior look is handsome but without much hint that this sedan is a Hyundai. However, the architecture does facilitate a laudable 52-percent/48-percent front/rear weight bias that aids both handling and ride.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In the Hyundai tradition the Genesis provides a rich assortment of standard features per dollar spent, including the handy proximity key with alarm and entry system; power windows with front auto-up/down with pinch protection; remote fuel door, hood and trunk releases; one-touch power tilt-and-slide sunroof; leather seats; woodgrain accented dash; Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone interface and USB/iPod auxiliary inputs. The wealth of safety items includes electronic stability control (ESC), advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants, and electronic active head restraints.

Optional Equipment

For everyday enjoyment, the prime option is the Lexicon-branded audio system featuring LOGIC 7 technology which is optional on the V6 trim and standard on the V8. Rolls-Royce is the only other automotive brand to offer a Lexicon system, and the surround-sound, 11-channel, 17-speaker extravaganza that produces more than 500 watts is certainly of super-luxury-brand quality. It features both HD and XM satellite radio, and in navigation-equipped models it includes a 40-gigabyte hard drive and XM NavTraffic. Another key option on the V6 is the automatic front lighting system that allows the Xenon high intensity discharge headlights to swivel automatically for better visibility when cornering.

Under the Hood

We have nothing but good things to say about both engines available in the Genesis Sedan. For most drivers we think the 290-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 will be more than adequate, while offering slightly better fuel economy. But we can't help preferring the intoxicating power of the 4.6 liter V8, which is ably abetted by its six-speed automatic transmission. Happily, the fuel economy penalty is small. Both engines are rated to run on regular fuel, but premium gas gives the V8 a slight power and torque boost.

3.8-liter V6
290 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
264 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27

4.6-liter V8
385 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
333 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

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2011 Hyundai Genesis Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 260 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.4/10

BEST car I have owned!

By PEGASUS74 (TX) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great value, fast car, handling."

Cons: "Nav system not shaded."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned a 911, 500 SL, 750IL, Corvette, Toyota Avalon. This car has a tight ride, incredible acceleration, and fabulous sound system. I have had far fewer mechanical problems, zero, and one small electrical problem which was promptly fixed by Hyundai. Best car."

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lot for money, quality fair, dealers bad

By rick (DE) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "good price, lots of power"

Cons: "below average quality and service"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"many options for the money. The quality for a $40,000 car is well below average. Dealer service is very very bad and no help from level above dealer. Resale value is below average. Good riding car with lots of power, Two times with in a year, battery failed and car totally locked up. Each time dealer said car fixed. last time service said it was because of a bad trunk latch, I am not fooling."

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I like it a lot!

By Red Hook (TX) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Smooth Ride, great acceleration, steady at speed"

Cons: "Navigation system"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Genesis is the car that my family most wants to borrow when theirs is out of service. My son's Toyota FJ was unavailable for a few days during a recent visit so he drove the Genesis for three days. He bought his own Genesis sedan the following Saturday. Only issue so far is that the Navigation system that is in need of updating causing confusion when driving in newly renovated areas."

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Love it

By Sllw (AR) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Beautiful and fun to drive. Plenty of leg room"

Cons: "Seat belts are not comfortable"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The seat belt bothers me because I am short. I also have to use a cushion. The navigation screen is hard to see if the sun is on it ....it needs something to shade it. The car in beautiful, and I get many compliments on it. It handles great and is gun to drive!"

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Good vehicle poorly built

By Murray M (NJ) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,500

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Nice overall design"

Cons: "Poor build and factory support for major defects."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Purchased the 5.0 model. Vehicle had defective braking, rear shock absorber, driver's seat, driver's front door, and transmission. Partially repaired. Dealer o.k., but not factory support. Factory rep said everything was fine as vehicle bounced down road and shifted randomly. Would not buy again."

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Over all love it

By JRKennington (FL) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,115

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Well built; attention to details; value"

Cons: "City MPG; badges"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Over all I cannot complain. I traded in my 2012 Camry for the 2013 Genesis Grand Touring Coupe with the 3.8 ltr V6 paired with the 8spd automatic transmission. I grew up driving big, heavy, rusted American muscle and luxury cars, so switching back to a powerful rear wheel drive vehicle was nice. My first car was '51 Chevy DeLux with a straight six. I compared several cars, the Mustang was an instant no for me, I like power, but I also like a quality feel and stylish interior. The Mustang is just to bland inside. I also looked at the new Camaro, but to get the equivalent to what the Genesis offered would mean slapping down nearly thirteen grand more for the RS and even then the interior was just a few notches above the Mustangs. However the insurance was the final aspect to write off the Camaro; an extra fifty a month over the Genesis. While an Audi A8 is what I really wanted, and as much as I love my Genesis, it is no Audi A8. However it certainly does give the Audi a run for its money. What I love about it: the small details won me over. From the accent lighting in the gauge clusters and around other interior aspects, the lay out of the engine compartment offers room for upgrades (although you will void the warranty if you do anything major)the light up Genesis logo on the door sill, L.E.D. running lights, one touch auto windows and moon roof, double stitched leather, appropriately sized and placed buttons, touch screen interface with navigation, blue tooth, XM radio ect (I wanted all the toys). The key-less remote is great; I can keep the transponder in my pocket and my house key in my bag with my work keys). I have had no problems with the Blue link except I wish they would use Google Maps over Bing for the app on my phone. As for handling and driving, I have no complaints. It has a nice healthy growl and is composed when needed but she will take off and if you are not ready or inexperienced can get a bit clumsy. It hugs the corners nicely. Florida has a lot of very smooth long curves that the Genesis seemed to be built for. It does shake a bit above 100, but nothing out of the normal for a vehicle traveling at that velocity. As a daily driver though it does have some failings. MPG is great on the highway, far better than I had expected; city driving needs some improvement. She does not like to go slow and the stop and go of everyday commuting will run the tank dry quickly. Of course it is still in the breaking in phase and the MPG has gotten a little better over the past week, up from 14.8 to 16.5. The styling is impressive, although I am swapping out the Hyundai badges; still not sure why the sedan gets the wings and not the coupe. There are some small quality issues, part of the wiring harness running under the drivers side interior rocker panel was sticking out from under the plastic covering. It was nothing that caused any problems, just more of an aesthetic concern. I am sure that in a few years the Florida sun will reek havoc on the cardboard used for the moon roof sliding cover and the alloy used on the door sill plate scratches easily from the heels on my dress shoes. However these are all minor concerns that the dealership addressed as needed (the door sill cover I am on my own, just have to learn to pick up my feet when getting in and out). I have had the car for over two months and I still love it. I plan to keep it for the long term and procure a daily driver next year."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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