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2012 Hyundai Genesis

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Overview

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2012 Hyundai Genesis Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.8

Defying the critics, Hyundai has successfully created a line of high-end performance luxury sedans that are gaining traction with the public. A prime example is the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan, a powerful, well-equipped, midsize luxury 4-door sedan. On paper it is every bit the equal (and, in some cases, the better) of similar models from Mercedes Benz, Lexus, Acura and BMW. However, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan is priced more in line with vehicles such as the Chrysler 300, Nissan Maxima and Volkswagen CC. Many owners consider the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan more upscale than these near-luxury makes. A look at the standard and available content might convince you they're right. With power supplied by a choice of frugal V6 or two potent V8s, including a new 5.0-liter model with 429 horsepower, the rear-wheel drive Hyundai Genesis sedan is set to drive Hyundai to places the brand has never been, and consumers to savings they've rarely known before.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you don't care about brand image, but you do care about getting lots of cool stuff in a potent sedan costing thousands less than the competition, you'll love the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Some people wear their cars like they wear Prada or Gucci. If this applies to you, having a Hyundai logo on your new luxury car's grille probably won't excite you. However, a BMW, Mercedes Benz, Lexus or Acura badge commands a high premium.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.8
Driving Dynamics

7.5
Comfort & Convenience

7.4
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.2
Value

6.6
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#27

out of 37

MPG

#3

out of 37

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.0 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2012 Hyundai Genesis Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

The big news for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan is the introduction of the 429-horsepower 5.0 R-Spec sport sedan. The Genesis R-Spec features a sport suspension, transmission and steering calibrations, as well as unique 19-inch alloy wheels and dark chrome headlamp inserts. Also new is an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is standard on all trims. All Genesis sedans receive a mild exterior freshening. The 3.8-liter V6 engine gains direct fuel injection, which helps give it 333 horsepower, up from last year's 290.

Driving the Genesis

2012 Hyundai Genesis Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions While there is visually little to distinguish the 2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 from the 4.6 model, save for the wheels and rear badging, there is a definite difference felt from...

behind the steering wheel. Where the 3.8's 333-horsepower V6 is more than enough to move the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan with sufficient gusto, it's the 385-horsepower afforded by the 4.6's V8 that we think is the real value deal. The 4.6's suspension and springs seem stiffer to us, allowing it less lean in the corners and a firmer ride. The V8 cars' electro-hydraulic power steering also feels more responsive. Stopping is swift and sure thanks to large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution (EBD). The four-piston fixed-caliper front brakes on the 4.6 models are especially notable. If performance is what you seek first and foremost, then the 429 horses released by the new 5.0-liter V8 in the 5.0 R-Spec is the way to go. Costing only a few thousand more than the 4.6, the R-Spec delivers up the kind of driving dynamics more commonly associated with BMW or Audi sedans.

Favorite Features

Lexicon Audio System
The sound from this 7.1 Discrete audio system is not only powerful, it is beautifully nuanced. It's one of the best factory sound systems we've 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
The interior of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan is truly outstanding. Extravagant use of genuine leather and wood plus meticulous fit-and-finish make for an interior worthy of a top luxury brand.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Details

2012 Hyundai Genesis Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

We've driving a lot of premium luxury sedans and to our well-trained eyes the interior of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan is exceptionally well done. With leather covering not only the steering wheel but the dash as well, the quality of materials and execution of design is better than some premium brands we've driven. Leather-covered front seats can be heated or cooled, and the rear seating space is equally as appealing, with abundant room for passengers' legs, hips and heads. Where Hyundai could have gone overboard with the dash design, they instead choose a simple, elegant layout that is easy to view. Unfortunately, Hyundai decided to emulate the BMW and Audi model of using a console-mounted joystick controller to operate the navigation and audio functions. While the placement of the controller is convenient to the driver, its operation is not always intuitive.

Exterior

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan is conservatively styled yet thoroughly appealing. The 2012 Genesis sedan's styling mimics a number of luxury brands. From the front, the Hyundai Genesis' grille and headlamps clearly pay tribute to Mercedes Benz, while the LED daytime running lamps are a nod to Audi. Around back, the Hyundai Genesis' trunk and tail lamps echo of BMW and Lexus. There is no shortage of chrome trim, which adorns the grille, trunk, window surrounds, door handles and bumpers. New for 2012 are power-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals, new wheel designs and dual asymmetrical exhaust tips. Added all together, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan looks similar to high-end luxury brands, and it definitely doesn't look like a Hyundai. That may be the one thing that helps it break through to the premium sedan shopper.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In the Hyundai tradition the 2012 Hyundai Genesis four-door sedan provides a rich assortment of standard features. These include the handy proximity key with alarm and entry system, power windows with front auto-up/down with pinch protection and remote fuel door, hood and trunk releases. Other standards include 1-touch power tilt-and-slide sunroof, leather seats, woodgrain accented dash and 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. Unlike the other safety features, the 2012 Genesis' electronic active head restraints are not required by government regulations.

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 and R-Spec. 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 Satellite Radio, and in navigation-equipped models it includes a 40-gigabyte hard drive. 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. The 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan is available in three trim levels: 3.8, 4.6 and 5.0 R-Spec. The names come from its available engines: the 333-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6; the 385-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8; and the 429-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8.

Under the Hood

We have nothing but good things to say about all three engines available in the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan. For most drivers we think the 333-horsepower direct fuel injection 3.8-liter V6 will be more than adequate. It also offers slightly better fuel economy. We can't help preferring the intoxicating power of the 4.6 liter V8, which is ably abetted by its 8-speed automatic transmission. Of course, the ultimate powerhouse is the new 5.0-liter direct fuel injection V8 that pumps out 429 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. Due to its high 11.5:1 compression ratio, the 5.0-liter V8 requires premium fuel. Happily, the fuel economy penalty is small for the V8s. An all-new 8-speed automatic transmission built in-house by Hyundai is standard on all three trims, with the R-Spec receiving a special sport-tuned version.

3.8-liter V6
333 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
291 lb-ft of torque @ 5,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28

4.6-liter V8
385 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
333 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25

5.0-liter V8
429 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
376 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/25

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) that starts around $35,000 for the 3.8. The price moves up to approximately $45,000 for the fully loaded 4.6. The 5.0 R-Spec sells for just over $47,000. The 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan is an incredible bargain when matched up feature-for-feature versus luxury-brand sedans of similar size. Against non-luxury brand sedans such as the Chrysler 300 and Volkswagen CC, the bargain is not quite as clear-cut, though we think the Genesis's materials and fit-and-finish outdo those of the domestic-brand vehicles. To see what buyers are currently paying for the 2012 Genesis sedan, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price. Resale value, an important factor in overall cost of ownership, is also open to question on the new Genesis, since the model is blazing a trail for Hyundai in an image-conscious segment. We expect 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan to offer good residual values, bettering its domestic rivals and remaining on par with vehicles like the Volkswagen CC. However, it does not yet match the resale values of the top luxury imports.

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2012 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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