Hyundai Genesis Coupe — Specs, Trims, Prices & Owner Reviews
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe was Hyundai's first modern rear-wheel-drive sports car — a 2+2 hatchless coupe built on a shortened version of the Genesis sedan's platform and sold in the United States from the 2010 through 2016 model years. Designed by Eric Stoddard under the internal code BK, it arrived in American showrooms in February 2009 aimed squarely at the Ford Mustang V6, Nissan 370Z, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, and it did what no Hyundai had done before: sell on balance, a limited-slip differential and a manual gearbox rather than on a warranty.
Model years 2015–2016 · Independent buyer data
Fuel economy: 17 mpg city / 24 hwy (manual); 16 / 25 (automatic)
Hyundai Genesis Coupe: General Information
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe was Hyundai's first modern rear-wheel-drive sports car — a 2+2 hatchless coupe built on a shortened version of the Genesis sedan's platform and sold in the United States from the 2010 through 2016 model years. Designed by Eric Stoddard under the internal code BK, it arrived in American showrooms in February 2009 aimed squarely at the Ford Mustang V6, Nissan 370Z, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, and it did what no Hyundai had done before: sell on balance, a limited-slip differential and a manual gearbox rather than on a warranty.
Early cars offered a choice of a turbocharged 2.0-liter Theta four making 210 hp or a 3.8-liter Lambda V6 with 306 hp. A heavy 2013 facelift reworked the nose and tail and re-engined the car with a direct-injected 3.8-liter Lambda II RS V6 rated 348 hp and 295 lb-ft, plus a 274-hp 2.0T; a new eight-speed automatic joined the six-speed manual. Trim structure settled into a base 3.8, an enthusiast-focused 3.8 R-Spec with 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a Torsen limited-slip differential, stiffer springs and summer tires, and a loaded 3.8 Ultimate (renamed from Track for 2014). For 2015 Hyundai dropped the four-cylinder in the U.S. and sold the Genesis Coupe as a V6 only.
Standout traits are 348 hp for under $30,000, a genuine Torsen differential and Brembo brakes on the R-Spec, and true rear-drive balance from a 111.0-inch wheelbase. The compromises are a cramped 2+2 cabin with just 30.3 inches of rear legroom, only 10 cubic feet of trunk space, an interior well behind its Japanese rivals, and 19 mpg combined on recommended premium fuel. Hyundai killed the Genesis Coupe after 2016 without a direct replacement; U.S. prices ran roughly $26,750 to $34,950 before destination.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe by model year
2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8
2015 is the year Hyundai dropped the 2.0T turbo four from the U.S. Genesis Coupe, leaving the 348-hp 3.8-liter Lambda II RS V6 as the only engine. The base 3.8 starts at $26,750 with the six-speed manual and rides on 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, a strut brace and four-wheel discs, but no limited-slip differential. Standard kit runs to keyless entry, cruise control, a 170-watt six-speaker stereo with USB and satellite radio, and a leather-wrapped wheel.
2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
The R-Spec is the enthusiast's Genesis Coupe, at $29,500 and offered only with the six-speed manual. For $2,750 over the base car it adds 19-inch wheels wrapped in summer performance rubber, Brembo brakes, a Torsen limited-slip differential and a stiffer suspension, while deliberately going without the Ultimate's leather, sunroof and navigation to keep weight and price down. Car and Driver timed a 348-hp 3.8 R-Spec of this generation to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate
The Ultimate combines the R-Spec's chassis hardware with everything the Genesis Coupe could be fitted with, from $33,400 with the manual. It keeps the 19-inch wheels, Torsen differential and summer tires but adds Xenon HID headlights with self-levelling, a power sunroof, heated leather front seats with a six-way power driver's seat, a 360-watt 10-speaker Infinity system with subwoofer, navigation and rear parking sensors. It is the only Genesis Coupe trim with the eight-speed automatic available alongside the manual at the top of the range.
2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8
2016 is the last model year for the Genesis Coupe anywhere — Hyundai confirmed in August 2016 that it was killing the car off. The base 3.8 rises $200 to $26,950 with the six-speed manual and is otherwise a carry-over, with the 348-hp 3.8-liter Lambda II RS V6, 18-inch wheels and no limited-slip differential. The manual's EPA city rating improves a point for 2016, to 17 mpg city and 24 highway.
2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
The last R-Spec lists at $29,900, up $400 on the year, and is again manual-only. It remains the purist's pick: Torsen limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels on 245/40 summer performance tires and a stiffer suspension, with cloth seats and no sunroof or navigation. Car and Driver timed a 348-hp 3.8 R-Spec of this generation to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate
The 2016 Ultimate closes out the range at $33,750 with the manual and $34,950 with the eight-speed automatic — the most expensive Genesis Coupe Hyundai ever sold in America. It pairs the R-Spec's Torsen differential, 19-inch wheels and summer tires with Xenon HID headlights, a power sunroof, heated leather front seats, a 360-watt 10-speaker Infinity system with subwoofer, navigation and rear parking sensors.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe trim levels
| Trim | MSRP | Engine | Power | Drive | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 | $26,750 | 3.8L GDI V6 | 348 hp / 295 lb-ft | RWD | 16 / 24 mpg |
| 3.8 R-Spec | $29,500 | 3.8L GDI V6 | 348 hp / 295 lb-ft | RWD | 16 / 24 mpg |
| 3.8 Ultimate | $33,400 | 3.8L GDI V6 | 348 hp / 295 lb-ft | RWD | 16 / 24 mpg |
| 3.8 | $26,950 | 3.8L GDI V6 | 348 hp / 295 lb-ft | RWD | 17 / 24 mpg |
| 3.8 R-Spec | $29,900 | 3.8L GDI V6 | 348 hp / 295 lb-ft | RWD | 17 / 24 mpg |
| 3.8 Ultimate | $33,750 | 3.8L GDI V6 | 348 hp / 295 lb-ft | RWD | 17 / 24 mpg |
Specifications (2016)
| Engine | 3.8L |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Power | 348 hp |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Seats | 4 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does the Hyundai Genesis Coupe cost?
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has a typical price range of $26,950 - $34,950, spanning 6 trim levels. Actual prices vary by year, mileage and local market conditions.
What fuel economy does the Hyundai Genesis Coupe get?
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe achieves 17 / 24 mpg. Real-world figures depend on trim, drivetrain and driving style.
Is the Hyundai Genesis Coupe reliable?
Owner-reported reliability is rated 7.0 / 10. Recall history: 2 recalls (NHTSA, 2016 model year — campaigns 16V722000 and 20V248000).
What years of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe are available to compare?
Cars4Real covers Hyundai Genesis Coupe model years 2015–2016. You can compare every year and trim side by side with live market prices and real owner reviews.