Hyundai Genesis Sedan — Specs, Trims, Prices & Owner Reviews
The Hyundai Genesis is the rear-drive executive sedan that pushed Hyundai into the luxury market. Launched for the 2009 model year, it deliberately carried no Hyundai badge on its nose — only a winged Genesis emblem — and it went on to win the 2009 North American Car of the Year. It was pitched at the Lexus GS, Acura RLX, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Cadillac CTS, but always undercut them by tens of thousands of dollars.
Model years 2015–2016 · Independent buyer data
Fuel economy: 18 mpg city / 29 hwy (RWD); 16 / 25 (HTRAC AWD)
Hyundai Genesis Sedan: General Information
The Hyundai Genesis is the rear-drive executive sedan that pushed Hyundai into the luxury market. Launched for the 2009 model year, it deliberately carried no Hyundai badge on its nose — only a winged Genesis emblem — and it went on to win the 2009 North American Car of the Year. It was pitched at the Lexus GS, Acura RLX, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Cadillac CTS, but always undercut them by tens of thousands of dollars.
The first-generation BH car (2009–2014) offered 3.8-liter Lambda V6s and 4.6- and 5.0-liter Tau V8s, topping out with the 429-hp 5.0 R-Spec. The second-generation DH sedan debuted in Seoul in November 2013 and reached the U.S. as a 2015 model with a completely new body, a five-link independent suspension front and rear tuned with help from Lotus Engineering, and — for the first time — an optional HTRAC all-wheel-drive system. Engines narrowed to a 311-hp 3.8-liter Lambda II GDI V6 on regular gas and a 420-hp 5.0-liter Tau GDI V8, both with an eight-speed automatic and a four-mode Eco/Normal/Sport/Snow drive selector. On 4 November 2015 Hyundai announced the Genesis name would become its own luxury division; the DH sedan carried on as the Genesis G80 from the 2017 model year.
Standout traits are a five-star NHTSA overall rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status, nine standard airbags with a new-for-2015 driver's knee bag, an unusually complete active-safety suite (automatic emergency braking, smart cruise, lane keep assist, haptic steering-wheel alerts) and a base price under $39,000 with navigation, leather and a rearview camera included. The weak points are a 15.3-cubic-foot trunk with no folding rear seats and modest economy — 18/29 mpg for the rear-drive V6, 16/25 with HTRAC and 15/23 for the V8. U.S. prices ran roughly $38,000 to $54,750 before destination.
Hyundai Genesis Sedan by model year
2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan
2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan 3.8
2015 brings the all-new second-generation DH Genesis sedan, and the 3.8 is where the range starts at $38,000 before destination — $38,950 with it. Its 3.8-liter Lambda II GDI V6 is retuned to 311 hp and 293 lb-ft on regular gas, driving through an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters and a four-mode Eco/Normal/Sport/Snow selector. The big news is HTRAC all-wheel drive, offered on a Genesis for the first time for $2,500, and a body structure with far more high-strength steel plus a Lotus-assisted five-link suspension.
2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan 5.0
The Genesis 5.0 is the V8 flagship for 2015 at $51,500 before destination, and it comes with the 3.8's Signature and Technology content as standard. Its 5.0-liter Tau GDI V8 makes 420 hp and 383 lb-ft — down 9 hp and 38 lb-ft from the 2014 R-Spec — through the same eight-speed automatic, and it is rear-drive only. Over the V6 it adds LED fog lamps, 19-inch wheels on 275/35 tires, quad exhaust tips, illuminated door sills and matte-finish wood and aluminum trim, with an available Continuous Damping Control air suspension on Ultimate cars.
2016 Hyundai Genesis Sedan
2016 Hyundai Genesis Sedan 3.8
2016 is the last model year the Genesis sedan wore a Hyundai badge — Hyundai announced in November 2015 that Genesis would become a standalone luxury brand, and this car returned as the Genesis G80 for 2017. The 3.8 gains standard equipment and $750, to $38,750 before destination ($39,700 with it). The 311-hp 3.8-liter Lambda II GDI V6, eight-speed automatic and 18/29 mpg rating carry over, with HTRAC all-wheel drive still a $2,500 option.
2016 Hyundai Genesis Sedan 5.0
The 2016 Genesis 5.0 is the last Hyundai-badged V8 sedan, listing at $53,850 before destination with the Ultimate package taking it to $54,750 — $55,700 on the road. The 420-hp 5.0-liter Tau GDI V8 and eight-speed automatic are unchanged and rear-drive only, rated 15 mpg city and 23 highway on recommended premium. Standard content already includes the Signature and Technology equipment, 19-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips, LED fog lamps and matte-finish wood and aluminum trim.
Hyundai Genesis Sedan trim levels
| Trim | MSRP | Engine | Power | Drive | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 | $38,000 | 3.8L GDI V6 | 311 hp / 293 lb-ft | RWD or AWD | 18 / 29 mpg |
| 5.0 | $51,500 | 5.0L Tau GDI V8 | 420 hp / 383 lb-ft | RWD | 15 / 23 mpg |
| 3.8 | $38,750 | 3.8L GDI V6 | 311 hp / 293 lb-ft | RWD or AWD | 18 / 29 mpg |
| 5.0 | $53,850 | 5.0L Tau GDI V8 | 420 hp / 383 lb-ft | RWD | 15 / 23 mpg |
Specifications (2016)
| Engine | 3.8L |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Power | 311 hp |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Seats | 5 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does the Hyundai Genesis Sedan cost?
The Hyundai Genesis Sedan has a typical price range of $38,750 - $54,750, spanning 4 trim levels. Actual prices vary by year, mileage and local market conditions.
What fuel economy does the Hyundai Genesis Sedan get?
The Hyundai Genesis Sedan achieves 18 / 29 mpg. Real-world figures depend on trim, drivetrain and driving style.
Is the Hyundai Genesis Sedan reliable?
Owner-reported reliability is rated 7.4 / 10. Recall history: 3 recalls (NHTSA, 2016 model year — campaigns 17V359000, 21V160000 and 24V107000).
What years of the Hyundai Genesis Sedan are available to compare?
Cars4Real covers Hyundai Genesis Sedan model years 2015–2016. You can compare every year and trim side by side with live market prices and real owner reviews.