Nice styling means this Hyundai is a looker, falling into the luxury sedan category with the likes of the Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, and Toyoto Avalon coming in as competition.
There are three trims available on the Hyundai Genesis and all are rear-wheel-drive in 3.8, 4.6, or the 5.0 R-spec trim levels.
On the 3.8 trim there’s 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, fog lights, heated mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, four-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a tilt steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
If you opt for the available Premium Package it adds 18-inch wheels and a few more luxury bells and whistles like automatic wipers, power-folding side mirrors, leather dash and door trim, driver memory functions, and a power rear sunshade as well as a rearview camera.
The technology package comes with the Premium Package goodies and adds to that front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning system, an electronic parking brake, a ventilated driver seat, heated rear seats, and a Bluetooth system with 17 speakers and an in-the-dash CD/DVD changer.
The 4.6 trim offers both of these packages standard, and you also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The top of the line 5.0 R-Spec also offers both packages and adds to that 19-inch wheels and a sporty transmission and steering.
Under the hood it’s a 3.8 liter V6 engine with 333 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. On the 4.6 it’s a 4.6 liter V8 engine with 378 horsepower and 324 pound feet of torque. Take it to the top-of-the-line and you get a 5.0 liter direct-injected V8 engine with 429 horsepower and 376 pound feet of torque.
Safety comes in with high marks with antilock brakes and brake assist, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, and front, rear side, and side curtain airbags. Depending on the package you choose, there are also the parking sensors, lane-departure warnings, and a rearview camera that can be had on the 3.8 and that are standard on the 4.6 and 5.0 R-Spec trims.
Inside, the design and styling is elegant and some might wonder, is this really a Hyundai? The model with all the goodies is especially all about creature comforts. Overall, you will feel this is a solid interior well-built with a lot of thought put into the design.
The controls and knobs are well-placed inside too and easy to find and understand along with a touch screen for the navigation mechanism.
The comfort of the seats both in the back and front is also telling you that the makers put in some thought. With all the bells and whistles like heat and plenty of leg room, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis is an excellent road trip car.
You will find that the rear seats don’t fold down if you need extra space, but the trunk is 15.9 cubic feet.
Driving it feels good like a luxury car should and you can move, taking the curves if needed without feeling any loss of control like you find in some models in this class. There is also ample power and even when kicking it up a notch, the ride inside is still quiet, giving it a state-of-the-art luxury capsule feel.
Should You Need to Know: For luxury, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis is one to consider, reminding you more of the Lexus and Infiniti in this class.
Miles Per Gallon: I drove the 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec and the gas mileage came in at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost:It ran $46,535 for the 5.0 R-Spec with top-of-the-line everything.
