2011 Hyundai Genesis

Review

Hyundai has been making a name for itself in recent years with its stellar warranty and award-winning cars. And when it comes to the Genesis, it seems Hyundai knows what it’s doing. This four-door luxury-like sedan comes priced in the low $30,000s, which means it beats some of its German competitors in terms of sticker shock. And given that the Genesis was named the North American Car of the Year in 2009, there’s reason to believe it deserved the honors.

Powerful engines are par for the course with the 2011 Hyundai Genesis. Two V6 engines are available - a 3.3-liter and a 3.8-liter. The big news revolves around the ultra-powerful 4.6-liter V8, though. Rear-wheel drive remains the only option for the Genesis, which is sure to disappoint some drivers. However, a brand-new, eight-speed automatic transmission is bound to mitigate that disappointment somewhat. Pricing is another perk - the V6 starts at about $34K, while the V8 starts at about $41K.

Improvements from the 2010 Hyundai Genesis

Among the improvements from 2010 are some basic styling changes to make the Genesis a bit more refined, as well as improved fuel economy. The six-speed automatic was replaced with an eight-speed automatic.

On the Road

Ample power and a new, high-performance transmission ensure that the 2011 Hyundai Genesis flies along like a champ. While the drive isn't quite as sporty as similar cars in this class, it is still exhilarating enough for most drivers. Electronic stability control and traction control enhances the drive; however, no AWD option is sure to pose a problem for some drivers. Ultrasonic sensors make parking in tight spots a breeze. For its price, the 2011 Genesis packs a definite wallop.

Performance

Hyundai designed the Genesis to compete with the big boys, and it sure delivers. Expected to compete with high-end cars (of the BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus brand names), the Genesis offers plenty of performance for the price.

The three engines that are available for the 2011 Hyundai Genesis all provide ample power. A 3.3-liter DOHC V6 produces 268 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque; a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 gets 290 horsepower and 264 pound-feet. Meanwhile, a 4.6-liter Tau V8 engine produces 375 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. A brand-new, eight-speed automatic transmission enhances fuel economy and boosts acceleration, pairing nicely with any one of the three available engines.

• Car pricing: Sedan base priced at $33,000.
• Engine: Base is a 3.8-liter V6 that gets 290 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque.
• Transmission: Eight-speed automatic.

Exterior Features

Choose from a four-door sedan or a two-door coupe. The Genesis has a similar look to the much more expensive Mercedes-Benz E Class luxury sedan, or perhaps the Lexus GS. You also can choose from the standard V6 or a V8, as well as a turbo Coupe.

Interior Features

If the 2011 Hyundai Genesis compares nicely with more expensive luxury mid-size sedans in terms of power, it holds its own when it comes to interior styling, too. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard - and they are quite appreciated. Slick contours also give the interior an attractive ambiance. A well-designed driving position ensures exceptional visibility at all times, while intuitive controls make it easy to safely make the necessary adjustments while flying along at highway speeds.

Safety and Specifications

Traction and stability control features are standard on the 2011 Genesis, keeping it on par with other luxury vehicles. Front- and side-curtain airbags are standard as well.

Upgrade Options

Among the upgrades offered on the Hyundai Genesis are upgraded audio, driver’s seat cooling system, xenon headlights, improved navigation system and radar cruise control.

Pros

Superior handling and performance are two of the top benefits of the 2011 Hyundai Genesis. For its comparatively low starting MSRPs, all three incarnations of this mid-size sedan compare favorably to others within its class. A bounty of topnotch standard features - including cutting-edge technology and safety components - are sure to please the vast majority of drivers. Interior styling is generally exceptional; most of the materials are quite luxurious, although a few minor exceptions bring down the overall feel. All told, the 2011 Genesis brings amazing quality and performance to the table for an unbeatable price.

Cons

The biggest - and most surprising - drawback of the 2011 Hyundai Genesis is its lack of an available all-wheel drive. Most of today's luxury sedans offer AWD, which is especially important for drivers who live in areas that experience icy and snowy conditions. It should also be noted that the superior V8 engine requires premium fuel; with today's high gas prices, this could be a deal-breaker for some drivers. Finally, a tiny backseat and trunk make this an impractical choice for anyone with children.

How the Hyundai Genesis Compares to Other Luxury Sedans

Hyundai designed the Genesis to compete with the big boys. And while it delivers in terms of performance and features, there still is that stigma associated with Hyundai and luxury. Here’s where it stacks up:

• Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Much more expensive, but also more refined and includes features like all-wheel drive.
• BMW 5-Series: Much more sporty than the Genesis, but also priced at least 50 percent more.

Conclusion: Is the 2011 Hyundai Genesis a Smart Buy?

If you want a luxury car, but can’t afford the $50,000-plus price tag, then the Genesis might be the car for you. Reviewers love it for its affordability and refinement, but it still remains a challenge for many car buyers to view the Hyundai brand as capable of delivering true luxury.