Hyundai threw everything at their disposal at the Genesis, from LED running lights to HID headlights in an effort to attract upscale buyers. The result is a large, smooth, and very quick sedan with a variety of features that are unique and useful. For example, when you enter the vehicle at night the ground outside the front doors is illuminated with a light that reads “Genesis” and prepares you for what is inside. And what’s inside is plenty good. A multimedia control system, eight-inch touchscreen with an optional 9.2-inch touchscreen, a multifunction display and, thankfully, real knobs that can be used to control functions. There is also a heads-up reveal that offers a variety of important data including your speed, a Blue Link communications system that has a voice-recognition program, and even an optional remote start feature.
With a plethora of features the Genesis is designed to attract buyers who enjoy the idea of a large sedan with the latest in electronics and don’t want to pay for the more expensive competition. The downside is that the V6 version only gets 16 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Handling is more responsive when the Sports Mode is activated. If you would rather have a more relaxed ride try Normal, and when stuck in commuter traffic selecting Eco can help ease your pain.
Young male’s view: Working on my degree in cybersecurity and its challenges is not unlike the challenges of the Genesis electronics. Optional systems such as Apple Siri integration that can be used for a variety of internet audio options such as Pandora, the latest traffic information, fuel prices, traffic data and more are nice, but there is also Bluetooth wireless connectivity, satellite radio, a USB, audio jacks, and the list goes on. For example, there is the Smart Trunk feature that automatically opens the trunk when you stand near it with the proximity key in your possession for a few seconds, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and a multi-speaker Lexicon audio system are available. There are even a rear window power sunshade and heated steering wheel available. The option packages are the Ultimate, Signature and Technology packages, and they can add over $10,000 to the base price of $38,950. Personally, I would get them all as they add considerably to the joy of owning a premium sedan.
Dad’s view: We had the 3.8-liter, V6 engine with 311 horsepower, but you can order the very fast 5.0-liter V8 rated at 420 horsepower. There is also an all-wheel drive option with a V-6. Our rear-wheel drive test car averaged around 20 mpg in mixed driving and 22 on long trips unburdened by heavy traffic. The EPA has estimates on the highway up to 29 mpg. It could happen. The ride was lush with little road feel and steering that was vague. The Genesis can be best described as a relaxed sedan that wants to coddle you.
Mom’s view: The 5.0 Genesis is more expensive, but I would opt for the 3.8. It has as much power as most people need and even in base trim you get heated and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, real-time traffic alerts, and more. Add to that the tight turning radius at about 38 feet that makes parking very easy, and you have an upscale sedan with some remarkable features. For example there are nine air bags most everywhere, including overhead, and a Blue Link crash notification system that provides automatic emergency contact information to those selected by the owner. So very reassuring. The Genesis also has excellent crash scores with a forward-collision warning and autonomous braking set-up systems and standard features such as Electronic Stability Control, energy-absorbing front seats, anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution. Other safety options include blind spot warning, with an enhancement called Lane Change Assist that helps detect vehicles approaching toward the rear side at high speeds. The Genesis also offers a Land Departure Warning system. The Genesis is a sedan you can build to your needs with a strong emphasis on family safety.
Young working woman’s view: The Genesis comes with a large trunk with a low and wide lift over, a grocery bag holder that folds down, along with an abundance of storage areas in the cabin, and the seats can be heated. The doors are hefty and shut with a reassuring, bank-vault sound. Parking is greatly eased with the rearview camera and warnings that abound. This car is a little too much car for me. I prefer the very nice Elantra. I have noticed that Hyundai is offering some excellent lease deals and, as usual, the warranties are exceptional with 10 years or 100,000 miles on the drivetrain and five years of free roadside assistance.
Family conference: When you think of a premium sedan Hyundai’s Genesis probably does not come to mind, but perhaps it should. It has plenty of pep, enough features to keep a preteen busy, and a comfortable and accommodating interior.
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