2012 Hyundai Genesis Overview

The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury large sedan that aims to compete with Lexus and Mercedes. As such, it features a strong, competitive standard equipment list, but it's offered at a fraction of the price.

There are three engines available: a 3.8L V6, a 4.6L V8 and a 5.0L V8. The 3.8L produces 333 hp, up from last year's 290, while the 4.6L makes 385 hp. The 5.0L, new for 2012, makes 426 hp. Each of the engines utilizes continuously variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder, and both the 3.8L and 5.0L use direct injection to help achieve their horsepower figures. All three engines are mated to new 8-speed automatic transmissions with Shiftronic manual shift mode for more control over the gear changes.

The Genesis' suspension consists of an independent 5-link setup that also includes stabilizer bars. The steering is speed-sensitive and the brakes are ventilated discs all around. Standard features include heated power mirrors, fog lamps, automatic headlamps and leather seats that are heated and 8-way power adjustable. Other features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a proximity entry system.

All Genesis sedans feature standard electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, advanced dual front airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags and tire-pressure monitoring. Sedans also have and rear side-impact airbags, and the 4.6 and 5.0 R-spec add standard traction control. The 5.0 R-spec features special performance tires on 19-inch wheels, high-flow exhaust and special R-spec design touches to its exterior.

Inside, the 3.8 includes leather seating, heated power front seats, dual-zone climate control, XM radio and steering-wheel mounted audio controls. The 4.6 and 5.0 R-spec add power sunroof, 18-inch wheels, proximity entry, cooled driver's seat, heated rear seat, power tilt and telescopic steering column, rearview camera, navigation, obstacle detection and adaptive cruise control. Lane Departure Warning is now standard on 4.6 and 5.0 R-spec models, and is optional on the 3.8.

The Premium package for the Genesis 3.8 adds a sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a Lexicon 14-speaker sound system, XM NavTraffic navigation and a rearview camera. The 3.8 Technology package takes the Premium package even further, adding a 17-speaker sound system, Ultimate Navigation, Bluetooth, LCD cluster display, Xenon adaptive headlights, smart cruise control, heated rear seats, a cooled driver's seat and an electronic parking brake.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Model Changes

Following much initial success in the luxury sedan market, Hyundai's popular Genesis receives several notable upgrades for 2012.

The Genesis sedan has been given an overall design freshening, with updated LED headlights the most noticeable change. A new rear fascia has been fitted, with new integrated exhaust tips. Under the hood, the 3.8L V6 gets slightly more power and a new 8-speed transmission replaces last year's 6-speed unit.

An all-new 5.0 R-spec model is available for 2012, featuring a 5.0L 429-hp V8 engine, sport suspension with summer tires, performance-tuned exhaust, and special styling cues.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Value

The Hyundai Genesis sedan takes aim at mid-priced luxury sedans. The V6 model comes with dual exhaust, dual-zone climate control and leather seats. The V8-engined sedan has a 14-speaker sound system, rain-sensing windshield wipers and proximity entry. The all-new 5.0 R-spec model it well suited to be a real player in the high-performance sedan segment, offering a blistering 429 hp and a performance-tuned suspension system.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Strengths

Lots of affordable luxury; elegant, understated styling; great handling and powerful V8; very competitive pricing