Consumer Road Test: The 2011 Hyundai Genesis V8 Sedan

Although Hyundai just recently introduced a new 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan with a more powerful 5.0 liter V8 engine and 8-speed automatic, there are still plenty of 2011 Genesis models on dealer lots with the very capable 4.6 liter V8 and ZF 6-speed automatic. In fact, given the eminent launch of the 2012 model, now might just be the best time ever to get a terrific deal on a brand new Hyundai Genesis sedan with a mighty impressive 385 horsepower/333 lb. feet of torque V8 motor that returned a very impressive 18.4 miles per gallon given the power on hand.

Now, the 2012 version of the Genesis is going to be offered with the same basic 3.8 liter 333 horsepower/291 lb. feet of torque V6 along with the same 4.6 liter V8 tested here. But the new range topper (known as the 5.0R) tops the power charts with 429 horsepower/376 lb. feet of torque. Both V8 engines require premium fuel but the V6 motor does not so consider that in your budgeting for the lifetime cost of your new Genesis. And remember, the 3.8 liter V6 engine isn't exactly low on power despite its "base model" billing.

From a styling perspective, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis I tested in a scrumptious burgundy hue with high quality taupe leather seats was very, very appealing. Some have said the Genesis sedan looks generic but I think it is the most elegant and handsome vehicle that they make. But if you prefer your Hyundai look like something out of a Science Fiction movie by all means buy a Sonata.

Sadly, as far as driving experiences go the Sonata can't touch the refined, fast and serenely smooth Genesis in a million years in any category. It's almost as if the two don't come from the same company, what with the Sonata's busy and button laden dashboard sporting a marked contrast to the refreshingly minimalist Genesis dashboard. My test model featured trim on the dash that contrasted perfectly with the leather seats with nearly as much skill as your typical Audi and compared to other luxury vehicles, the large, clearly marked buttons for the climate control are a refreshing change of pace.

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis also uses a center console mounted control knob like BMW's iDrive to control various audio, navigation and cell phone functions. Whereas the navigator and cell phone both proved easy to use with this system, the USB/iPod integration on my test model wouldn't work properly and would only play songs at random. This was clearly just an issue with this one tester but as I was forced to haul out my CD collection I began to get frustrated by the slow reaction times of the controller via audio functions. Audi's MMI system and Acura's centrally mounted dash knobs both work better and are more intuitive.

The seats in the 2011 Hyundai Genesis proved eminently comfortable over a long day of freeway driving to attend a rock concert and the ride was so comfortably cosseting on the ride home that my passenger fell asleep about 10 minutes into the drive home. Wind, road and engine noise are all well suppressed so this luxury sedan is definitely a great road trip car.

Now, if you are thinking that since the 2011 Hyundai Genesis is rear drive that you will experience the handling prowess of a BMW or Mercedes you would unfortunately be wrong. The steering is overly light but does make short work of parking lots. What is most unnerving, however, is how skittish and tail happy the Genesis becomes at speeds over 70 miles per hour. Up to that point the Genesis is a very capable and refined drive but once you pass that speed on a road with any curves the handling is difficult to predict.

Although Hyundai has added an 8-speed automatic for the 2012 model year, the six-speed unit in my tester was a real peach and felt perfectly matched to the very powerful 4.6 liter V8. This is one fast car that can be a lot of fun to drive as long as you respect its limits. Not everyone drives as fast as Southern California residents so the lack of high speed polish might not even matter to you.

My 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 came fully stocked with goodies that included 18-inch alloys, premium leather seats, automatic windshield wipers, a power sunroof, a very impressive 17-speaker Lexicon 17-speaker audio system, in-dash navigation, back-up camera, heated front seats, a cooled driver's seat (oddly the passenger only gets heating and no cooling), Bluetooth, XID Xenon adaptive headlamps that move with the direction you are steering all for $43,835 including destination. It also comes with a gigantic 15.6 cubic foot trunk and has a decent cruising range thanks to the 20.3 gallon fuel tank.

If you are looking for a cut rate BMW 5-Series of Audi A6 then maybe you should look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a stylish, affordable, generously equipped, unquestionably luxurious and supremely refined cruiser then there is a lot to recommend about the 2011 Hyundai Genesis. Just don't think of the Genesis as a pure luxury sport sedan. Really, it's just a luxury sedan and in that regard it is a very successful one.