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2015 Hyundai Genesis First Drive

Edmunds.comEdmunds.com Member, Administrator, Moderator Posts: 10,315
edited September 2014 in Hyundai

image2015 Hyundai Genesis First Drive

We get behind the wheel of the 2015 Hyundai Genesis, the redesigned sedan that's looking to push Hyundai into the ranks of top-tier midsize luxury sedans.

Read the full story here


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Comments

  • majin_ssj_ericmajin_ssj_eric Member Posts: 49
    I just may have found my next new car! Will be a nice replacement for my current Genny sedan...
  • dfelix70dfelix70 Member Posts: 143
    Still looks downmarket from its intended competitors. Interior still looks bland, but definitely an improvement over the previous.
  • myboramybora Member Posts: 2
    When a car company's styling direction is to piggyback off of several other car manufacturer's styling direction, you get a new Hyundai!
    Photo #5 of the interior is eff'n hilarious; love the graphic of the at the vents; it totally clears up any confusion as to which way the air blows into the cabin.
  • noburgersnoburgers Member Posts: 500
    Seems like it would compete with the Chrysler 300 very well. How do readers think it would go up against the Cadillac XTS?
  • jeffinohjeffinoh Member Posts: 156
    Funny you should ask, noburgers. I love the updated look, they got the wood just right (highly grained, matte finish, and in huge swaths is the current trend) and it has AWD option for us in snowbelt. But I ask myself, can I tell people I own a Hyundai? Can I say that name to my BMW or Merc owning friends??? I'd opt for the Caddy because I get to say I got a Caddy. Some friend's dad probably built the damn thing. For premium money I'll take the Caddy.
  • glossgloss Member Posts: 150
    I honestly think this is a really solid-looking car. Far less bland than its predecessor.
  • lions208487lions208487 Member Posts: 240
    Not a fan of the grill, but the rest of the car is spot on. Some may complain that the interior isn't modern enough, but since they took more time to work out the details that otherwise go overlooked, I think Hyundai did a great job here.

    @jeffinoh - Just 5 years ago I would agree with you, but considering where Hyundai has come, I would disagree. A few fellow consultants at my firm own or lease the Equus and outgoing Genesis, and they reall y like their cars.

    @nukedetroit - I agree in regards to the XTS, but you are way off if you think the new CTS is a re-badge job.
  • noburgersnoburgers Member Posts: 500
    @nuked, XTS does have AWD option, Impala does not, but I see your point.
    Hyundai did not break out its premium cars as a separate line ala Lexus, so there is a stigma sharing dealership space with people buying Accents and Elantras. I still think that i
  • mercedesfanmercedesfan Member Posts: 365
    I guess I'm in the minority, but I think this new Genesis looks considerably worse than the previous generation. That grille is the focal point of the front and it's as bland as can be, the profile emphasizes awkward nose-heavy proportions, and the rear is a collection of design elements from every other luxury car in the class. It looks more expensive, though, which I guess is something. Nevertheless, the interior is a definite step up. I think the Genesis will continue to carve out a successful niche in the market, but I don't see its sales growing much above what they already are. This car is still a long way from being considered an equal to the 5/E/A6/GS/CTS. Hyundai's reputation needs another decade or so before that can happen, regardless of the quality of the car.
  • marcos9marcos9 Member Posts: 96
    At least Hyundai is putting forth effort, which is more than I can say for Honda/Acura.
  • themandarinthemandarin Member Posts: 436
    Grill appears upside down
  • dfelix70dfelix70 Member Posts: 143
    @marcos09, "effort"? "Effort" isn't so difficult when you just take bits and pieces from almost every other leading brand. "Effort" would be creating an ORIGINAL product.
  • darthbimmerdarthbimmer Member Posts: 606
    I like the exterior styling, especially the front end. Yes, it contains elements of many other car makers' designs. I think it most resembles Infiniti though it portrays both aggressiveness and presence in a way that Infiniti has struggled to master.
  • badgerluvbadgerluv Member Posts: 2
    No informed competent driver thinks about getting a Caddy these days. Even NYC taxis are Japanese-made. You only get an American-made car if you live in Michigan (b/c of your family or b/c you dont want vandals to key your car when youre at the grocery). I believe Hyundais have proven themselves to the US market and recently have made great cars. Amazing cars. The late Genesis was a great looking car for a bang for your buck. The all new one looks better and has better features? You sold me, Hyundai.
  • badgerluvbadgerluv Member Posts: 2
    dfelix70 - What brand did the late Genesis and current Eqqus borrow style points from? Does the Sonata or Elantra? How about the Azera? They are ALL about the most original cars out on the market.

    Look at the prior Genesis model and the new one... You can see progression.. this is called refinement.
  • 06sti06sti Member Posts: 17
    Do some research on the ATS and CTS badgerluv - they're the real deal. PS No one "informed or competent" would use the word "original" to describe any Hyundai design.

    Having said that, this Genesis is the most cohesive hodge-podge yet. It's actually appealing.
  • joe_scubajoe_scuba Member Posts: 2
    Hopefully they have improved on their injection molder parts, to many parting line were in areas they could be seen or felt making some parts just look cheap.
    As for the engines i like the 4.6 V8 for a every day car the V6 is using timing belts that will require an expensive replacement before the warranty expires.
    Hyundai would be better served to use timing chains on the V6 engines.
  • dg0472dg0472 Member Posts: 89
    No joe, no version of the Lambda V6 has ever used a timing belt. They all have chains. In fact, no Hyundai engine uses a timing belt and haven't since the Accent was last redesigned.
  • tomsjaytomsjay Member Posts: 14
    The problem with Chinese and Korean companies that they want to aggressively compete with other companies in the eagerness often imitate the most successful models. the hood head light and the front is 5 series and rear from GS. profile Audi . the original shape they brought their own is the grill which is ok. the cat while looks ok seems seen somewhere due to the strong resemblance which takes the freshness away. They should rather focus on uniqueness. and finally that Chrysler looking grandeur badge which makes it further a cheap attempt to earn legacy and classic stature . how good the car drives it is bordering imitation stature like sister Kia did with their K9 or 900. It like Chinese is adamant to make a plane and boast it is better than Boeing
  • vhorizonvhorizon Member Posts: 1
    Well I like it and that's what count the most.
    It will be on my short list. good job Hyundai, now just make Genesis brand already.
  • dfelix70dfelix70 Member Posts: 143
    @badgerluv, you're kidding, right? I can't even fathom having to explain where hyundai has copied from. Comment like yours, and the pattern of thumbs up/thumbs down here tells me that alot about the types of people on this site and the types of people w
  • majin_ssj_ericmajin_ssj_eric Member Posts: 49
    Really loving this new Genesis...
  • pqlyur1pqlyur1 Member Posts: 14
    I like it. Complaints on the 1st gen's looks were that it was simply a combination of every other luxury car around. I like the front end look. In fact, the whole package looks substantial and understated. In a word, classy.
  • robertcrackerrobertcracker Member Posts: 5
    gilded impala? Iimpala is FWD the CTS is RWD genius LOL
    I'd pick the CTS over this any day of the week. Heck I'd pick the Avalon over this too. To this day Hyundai still has lots of recall and their chief engineer just took the fall for the recalls that he wasn't responsible for. So much for discriminating choice. Can't believe there are actually Hyundai fanboy. How pathetic is that.
  • majin_ssj_ericmajin_ssj_eric Member Posts: 49
    As the owner of a first generation Genesis, I'm not sure I get the criticism of the exterior styling? I think it is still to this day one of the better looking luxury cars on the market and its been out since 2009. Hell, it still looks far better than the LS or M in my opinion...
  • 500rwhp500rwhp Member Posts: 99
    So they copied the Audi styling this time. OK......what exactly does Hyundai expect us to think a Hyundai looks like if they change every time, chasing their competition (not that people cross shop Audi to Hyundai)
  • 500rwhp500rwhp Member Posts: 99
    @badgerluv. Are you stoned? Well over 50% of cars sold in the US are American brands (if you count Chrysler). I personally own an F150 and a Buick Enclave. I cross shopped both up and down market, and for what I wanted they were each respectively the
  • nutsaboutcarsnutsaboutcars Member Posts: 11
    I had a 2010 genesis and was glad the lease was over because that car had a very rough suspension and a noisy ride. Lets just hope that Hyundai took into count that us americans do not like a harsh suspension and noisy ride in a premium car
  • carfreak13carfreak13 Member Posts: 17
    i think Hyundai's biggest problem with the equus and genesis is that they didn't create a new luxury brand like Toyota did with Lexus. no luxury buyer wants to say they bought a Hyundai.
  • jeffinohjeffinoh Member Posts: 156
    I think the current Genesis is gorgeous- Voluptuous body, great interior- and the Equuis is super posh on paper- never seen one in person- but there's an x factor in these segments that they failed to capture. I don't see Hyundai being thought of as premium. We'll see.
  • corrigicorrigi Member Posts: 1
    I always find it amusing when these clowns write in to give their comments about the genesis. I can't figure it out. I'm thinking it's either jealousy or they have no idea what they are talking about. This car is one of the best and competes competently with other German and Japanese luxury cars. They sound like the [non-permissible content removed] they are and i'd be interested to know what they're driving. Can't be all that impressive.
  • domesticimportdomesticimport Member Posts: 1
    Looks nice. Couple of problems with branding. I understand they have borrowed design cues in the past/present from other brands, but lose the Bentley wannabe logo. If this is a Hyundai, don't be embarrassed and put the name on there instead of the G wings. That or create a new Genesis brand the way Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, and Nissan/Infiniti did. At least the Japanese brands got through the 70s/80s into luxury in the 90s. Now there are foreign brands 'assembled' in the USA (VW, Honda, Toyota, etc..) and US brands 'assembled' outside (Canada, Mexico, etc..).
  • pileitspileits Member Posts: 3
    I might consider trading in my earlier V8 Genesis, ONLY if this new one is WAY better.
  • pileitspileits Member Posts: 3
    I might consider trading in my earlier V8 Genesis, ONLY if this new one is WAY better.
  • chillipepper2chillipepper2 Member Posts: 1
    Its anytime bucks for money , i'm not a brand freak but i love my 3.8 V6 GDI, regular gas, awesome HP, much more leg room and much more for all less than German or High end Asian Luxury cars + 3 yrs 0 maintenance and 10 yrs warranty. If the 2015 is any better then the previous one am up for a swap.
  • marmotkingmarmotking Member Posts: 42
    I'd like to see Hyundai (and a lot of other makes/models for that matter) design in integrated front license plate mounting spots. Google image search shows front plates slapped right on Genesis' lower grill, very awkward on an otherwise very attractive car.
  • throwbackthrowback Member Posts: 445
    The lines between mainstream and luxury are bluring more each year. Why can't Lincoln have a RWD car this good?
  • hank39hank39 Member Posts: 144
    Really digging the improvements all around on this new Genesis. Super impressed.

    Is that rectangular box on the grill for the front license plate? That's the only downside with all these grill-dominated front fascias that car manufacturers are coming out with...a la the new Mazdas and Audis. For the states that require FLPs, it really ruins and breaks up the clean look.
  • bankerdannybankerdanny Member Posts: 1,021
    That grill is a bit to "Cars" for me. I expect to read that the car speaks to you. But beyond that I like the overall shape and the interior. It seems like Hyundai has delivered a solid luxury sedan that should be on the shopping list of people for whom value is more important than badges.
  • lions208487lions208487 Member Posts: 240
    @nukedetroit- That depends on which Cadillac you're referring too. If you're referring to the XTS, I completely agree with you. However, the CTS would be another story. At 59K (65K with all the good stuff) the CTS VSport is based off a different chassis
  • cbrandi_cbrandi_ Member Posts: 40
    Still offering good value for the money, but it's no prestige car. No legacy of motoring glory. Looks very generic, with the rear looking like the new Maserati sedan. Front grill is awkward and too in your face.
    I recently spent time in a Mercedes Benz showroom and sales lot. I had the same feeling about their cars, more generic, consumer goods. You've got to step up to the S-Class before you get a car that presents itself as a real Mercedes Benz. I guess the romance and heritage of great brands is over. Today they are mostly all mass produced consumer products.
  • markinnaples_markinnaples_ Member Posts: 251
    The 420hp speaks to me, but that +$52k price tag doesn't.
  • tacomamudpittacomamudpit Member Posts: 65
    Looks decent - My state requires Front License Plates - sure lots cars don't have one on. But man I don't wanna mess up the clean look of this with a Front plate, lol - just say'in.... Will be going to look in person hwen they arrive at dealer!
  • mrcarboymrcarboy Member Posts: 4
    the car looks nice but its a Hyundai and to make matters worse it has a generic look and banging. $52K for a generic car when i can have the real thing is crazy......I would take an Infiniti M/Q70....Luxury car buyers want prestige more than Value...they should have created or bought a lux brand if they wanted to build lux cars
  • thedream32thedream32 Member Posts: 5
    My god the interior is beautiful.
  • stineystiney Member Posts: 28
    Every model, every generation the Koreans make large gains in quality, styling and value while GM still chooses to incinerate customers to avoid a 57 cent fix.
  • joner800joner800 Member Posts: 80
    i love the looks. if the last gen R-Spec looked like this w/similar features (i.e. had paddle shifters - which it didnt), i might be driving one now instead of a 300. its a nitpick, but 15 cubic ft in the trunk is annoyingly small in this class. and to all you badgewhores, keep overpaying for your cars.
  • agentorangeagentorange Member Posts: 893
    So why did we get the new First Drive in Arizona smeared into an article about the less than informative First Drive in Korea? Is somebody getting paid by the word so they cut and pasted the two together?
  • gerrystiltongerrystilton Member Posts: 1
    V6 model at 22 mpg combined (18 city/29 highway),
    3.8 AWD at 19 mpg combined (16 city/25 highway) and the
    V8 at 18 mpg combined (15 city/23 highway).

    really? An Audi S8 gets 15/26/19 (combined) with a 520 hp/ 8 speed. Hyundai really need to work on their engines technology. They have problems getting better mpg. My friend's 2011 and my 2013 turbo sonatas get crappy mileage like 20-11 combined. Their Elantra isn't great and this new Genesis, they could have enhance it but they didn't. What a disappointment and I was so looking forward to it. You can have luxury and still get a better mpg than this. Hyundai, get better MPGs.
  • ruelspotruelspot Member Posts: 8
    The 2015 Hyundai Genesis is perfect testament to how far Hyundai has come…
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