The 2012 Hyundai Genesis again offers much more for the price than its competitors, including powerful and smooth engines, a refined design, a long list of luxury features, a topnotch interior, a comfortable drive and a long warranty.
And as if its rivals didn't have enough to worry about, new this year is a standard 8-speed automatic transmission for all models, better fuel economy, direct-injection for the base V6 which boosts horsepower and an all new a 5.0-liter V8 model, the 5.0 R-Spec, which cranks out well over 400 horsepower.
Even while the Genesis has so much going for it, we always recommend considering other segment rivals as well for the most informed buying decision. Those definitely worth a look would include the Acura TL, the Infiniti M37, the Lexus GS and the BMW 5-Series. Really, the only obstacle for the Genesis is it's lack of name brand pizzaz, although Hyundai has made considerable strides in this area in recent years.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2012 Hyundai Genesis is a rear-wheel-drive, full-size luxury sedan offered in three trims (corresponding to the engine size): 3.8, 4.6 and 5.0 R-Spec.
Standard features on the Genesis 3.8 include leather upholstery, full power accessores, an 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar, a 4-way power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, keyless entry/ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, heated front seats, foglights, automatic headlights, a tilt steering wheel, an engine immobilizer, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, a theft deterrant system, 17-inch alloy wheels, a tire pressure monitor, a full array of safety features (see below) and a 7-speaker audio system with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, an iPod connector and an auxiliary audio jack.
The optional Premium package for the 3.8 includes a sunroof, a navigation system, driver memory settings, automatic wipers, power-folding mirrors, 18-inch wheels, a power rear sunshade, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, leather dashboard and door trim, a 7-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera and a 14-speaker Lexicon surround-sound system with a CD/DVD player.
The available Technology package goes on to add upgraded leather uphostery, heated rear seats, a ventilated driver seat, an 8-inch rotary-knob based multimedia display, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive HID headlights, a lane-departure alert system, adaptive cruise control, an upgraded Bluetooth system, an electronic parking brake and a 17-speaker Lexicon sound system with a 6-disc in-dash CD/DVD changer and HD radio.
In addition to the larger engine, standard features for the Genesis 4.6 include everything from the Premium and Technology packages, while the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec has all of these features plus sport-tuning for the suspension, transmission and steering along with 19-inch wheels. Optional for the R-Spec are high-performance summer tires.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Under the hood of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 is a 3.8-liter direct-injected V6 engine that's good for a healthy 333 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. The EPA-estimated gas mileage for this engine is a very respectable 19 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Powering the Genesis 4.6 is a 4.6-liter V8 that pumps out 378 horsepower and 324 pound-feet with regular gas (385 horsepower and 333 pound-feet with premium). Fuel economy for the 4.6 is EPA-estimated at 17 mpg city and 26 highway.
The new Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec is equipped with a 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 that delivers 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. In performance tests, the R-Spec was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in a very quick 5.3 seconds. Gas mileage for the R-Spec is rated at 16 and 25, respectively.
Safety:
Standard safety equipment for all 2012 Genesis models include stability control, traction control, antilock brakes (ABS), brake assist, front side airbags, active front head restraints, rear side airbags and side curtain airbags. In addition, a reaview camera, parking sensors and a lane-departure warning system are standard on the 4.6 and 5.0 R-Spec (optional on the 3.8).
Government crash tests had not yet been conducted at the time of this writing. However, the 2011 Genesis was awarded perfect five star ratings in all frontal and side-impact occupant protection categories.
Interior:
The Genesis' cabin is refined, spacious, attractive, user-friendly, quiet and well-constructed with high quality materials. In fact, based on all the features as well as the overall look and feel of the interior, most would think they're inside a much more expensive vehicle.
The seating is comfortable and supportive both front and rear, with ample head and legroom all around making for passenger-friendly accommodations both around town and on long distance trips. Trunk space is a very useable 15.9 cubic feet and there's also a rear pass-through to better handle longer items.
A special note should be made of the two outstanding optional Lexicon audio systems. While both are excellent, for those that have it in the budget, the 17-speaker Lexicon in particular is one of the very best available anywhere in the auto industry.
Drive:
The ride of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis is just what you would expect from a luxury car. It's blissfully smooth, seamless and comfortable. At the same time, it still maintains a significant degree of maneuverability when needed, something many luxury sedans loose in their effort to pamper. Also very impressive is the remarkable quietness of the car due to a high level of noise insulation.
The power from both V6 engines should prove more than satisfactory for most drivers, providing smooth, seamless and healthy acceleration. Those who place a high value on power and performance, however, may want to take a serious look at the new 5.0 R-Spec, which is just plain fast and athletic to the point where its acceleration rivals that of much more expensive V8 sport sedans. The tradeoff, however, is a harsher ride over road bumps and rough spots.
How To Get The Lowest Price:
Best Negotiating Tactic: Well, there's definitely a 'best way' when it comes to new car buying. If you want to get the best bottomline, out-the-door price you need to know exactly who to talk to at the dealership, how to make the contact and how to make this person eager to quickly drop prices as low as possible to get your sale.
