If the badge were missing, one might easily mistake the
2015Hyundai Genesis for a European luxury sedan. All-new for the 2015 model year,
the Genesis, already impressive in its previous incarnation, gets even better.
First introduced for the 2008 model year, the
Hyundai Genesis sedan received
much acclaim in the automotive press. It was refreshed for 2012 and is
completely redesigned for 2015.
Size-wise, the
2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan grows in length by only 0.2 inches,
but the interior is roomier thanks to a wheelbase that's been stretched by
nearly three inches, allowing for more room in the cabin and shortening
overhangs for improved performance. It's longer and wider than other midsize
sedans, and is technically classified by the EPA as a large vehicle. That's
good news when it comes to space, but it also means more bulk.
Unlike most new versions of cars that boast lighter, more aerodynamic designs,
the Genesis takes a different tack. It feels solid and substantive, and despite
the use of some new lightweight materials, the Genesis manages to gain about
100 pounds. Hyundai argues the gain is, in part, to boost safety ratings, and
despite the increase, the
2015 Genesis manages to improve fuel economy by 1
mpg.
Two engines are available on the
2015 Hyundai Genesis and carry over from the
previous generation (pre-2015), but have been heavily revised for the 2015
models. The standard 3.8-liter V6 produces 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of
torque and runs on Regular gasoline. It's available in both rear-wheel-drive
and all-wheel-drive variants. The 5.0-liter V8 makes 420 hp and 383 lb.-ft of
torque with Premium fuel, or 407 hp and 372 lb-ft with Regular gas. Both
engines are naturally aspirated.
All models use Hyundai's 8-speed transmission with paddle shifters
(Shiftronic), which uses fuel-saving measures like skip-shift technology help
to reduce emissions.
We found the V6 perfectly capable, and the best choice for most drivers.
Available all-wheel drive makes the Genesis even more appealing for those in
snowy climes. The V8 is silky and satisfying for those looking for even more
power.
Fuel economy for the
2015 Hyundai Genesis is 18/29 mpg for the 3.8-liter RWD
model and 16/25 mpg City/Highway for the 3.8-liter AWD model. With the
5.0-liter V8, fuel economy understandably suffers, with 15/23 mpg City/Highway.
In the cabin, materials are of good quality, and the layout is attractive and
intuitive. Standard leather upholstery on the base model is nice, but not
buttery-soft like one might find in more expensive luxury cars; we prefer the
upgraded leather that comes on the 5.0. Rear passengers have adequate headroom,
though rear legroom falls short compared to some. Cargo space is plentiful at
15.3 cubic feet.
Infotainment controls are modeled after those of German cars. A knob on the
center console, similar to those found on Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz controls
navigation, audio, phone and settings. And unlike those German cars, the
standard 9.2-inch LCD display is a touch-screen that allows you to access some
features directly by pushing one button, instead of going into an endless
series of menus.
Hyundai says it is aiming squarely at German midsize sedans, but although the
2015 Hyundai Genesis offers far more features for the money, those looking for
brand cachet still might have a hard time being convinced. We think the Genesis
boasts superior driving dynamics to those of the Lexus GS or ES, and the
Hyundai comes with more standard features. The new Cadillac CTS offers similar
value, but its race-bred powertrain and chassis offer a much more engaging
ride, and the available V6 engines are more powerful. Though the Genesis is
thousands of dollars less than the BMW 5 Series, the Genesis really can't touch
the BMW in terms of dialed-in performance. As for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class,
the Genesis comes close with ride and handling and offers many more standard
features, but may never achieve the status afforded by the three-pointed star.
The
2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan is a handsome, affordable alternative to a more
expensive luxury car and comes packed with standard features. The 3.8 offers
fine performance and optional all-wheel drive, while the 5.0 offers an
abundance of silky-smooth power. We thought the Genesis 3.8 offered the best
value and had plenty of power.
