It’s a showoff for 2015, that’s for sure. The new Hyundai Genesis oozes a redesign that highlights more enduring features and gets high marks in sex appeal — a real looker in the luxury sedan market.
With its facelift, the 2015 Hyundai Genesis still proves a prudent choice for the rational car buyer. And with power under the hood and a list of base features that are arguable one of the top in this class, the Genesis is a clear winner.
Competition for the 2015 Hyundai Genesis includes the Cadillac CTS, the Audi A6 and the Lexus GS 350, but the Genesis’ price tag is much lower than those of its formidable rivals.
The 2015 Hyundai Genesis, in the full-size sedan market, offers rear-wheel drive and two trims — a 3.8 V6 and a 5.0 V8.
Standard features on the Genesis 3.8 include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rearview camera, heated mirrors, automatic wipers and climate control, cruise control, keyless ignition and entry, heated eight-way power front seats, leather upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror, touchscreen interface and a navigation system, as well as audio connectivity. The 3.8 also comes with Hyundai’s Blue Link emergency system for improved safety.
The 3.8 trim optional packages are the Signature, the Tech and the Ultimate. The Signature option includes a sunroof, auto-leveling HID headlights, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, ventilated front seats, driver memory functions, power rear sunshade, manual side window shades and an upgraded sound system.
With the Tech option, you get all the Signature goodies and automatic high beams, extra safety features, electronic parking brake, a automatic vehicle hold function, upgraded leather inside and a better display screen for the gauge cluster.
With the Ultimate package, you have to opt for both the Signature and Tech options and then add a power trunk lid, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded navigation system with a center console controller and bigger display as well as a wood and aluminum trim and 17 speakers for a surround sound experience on the road.
Opting for the all-wheel drive version of the Genesis 3.8 adds to the Ultimate package headlight washers, and heated rear seats and steering wheel.
With the Genesis 5.0 trim, you get all the Signature and Technology goodies as standard features, as well as a more powerful engine paired with 19-inch alloy wheels. Included on the list of standard features on the 5.0 are LED foglamps and lighted door-sill plates. For the Ultimate package option on the 5.0 trim, all of the 3.8 features are included, as well as a driver-selectable suspension adjustment.
Under the hood, the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 has a 3.8-liter V6 engine putting out 311 horsepower with 293 pound-feet of torque. In the eight-speed automatic there is rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an option.
The Genesis 5.0 gives you 5.0-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 383 pound feet of torque.
This new Hyndai offers safety features such as antilock brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, front and rear side, full-length side curtain and a driver’s knee airbag. Since the Blue Link 2.0 is standard, the connectivity suite helps keep accidents at bay with an automatic crash notification, a SOS button, roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and start and geo-fencing.
Inside the 2015 Hyundai Genesis there is a noticeable amount of extra legroom, but headroom in the rear can still be hard for taller passengers.
For the knobs and controls, there is a stack in the center with everything you need to control your world inside the cabin. There is a rotary-type dialing mechanism if you opt for the upgrade of the navigation system. You also will find that the gauges are fuss-free, giving you only the information you need. A luxurious interior experience comes complete with leather seats and steering wheel, and the overall comfy upholstery is available on the 3.8 and the 5.0.
While keeping in mind you are driving a luxury sedan, there is a sport mode, but the Hyundai Genesis is really all about a comfortable, classy ride with excellent handling and control in a quiet cabin with nary an engine hum or wind whoosh in the background. Even better, no matter the engine you choose, the driving experience results are almost the same except for the V8 version upping the power just a bit for quicker acceleration.
Should You Need to Know: The 2015 Hyundai Genesis platform is rear-wheel drive. Note that the wheelbase has added about three inches in this newest incarnation, meaning more legroom for the passenger in the back seat.
Miles Per Gallon: I drove the 2015 Hyundai Genesis RWD 5.0 with gas mileage at 18 mpg combined, with 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Cost: The 2015 Hyundai Genesis RWD 5.0 I drove had a price tag of $55,700.
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