2011 Hyundai Genesis Review

2011 Hyundai Genesis

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Midsize Cars. When you mix healthy dollops of value, high-tech features and luxury you get the 2011 Genesis. Long story short, the Genesis is no slouch.

Other Cars to Consider
Figuring out who competes best with the Hyundai Genesis is a difficult task. It’s priced to go toe-to-toe with upscale midsize cars, yet has the size and technology of a luxury large car. If you need all-wheel drive, the Genesis isn’t for you. Hyundai does not offer AWD on the Genesis, so if that’s high on your list check out the Audi A4. Things get really interesting when you compare the Genesis to a luxury large car like the 2011 Infiniti M. When pricing the V6-powered M37 against the V6-powered Genesis their base prices differ by more than $13,500 dollars. The only car that seems to hold a candle to the Genesis is the Lexus ES.

The Hyundai Genesis 4.6 model gets a 10-horsepower bump for 2011 along with a now-standard Technology package. The 2011 Hyundai Genesis is a full-size, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan available in 3.8 and 4.6 trim levels (the numbers denote engine displacement).

The Genesis 3.8 comes standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel and a seven-speaker sound system with CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB interface.

The Premium package adds 18-inch wheels, automatic wipers, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery, leather dash and door trim, driver memory functions, a power rear sunshade and a 14-speaker Lexicon surround-sound system with a six-CD changer and HD radio. The Genesis 4.6 has a V8 engine, a wood-trimmed steering wheel and the Technology package as standard equipment.

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 gets a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control are standard. In Edmunds testing, a Genesis 3.6 (with 10 fewer horsepower) went from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

Safety
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis comes standard with antilock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, front and rear side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Driving Impressions
The soft ride of the 2011 Hyundai Genesis is a good indicator of the car's luxury leanings. The Genesis is also a remarkably quiet car thanks to extensive sound insulation. The long wheelbase gives front and rear passengers ample leg- and headroom, so the 2011 Genesis is a true five-seat sedan, too.

Build quality and refinement in the 2011 Genesis light years ahead of Hyundai appointments even five to ten years ago, and truly competitive with premium Japanese brands. There's leather, tightly grained plastic, laminated glass to damp noise, and plenty of handsome detailing. This year the standard equipment list for V-8 models grows with a few new items that were previously optional: The 17-speaker Lexicon premium surround-sound system, navigation system with Driver Information System and eight-inch screen, smart cruise control, electronic parking brake, cooled driver seat, adaptive front lighting, HID headlamps, and parking assistance system are all now standard on the 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6.