2016 Hyundai Genesis
All Dressed for Success
No one ever thought that Hyundai could build a luxury car. Then the first-generation Genesis debuted and put the luxury limos from established German and Japanese brands to shame. Hyundai is continuing to keep more prestigious brands honest with its second-generation Genesis.
The 2016 Hyundai Genesis has it all. It’s dressed in handsome sheetmetal, boasts powerful engines with sophisticated drivetrain technology, and features a spacious cabin with plenty of amenities. Once you get behind the wheel, you’ll be surprised there isn’t a BMW or Mercedes badge on the nose.
Powertrains and Performance
Hyundai may have gained a reputation building small-engined economy cars, but the 2016 Genesis has the goods to take on the luxury-car establishment. No matter which of the two available powertrains you choose, you get power and poise.
The standard engine is a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque. There’s also an option to upgrade to a 5.0-liter V8 with 420 hp and 383 lb-ft. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard with the 3.8-liter V6, while Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system is optional. The V8 engine is only offered with rear-wheel drive.
HTRAC features both Normal and Sport modes, with Sport mode sending more power to the rear wheels for a more agile feel. The system can also do this during steady-state highway cruising, which Hyundai says improves fuel economy by cutting driveline losses. All of this power re-jiggering is accomplished by an electronic variable torque-split clutch, with active torque control between the front and rear axles. Hyundai also logged some development time at Germany’s legendary Nürburgring Nordschliefe to tune the Genesis’ chassis.
EPA-rated fuel economy for the rear-wheel drive 3.8-liter V6 model is 22 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 29 mpg highway),* while the all-wheel drive version gets 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway).* The 5.0-liter V8 model gets 18 mpg combined (15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway) in mandatory rear-wheel drive form.*
Features and Trims
The 2016 Hyundai Genesis is a four-door, five-seat full-size luxury sedan. It’s offered in two trim levels corresponding to the two available engines, with pricing starting at $38,750.**
The base Genesis 3.8 meets the standards of a true luxury car, but with typical Hyundai value. Standard features include dual power-folding heated side mirrors, automatic rain-sensing wipers, hands-free power trunk, bi-Xenon HID headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, heated front seats, tilt and telescoping steering column, 8.0-inch touchscreen navigation system, and more.
The Genesis 5.0 Ultimate includes all of the applicable standard features from the Genesis 3.8, and adds the V8 engine and other features like 19-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming side mirrors, quad exhaust tips, LED fog lights, panoramic sunroof, premium leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats, Integrated Memory System (for the driver’s seat, outside mirrors, and steering column), power tilt and telescoping steering column, matte-finish wood trim, aluminum interior accents, and a Lexicon® 17-speaker surround-sound system.
Design
The 2016 Hyundai Genesis features the latest generation of Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, giving it an upscale feel. The hexagonal grille Hyundai is trying to use throughout its entire lineup makes a bold statement, and is complimented by surfaces that are simplified but have a kinetic element. Short overhangs and a long wheelbase give the Genesis a sporty appearance and emphasize its rear-wheel drive layout.
For the interior, Hyundai started with space. With 123 cubic feet of interior volume, the Genesis has a roomier cabin than a Cadillac CTS, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti Q70, or Mercedes-Benz E-Class. There’s an emphasis on tasteful design too: Hyundai tried to simplify controls, and add useful storage space while connecting elements like the center stack, console, and upper instrument panel in a visually-pleasing manner.
To banish any concern about its mainstream badge, Hyundai bedecked the Genesis cabin in high-grade materials, including available matte-finish wood and aluminum trim. Designers carefully analyzed materials to ensure they matched well in terms or texture and color. The center-console fascia and audio controls are also integrated to create a streamlined look.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Hyundai Genesis includes anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, a rearview camera, and nine airbags. Optional features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Smart Cruise Control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist, and a haptic steering wheel.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Hyundai Genesis is a genuine luxury car built with typical Hyundai quality and value.
Be sure to contact us online or visit MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup at 150 MotorWorld Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 to schedule a test drive.
* 2016 Genesis 3.8 with RWD: 18 City/29 Hwy/22 Combined. 2016 Genesis 3.8 with AWD: 16 City/25 Hwy/19 Combined. 2016 Genesis 5.0 Ultimate with RWD: 15 City/23 Hwy/18 Combined. EPA estimates. For comparison only. Your actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
** MSRP excludes destination charges, tax, title, and license fees. Destination charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost.
Image: Hyundai