2016 Hyundai Genesis review
The Hyundai Genesis was a four-door midsize sedan that, along with the full-size Hyundai Equus, marked a move upmarket for the South Korean brand that eventually evolved into the upscale Genesis brand. The Genesis sedan was value-priced compared to the BMW and Mercedes-Benz models it aspired to compete with. Rather than front-wheel drive like most Hyundai models, it offered rear- or all-wheel drive. It also got stronger V6 and V8 engines and a more premium cabin and driving dynamics. The Genesis sedan became the Genesis G80 when the new brand spun off for the 2017 model year. Hyundai also offered a Genesis Coupe that is reviewed separately.
Explore the evolution of the Hyundai Genesis
Get our expert take on used Hyundai Genesis models, or view year-by-year changes.
Second generation Hyundai Genesis
Hyundai spun off Genesis as its own brand just two model years into the second generation of its midsize luxury sedan. With the change, the Hyundai Genesis would become the Genesis G80.
The redesigned Hyundai Genesis sported a new look for 2015, with a more prominent grille and a more elegant overall design. The car was only slightly longer, but the wheelbase grew by almost three inches.
It didn’t change under the hood, where buyers had the choice of a 3.8-liter V6 or a 5.0-liter V8, both smooth and both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. New for this generation was available all-wheel drive; rear-wheel drive was standard.
The interior boasted premium materials and an eight-inch touchscreen that ran the Bluelink® infotainment interface, offering Google navigation search, Siri®-powered Eyes Free mode from Apple, a custom assistant app, and Google Glass integration.
At a time when driver-assist technology wasn’t ubiquitous, the Genesis featured automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Model highlights
Redesigned for 2015 with a more elegant look
Standard rear-wheel drive
All-wheel drive available
Lotus-tuned handling with available adaptive dampers
3.8-liter V6 or 5.0-liter V8
Eight-speed automatic transmission returned
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2015 - 2016
2016 Hyundai Genesis
Highlights
HID headlights and LED daytime running lights became standard
LED foglights became available on the 3.8 model
5.0 model offered only in Ultimate trim level, previously an option package
Learn more
2015 Hyundai Genesis
Highlights
Redesigned with elegant new look and larger grille
Wheelbase almost three inches longer
Newly available with all-wheel drive
Chassis tuned by Lotus
Debut of second-generation Bluelink® infotainment interface
Full suite of driver-assist features
Learn more
Reliability
RepairPal gave the Hyundai Genesis an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Hyundai Genesis 7th out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Hyundai Genesis is $421, compared to an average of $725 for Luxury Fullsize Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Hyundai Genesis owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.2 times per year, compared to an average of 1.7 times for Luxury Fullsize Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 12% for the Hyundai Genesis, compared to an average of 17% for Luxury Fullsize Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Kirk Bell has been an automotive journalist since 2001, doing stints at Motor Authority, MSN Autos, and Consumer Guide. He's currently a freelance journalist with an interest in luxury and performance cars.
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