2011 Hyundai Genesis Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$33,000 to $43,000

Original MSRP

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4.4

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(14 reviews)
2011 Hyundai Genesis Preview summaryImage

Hyundai's 2011 Genesis sedan gets an advanced new transmission and some styling tweaks as part of an overall mid-cycle freshening. Likely available around the new year, the 2011 Genesis seeks to build on Hyundai's burgeoning luxury reputation ahead of 2012's introduction of the even larger and fancier Equus sedan.

In 2008, Hyundai launched the Genesis with considerable fanfare. Built on a rear-drive platform and driven by the company's first V8 engine, the Genesis took aim at a luxury segment dominated by entries from Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Initial reviews were nothing short of glowing, praising the Genesis' power and smoothness, but sales in the intervening years have been slow, due in no small part to an economic climate that doesn't favor luxury cars.

Starting at well under forty grand, the 2011 Genesis is offered in both six- and eight-cylinder variants. Both Genesis trims (the 3.8 and the 4.6) ride on an advanced chassis that sends power to the rear wheels, just like the competition. Hyundai also borrows many styling elements from its rivals, creating an overall shape that resembles, from various angles, BMW's 5 Series, Lexus' LS 460, and Infiniti's M. For 2011 the Genesis gets a few design tweaks, including newly sculpted LED headlights. While distinguished, the face-lifted Genesis still looks rather plain and lacks its own identity, a trait that is manifested in the lack of discernible badging on the nose.

Though some of the blame for the Genesis' failure to reach its lofty sales targets may lie in its bland styling, it is surely not rooted in the sedan's polished driving experience. With the attention to detail that now distinguishes all of the company's products, Hyundai's engineers have labored to produce a luxury sedan that rides and handles nearly as well as the best from Japan and Germany. The 2011 Genesis' well-isolated structure is commendably stiff, and its sophisticated suspension (consisting of an independent multi-link arrangement all around) soaks up bumps with a minimum of discomfort. The chassis tuning strikes a balance between the sportier BMW and the cushier Lexus, delivering precise control with a (mostly) comfortable ride. The Genesis' thick anti-roll bars keep body lean in check, but result in a slightly choppy ride over uneven pavement.

For 2011, the base Genesis 3.8's six-cylinder engine develops 290 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. The smooth-running V6 offers a wide, flat power band and near-instantaneous throttle response. Genesis 3.8 trims gallop from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds and feature an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission that is a willing partner in performance, even if its shifts can be a bit abrupt. The top-dog Genesis 4.6 trim features Hyundai's award-winning Tau V8 engine, the company's first. For 2011 the V8 gets a 10-hp bump to 385, while torque output remains unchanged at 333 lb-ft. Though it's just a bit less refined than the competition, the Genesis' V8 delivers an impressive surge of power and, as a bonus, doesn't demand premium fuel. Backing up the V8 is Hyundai's first eight-speed automatic transmission, developed in-house and also destined for the upcoming Equus.

Inside, the 2011 Genesis impresses with an elegant interior that's chock-full of expensive materials. The standard leather seats are quite nice, but the Genesis 4.6's “ultra-premium” cowhide really gets noticed. The ultimate Genesis also gets French-stitched leather on the dash and doors, while all Genesis' feature power windows, locks, and seats, along with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and push-button start. The Genesis' broad, ergonomically friendly dashboard looks great, but the dowdy steering wheel appears to have been lifted from the Entourage minivan. Both Genesis trims offer a powerful Lexicon stereo system. A 14-speaker unit with CD player is optional in the Genesis 3.8 and standard in the 4.6, while an even better-sounding 17-speaker system is available as part of the 4.6's technology package. Also available are two different navigation systems (one with a 7-inch screen, the other with an 8-inch display and a rear-view camera), a ventilated driver's seat, and adaptive cruise control.

Hyundai's 2011 Genesis undoubtedly offers great value, providing a driving experience that rivals the best of Europe and Japan at half, or even a third, of the price. While the details can't quite match the competition, it's amazing how well Hyundai has thought through the big bits. For a company known for compact econoboxes to have produced a world-class V8 engine and an eight-speed gearbox speaks to the ambition and ability of its engineering and product development corps. While label snobs will probably continue to ignore the Genesis, intelligent car buyers looking for luxury and performance should place it at the top of their list.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2011 Hyundai Genesis

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User rating:
by Michael W
Oct 24, 2023
They are one great vehicle just like the Sonata GLS and the Electra is Oct 24, 2023
by Sonya K
Feb 25, 2023
A 2011 Hyundai Genesis is a fabulous car.. a nice luxury carFeb 25, 2023
by Anonymous
Nov 17, 2022
This car is exactly what I was looking for. 1 owner low miles and newer than my old 2006 trailblazer. Nice smooth comfy ride and nice acceleration. Bought this for my wife, didnt know they made a v8 model, I want that one for myself.Nov 17, 2022

2011 Hyundai Genesis Pricing

Original MSRP
$33,000 to $43,000
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Lexicon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 7

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with split-level storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.91

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Diameter: 18 · Profile: 50 · Type: all season · Width: 235

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 14

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Lexicon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: wood

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with split-level storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.13

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 14

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (2)