Hyundai continues to improve its offerings by adding a new trim, new engine, new transmission and fresh styling to its Genesis model, but as prices approach the 50-thousand-dollar mark, we have to wonder if they’re losing sight of what spurred their most recent successes. More than performance, build quality or impressive warranty terms, Hyundai scored thanks to the value they offered, and paying 50 grand for a Hyundai doesn’t exactly scream value.
Still, the Genesis is an attractive alternative to competitors’ full-size luxury sedans, and with a new “performance” model they’re taking aim at another demographic altogether. The R-Spec trim sits atop the Genesis lineup with a new, direct-injected, 5.0-liter V8 good for 429 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, enough to push the Genesis to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. This is despite a new 8-speed automatic transmission found in all Genesis trims in 2012, which is slow off the line and exhibits a reluctance to downshift.
The suspension has been stiffened as well with larger anti-roll bars, and the R-Spec sits on 19-inch wheels. These changes increase overall rigidity but fail to really push the Genesis into a performance category, despite the R-Spec moniker. No, the R-Spec is better suited for long-term highway hauls than corner carving, where the Genesis fails to respond with the agility and alacrity you’ll find in competitive offerings.
Thankfully, there are two other options to fulfill your Genesis cravings – a 3.8-liter V6 and a 4.6-liter V8. While the 4.6 is unchanged for 2012, the V6 gets a substantial boost with 43 extra horses over 2011. It also gets the new 8-speed automatic, and all trims get styling changes as well. Those include redesigned headlights with new LED accents and slight changes to the front and rear bumpers and taillights. Look quickly and you’ll miss them.
But where the Genesis really shines is inside. Materials and build quality that surpass class expectations make the Genesis a standout, and a long list of standard features puts competitors to shame. Leather covers heated power front bucket seats and a multi-function steering wheel, while Bluetooth, keyless access and start, dual-zone climate controls and a 7-speaker stereo all stand out as key features in the Base trim. But options like a cooled driver’s seat, power steering column, navigation, sunroof, adaptive cruise and a rear-view camera with front and rear obstacle detection start setting things apart. The fact that they come standard in the V8 trims only further impresses.
Hyundai has worked hard to make sure the Genesis meets or exceeds expectations and standards set by the competition, but as the price similarly climbs, the attractiveness of this offbeat option wanes. Once the 50-grand ceiling is approached, the shortcomings of the Genesis start to stand out as well, and Hyundai cannot yet offer the kind of refined ride and impressive performance of longstanding luxury rivals.
I have a 2012 hyundai genesis. This has been going on for about 1 month -1 & 1/2 weeks now & still can't get it to get go away. My car is completely shut off, but on my dashboard, there's a green light symbol that won't go away. It will stay on the entire time until I remove the battery. I would than have to attach back the battery everytime..please help! any idea what the green like symbol is and how to get it to go away?
I have a 2012 Hyundai Genesis and my GPS screen went black and inactive after jump starting the car. The screen appears to adjust with changes in light, but is otherwise inoperable. The radio and CD player still work, but I have to adjust radio station by hand. I was told by the dealership that I need to replace the head unit for $5000. The notes just say that it was shorted out. I found some salvage yards with GPS units. They informed me that there are two separate parts; the player and the display screen. How do I know if I need one or both parts? Can anybody help me?
2012 Genesis. Trunk opens at night and drains battery in am. Charged Batt and works till next opening. Fob's ok and no accidental using them. Battery new. Pressed the valet switch in glove box to disable trunk opening and problem goes away. But I miss trunk opening. Sounds to me like something electrical is causing the problem. Any help would be much appreciated.
2012 genesis - icon of car below a flashing green light when idling /
Two weeks ago I noticed that my side mirrors automatically turned down when I was in reverse. Now, that feature is not working. What did I do to disable it? And/or how can I turn that feature back on?
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Lexicon · Lexicon premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · XM with NavTraffic satellite radio · 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: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: storage organizer · 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 accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
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: underbody · 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 25 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: w/DVD · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Laminated glass: acoustic
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · 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: 16
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: dual level · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: 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
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: cornering
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · 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: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · 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 25 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 · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Lexicon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 16
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: dual front · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: dual level · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.54
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: chrome accents · Grille color: chrome accents · Rear bumper color: chrome accents · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
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: rear
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: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · 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 25 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 · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · 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: 16
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Sunshade: rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.54
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: chrome accents · Grille color: chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear
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: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · 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 19 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic