2016 Hyundai Genesis Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$38,750 to $53,850

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(16 reviews)
2016 Hyundai Genesis Preview summaryImage

The definition of luxury has changed throughout the years. It was once meant to refer to unquestionable opulence and excess. But now that we live in a world where even the biggest banks and automakers have needed bailouts, luxury has become partly about practicality and getting the most out of each dollar. Thus cars like the Hyundai Genesis excel--when you no longer need the traditional hood ornament to justify your purchase, but rather a vehicle rife with features and style that will not break the bank.

Before 2008, the words “luxury” and “Hyundai” would not be found in a sentence together. But amidst economic downturn, the Korean automaker doubled down on its first ever rear-wheel drive (RWD) premium sedan. The Genesis' first generation was modest in its styling, but big on features and the number of toys you could get for the money spent. Then, in 2015, Hyundai changed the game with a completely redesigned Genesis that brought dramatic styling, a beamy interior, and some of the most advanced features on the market.

The Genesis' defining feature is its large front grille. It might be a little jarring when you first see it, but then the more you see the grille on the road or at dealers, the more it grows on you. That big grille is flanked by flared headlights fitted with LED running lights, featuring adaptive lighting that angles both the regular and high beams when you turn the steering wheel.

The Genesis has less of a sedan profile and looks more like a massive 4-door coupe, similar to the Audi A7. The curving roof finishes with a large rear window and a short rear deck-lid. Combined with its long hood, the Genesis' profile has the essence of motion even when the vehicle remains in park.

Underneath that long hood is a choice of one of two engines. The base engine is a 3.8-liter V6 with 311 hp and 293 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through an 8-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or to all 4 wheels through available all-wheel drive (AWD). If you want more power, Hyundai offers a 5.0-liter V8 that makes 420 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque mated to the same 8-speed automatic, with RWD only.

The V6 RWD model gets fuel economy of 18 mpg city/22 highway and the V6 AWD model gets 16/25. The V8 model gets mileage of 15/23.

When it comes to traditional players in the luxury game, you are generally treated to either a very cold and mechanical interior (BMW) or something that looks lavish but is very unintuitive (Mercedes-Benz). The Genesis looks the part of a true luxury player, but is also far easier to use and live with than the luxury old-guard. What really sets the Genesis apart is its massive center-mounted touchscreen. Other luxury automakers force you to use a proprietary controller that always requires a learning curve; for some drivers, these systems are helpful, but most drivers seem to prefer the simplicity of a straightforward touchscreen system. The Hyundai Genesis actually offers both control systems, giving drivers a welcome preference in infotainment management.

The Genesis also features a hands-free smart trunk with auto-opening action--some automated trunks require you to wave your feet underneath the rear bumper, but with the Genesis, if your hands are full, simply stand within three feet of the rear of the car with the key in your pocket and the trunk will automatically open.

There are also ways to maximize ownership of this car with the Genesis Intelligent app. Once you pair Hyundai’s BlueLink system to your phone and download the app, this system will provide vehicle data to your phone, allow you to start the vehicle remotely, and even suggest remote starts on very warm or cold days so that you can enter the Genesis with the cabin at just the right temperature.

The Genesis has a robust list of high tech safety features, including rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, a lane-departure warning system, collision avoidance with automatic emergency braking, and smart cruise control. Further driving aids include a vivid head-up display, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an intelligent drive mode that “monitors and modifies engine throttle response, transmission shift points, steering and suspension.”

Base MSRP for the 2016 Hyundai Genesis is $38,750 for the RWD V6 model. Selecting the AWD V6 model will run you another $2,500, and the V8-powered Genesis starts at $53,850.

When it comes to luxury sedans, you can drop a ton of money for a badge or hood ornament, and end up with an expensive car that is, in truth, short on features. But the Hyundai Genesis delivers many of the features that tend to cost far more on a traditional luxury sedan, and is indeed establishing a brand cachet of luxury and superior quality all its own.

George Kennedy
Published May 31, 2022 by George Kennedy
From open-wheel racecars to specialty off-road vehicles, George Kennedy has driven it all. A career automotive journalist, George has been a contributor, editor, and/or producer at some of the most respected publications and outlets, including Consumer Reports, the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, Autoblog.com, Hemmings Classic Wheels, BoldRide.com, the Providence Journal, and WheelsTV.

User reviews for 2016 Hyundai Genesis

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User rating:
by Demetra S
Jul 30, 2024
I love the Genesis. I like that it’s a luxury car and runs like a sports car without all the loud noise. Jul 30, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 13, 2024
The 2016 is an excellent car. I drove one in 2016, when I was in the market for a sedan. I wound up buying a MBZ E350. I just was not sure of the Hyundai depth of knowledge and although the systems looked good, I was not confident. I was wrong and I would like to buy a low mileage one now. Given that the 2016 is the last of the Hyundai branded line, it is basically the the first Genesis in 2017. Apr 13, 2024
by pierre s
Oct 10, 2023
i have recently bought a 2016 genesis - smart mans S class everything an S class has without the price tag love this car Oct 10, 2023

2016 Hyundai Genesis Pricing

Original MSRP
$38,750 to $53,850
Price range
$13,164 to $14,393
Average price on CG
$13,522
YoY price change
$14,393 to $13,522

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

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

Airbags

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

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

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: wood · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.91

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · 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

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

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

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 12.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MyHyundai with Blue Link · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front

Air Conditioning

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

Airbags

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

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

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 folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: chrome accents · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · 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

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

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

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 12.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MyHyundai with Blue Link · Smart device app function: horn/light operation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: rear

Air Conditioning

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

Airbags

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

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Lexicon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 7.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 16 · 900 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 16

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.53

Engine

Alternator: 180 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · 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

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 9.2 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: vibrating seat belt · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

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

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 12.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MyHyundai with Blue Link · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front

See all trims (3)