Table of Contents
- Introduction
- General Vehicle Review
- Performance & MPG
- Protection
- Motoring
- Internal Features
- Hyundai Genesis Vehicles from 2013
Introduction
Hyundai removes the 4.6-liter V8 engine and the lowest 5.0 trim levels, streamlining the 2013 Hyundai Genesis portfolio. The bigger optional infotainment display gets more switchgear and improved functionality.
Hyundai supporters say that with power, design, and features, the 2013 Hyundai Genesis offers a reasonable substitute for more costly luxury sedans.
General Vehicle Review
For many car buyers, “luxury” is simply another term for pricey. This is a general rule, yet there are a few exceptions; the 2013 Hyundai Genesis being the most startling.
Though it greatly undercuts comparable vehicles in terms of price, it provides the power, technology, and comfort of known luxury sedans from Germany and Japan.
This does not mean Hyundai has eliminated all the worthwhile content. The 2013 Genesis comes standard with leather upholstery, heated seats, and a powerful V6 engine even in entry-level trim. Another option is a V8 engine with considerable power. But this year, the middle V6 levels have disappeared, leaving just the base V6 and range-topping V8.
Between those two models, though, are a variety of choices, including GPS, enhanced audio systems, and extra power accessories. The Genesis delivers luxury without the cost based just on appearances. On closer scrutiny, though, portions of the sedan’s sleek surface show thinness. Although some materials and workmanship fall short, the interior design appears as though it was taken straight from a Lexus.
The Genesis also lacks an all-wheel-drive choice and has a non-folding back seat that limits cargo capacity. Given the great value the Genesis embodies, these flaws amount to a small sacrifice.
Comparatively priced entry-level luxury sedans like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes C-Class have less interior space; the 2013 Genesis has similar characteristics. Notwithstanding cost, the 2013 Hyundai Genesis is a worthy substitute for the more costly 2013 Audi A6, 2013 Cadillac XTS, and 2013 Lexus GS 350.
Though it lacks the brand cachet of its more well-known competitors and may not feel as unique, the Hyundai offers a premium luxury experience without the premium price.
Performance & MPG
Driven by a 3.8-liter V6 with 333 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque, the 2013 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 features an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides power to the rear wheels. This engine pushed the Genesis from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds in Edmunds performance testing—a normal time for a midsize premium sedan with a V6.
Fuel efficiency estimated by the EPA is 22 mpg combined and 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway.
With a 5.0-liter V8 producing 429 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, the Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec gets impressive performance. The R-Spec touched 60 mph in 5.3 seconds in Edmunds performance testing—an average time for a V8-powered sedan in its class. Fuel efficiency projected by the EPA is 16/25/18 mpg.
Protection
The 2013 Hyundai Genesis is equipped with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, front and rear side airbags, and side curtain airbags. On the 3.8, lane-departure warning and Hyundai’s BlueLink technology are available; on the 5.0 R-Spec, these are standard. BlueLink offers remote door unlocking, geo-fencing, stolen car help, and turn-by-turn navigation in addition to on-demand roadside aid and automatic crash notification.
The Genesis 3.8 came to a stop from 60 mph in 133 feet in Edmunds brake testing, which is far poorer than most comparable premium sedans. Still, the R-Spec’s 112-foot stop with its optional summer tires compares fairly to its rivals.
In its frontal-offset, side, and roof strength tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Genesis the highest possible “Good” result.
Motoring
Though happily, this car isn’t afflicted with the detached floating experience that defines other drowsy cruisers, the soft ride of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 reflects the car’s premium ambitions.
Called upon, the Genesis can execute evasive maneuvers consistently and with little drama. Though it gives little sensation, the steering is rather accurate and fits the purpose of the vehicle. The Genesis is also a very quiet car thanks in large part to thorough acoustic insulation.
Engine power also more fairly matches other luxury brands; the V6 of the Genesis 3.8 provides linear and smooth acceleration. Conversely, the V8 of the 5.0 R-Spec makes the car simply quick, in line with the acceleration potential of V8-powered sport sedans that cost thousands more.
The trade-off is a harder ride that, particularly on bumpy roads, renders it less poised and controlled than its premium competitors.
Internal Features
Most would assume they’re driving a Lexus if not for the broad “H” insignia on the Genesis’s steering wheel. This is particularly true of the fully loaded model, which presents a complete complement of modern comforts and conveniences encased in interior materials that seem rich and well-made.
The Genesis cabin obviously targets the Japanese luxury standard-bearer, with clean, brilliant electroluminescent gauges resembling Lexus-style design.
Controls are laid out quite nicely, and with either a touchscreen or control knob and visual display, it’s simple to operate the more complex optional electronic devices, including navigation. Although we still wish the Genesis provided stereo preset buttons, physical buttons to manage fundamental audio features are available for 2013 (exclusively with the Technology package or 5.0 R-Spec model).
Furthermore, the multi-speaker Lexicon sound systems are quite remarkable; the 17-speaker model is among the best systems available in any automobile at any price.
Appropriate for a luxury touring car, the Genesis front seats offer ample comfort for both passengers and drivers, even on prolonged travels. The same is true of the back seats, which provide optional heaters in addition to generous head and legroom.
While a pass-through feature fits longer items that won’t fit in the 15.9-cubic-foot trunk, the rear seats don’t fold down for more cargo room.
Hyundai Genesis Vehicles from 2013
Available in 3.8 and 5.0 R-Spec trim levels—the numerals indicate engine displacement—the 2013 Hyundai Genesis is a full-size, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan.
The Genesis 3.8 standard features 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, fog lamps, heated mirrors, full power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, a seven-speaker audio system with CD player, iPod or auxiliary input, and satellite radio.
An optional Premium package adds 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, power-folding outside mirrors, automatic wipers, leather dash and door trim, driver seat memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, a navigation system, a 7-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, and a premium Lexicon 14-speaker surround-sound audio system.
Hyundai’s BlueLink telematics system and a 17-speaker Lexicon audio upgrade with six-disc changer can be combined with the premium features, adding adaptive xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning system, front and rear parking sensors, upgraded gauges, premium leather upholstery, a ventilated driver seat, heated rear seats, hill-hold assist, a more advanced navigation system with a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, and enhanced Bluetooth phone functions with audio connectivity.
Apart from a more potent V8 engine, 19-inch wheels, auto-dimming outside mirrors, sport-tuned suspension and steering, the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec badging is unique both inside and outside.