Pricing: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai has announced pricing for its all new Genesis flagship sedan. The base price for the 3.8-liter, 290-hp V6 model will be $33,000 and the 4.6-liter, 375-hp V8 model will start at $38,000. Both prices include a $750 shipping charge. Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability control, eight air bags, and active head restraints.

The Genesis is Hyundai‘s first entry into the rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan category, and it is equipped to compete with more expensive models from Cadillac, Lexus, Infiniti, and Mercedes-Benz.

The South Korean automaker has made great strides in our reliability and testing the past few years and for 2008, two of its vehicles made our Top Picks list: The Hyundai Elantra SE small sedan and Santa Fe midsized SUV.

We’ll see if Hyundai can continue the trend with the Genesis when we put it through the paces at our test track in the coming months. For more information on this new sedan, see our preview and video.

The Genesis will arrive at Hyundai dealerships in July.

—Liza Barth

Comments

[Steve Bier]

Has CR purchased their Genesis as yet?

[Liza Barth]

It goes on sale in July, so we'll be hitting the dealership soon.

[johnmarco]

Very concerned about Hyundai's pricing on this car. It puts it squarely in G35 territory.

[Mike Belknap]

Well, the idea is: price the car like a G, have it handle like an M, and be the size of a Q (now defunct; compared to the G35, the Genesis is 9" longer overall).

[rick]

The genesis will be approximately the same size as the M35 - not the BMW 7 series. If i am not mistaken Ford and KIA also make a car the same size but with less hype

[Jim Phillips]

Too bad!! I was watching the reports on the Hyundai from the beginning when they were saying under 33000.00 Now the figure is starting at 33000.00 I am afraid that you have now priced me out of it? By the way, Hyundai needs to come up with their luxury model and stick with it. Difficult to find body parts for the XG 350, later will most likely be difficult to get Azera body parts and now you want us to take a chance on the Genesis at 35000 and up. I think you are making a big mistake on your pricing.

[CRblog]

"....Too bad!! I was watching the reports on the Hyundai from the beginning when they were saying under 33000.00 Now the figure is starting at 33000.00 I am afraid that you have now priced me out of it? By the way, Hyundai needs to come up with their luxury model and stick with it. Difficult to find body parts for the XG 350, later will most likely be difficult to get Azera body parts and now you want us to take a chance on the Genesis at 35000 and up. I think you are making a big mistake on your pricing."

Response: Don't worry. For $33k you get a fairly danged loaded up, leather 290HP luxe machine. But! Hyundai is notorious for slashing of $3-$4k just for asking, and that includes on a lease. We have owned several Hyundai's in the last two years in a stable of Mercedes/ BMWs. We drive the Hyundai's more! They are better products!
You should have no problem getting the Genesis you want for under $30k. Go to the right dealer, ask and ye;' shall receive :)

[4ron]

This car is the real deal. Having driven both the V6 and V8 I can say that Hyundai has hit the mark in both refinement and driving characteristics. The interior is well done and inviting. The Genesis is value personafied - "Luxury wrapped in common sense." Hyundai needs to make that point in their advertising.

[sells_Hyundai]

For someone that sees this car everyday, it is kind of hard not to show a little bit of favortism toward the vehicle, but here goes.

Don't worry I'm not trying to sell one here I just want people to realize a few things about this car.

You will NOT find a better deal (yes even at sticker) for the genesis. It's not even because I sell them. Look at the numbers. What other car is going to offer the SAME (or better) options for $36,000. There is not one!

I don't know, maybe you'll just have to find out for yourself. At the very least go look at one, and if you still think I'm crazy then so be it.

[Jeff Cohen]

Genesis is no Infiniti M!

I just finished back to back test drives of both the Genesis 3.8 V-6 and 4.6 V-8. I am currently the owner of an '06 (May '05 early build) M35 Sport sedan with just under 45,000 miles. There is absolutely no comparison between the new Genesis and the M35. The Genesis tries to bridge the German and Japanese luxury car market, not the driver oriented sport sedan market Infiniti has successfully created.

The V-6 even at 290 bHp is too underpowered for the weight of the Genesis (2 tons). The V-8 is smooth and silky like a Lexus L series but lacks any competency in acceleration, cornering and handling. Lots of unsprung weight!

A great value? Absolutely ($42,000 MSRP loaded). Infiniti M? Absolutely not.

Know that you are buying a competent luxury sedan not a sport sedan even with the V-8.