Key Changes 2012 Hyundai Genesis a Big Boost

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis gets some important changes, including exterior restyling and two new engines, which should re-energize this premium sedan.

On the outside, the design is more aggressive, with a grille that stands out more than before and a front end that is bolder. The headlights are LED, giving it a more upscale appearance, and the taillights have been tweaked, too. The power-folding side mirrors are a nice touch also.

The new engines are impressive. One is a 3.8-liter V-6 that makes 333 horsepower, a 43-pony boost over the previous model. The  4.6-liter V-8 still makes 385 horsepower, but there is a new 5.0-liter V-8 that makes a whopping 429 ponies. That power plant is found on the 5.0 R-Spec trim, which the test car was. It is the sportiest Genesis sedan yet.

Those models have an eight-speed automatic transmission.

As you might expect with Hyundai’s keen engineering, fuel economy has increased. The V-6 gets 19 mpg city, 29 highway, while the 4.6-liter V-8 gets 17 and 26 and the R-Spec is 16 and 25.

The interior features lots of luxury touches and cutting-edge technology, with superb fit and finish.

Hyundai offers satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB audio port, powered and heated front seats and leather upholstery standard on the Genesis. While many of its competitors might offer one or two of those items standard, Hyundai makes it tough on the other brands by putting all in the mix.

If you want some options, there is a touchscreen navigation system, heated rear seats, rearview camera  and smart cruise control.

Hyundai brings a lot of safety gear to the Genesis, too, such as antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and eight standard airbags.

For options, you can choose front and rear parking sensors and a lane-departure warning system.

Pricing is famously Hyundai – meaning very reasonable. The Genesis starts at around $35,000. The R-Spec tester, fully loaded, carried a sticker price of $46,535.

The Hyundai Genesis is a formidable competitor in the luxury sedan segment, and Hyundai continues to offer one of the most competitive lineups of autos on the market.