2012 Hyundai Genesis Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Hyundai Genesis review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 Genesis, and includes Hyundai Genesis safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

Now entering its fourth year in the market, the Hyundai Genesis receives a facelift for 2012. The changes are subtle, but noticeable. On the outside, they include a revised grille and front bumper, new headlights with LED accents, and new rocker panel treatment. There are also new mirrors, tail lamps, rear bumper, and lower rear valence with integrated exhaust tips. Rounding out the exterior changes are new 17- and 19-inch wheel designs. The interior is updated with enhanced trim colors.

In addition to the 3.8-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8, the Genesis can be transformed into a serious performance sedan if you order the new R-Spec model that is powered by a sophisticated gasoline direct-injected 5.0-liter V8 mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2012 Genesis is available in three different versions, distinguished by the engine. As a luxury car, even the 3.8 V6 Genesis comes very well equipped. Features like 17-inch alloy wheels, leather, heated and power front seats, push-button start, and dual-automatic climate control are all standard along with a host of other goodies. If you would like more equipment, two additional option packages may be added to the 3.8. The first is the premium package that includes a power glass sunroof, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, integrated memory system, power rear sun shade, rain-sensing wipers, Lexicon 14-speaker audio system, navigation system with XM traffic, rear-view camera, power folding mirrors, and 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tires.

You can also add a technology package that upgrades the Lexicon audio to a 17-speaker system, ultimate navigation system with larger 8-inch display, DVD changer, and Bluetooth hands-free phone. The technology also includes heated rear seats, cooled driver’s seat, a premium leather upgrade, auto-cornering Xenon HID headlights, smart cruise control, lane departure warning system, and a park assist system.

The 4.6-liter Genesis includes all the premium and technology package equipment along with electro-hydraulic power steering, auto dimming outside mirrors, chrome lower body side moldings, illuminated sill plates, and a wood grain-trimmed leather steering wheel. No options or packages are available on the 4.6 Genesis.

New this year is an R-Spec performance model that is loaded with all the bells-and-whistles and has a serious infusion of power from the new 5.0-liter V8. It’s easy to spot with the unique 19-inch alloy wheels, dark chrome headlight inserts, R-Spec badging and floor mats. The suspension is specially tuned for improved cornering.

The 3.8 V6 engine produces respectable power with 333 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. That’s a 43-horsepower increase over the 2011 model and earlier 3.8-liter V6. Power is transferred to the drive wheels through a new 8-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual shift mode. Developed in-house at Hyundai, the new transmission has 130 patented technology innovations. It offers both enhanced performance and improved fuel economy.

If you prefer a V8 but don’t want to go the sport/performance route, Hyundai still offers the Genesis with the 4.6-liter V8. It produces 385 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque on premium gas or 378 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque on regular.

Now for the beast. Hyundai’s new 5.0-liter V8 cranks out 429 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. The new powerhouse is a gasoline direct-injection design with 32 valves controlled by continuously variable valve timing and dual-overhead camshafts. What’s most impressive is the engine delivers over 300 lb-ft of torque at just 1,500 rpm – right where you need it most. The abundant torque is available all the way to the engine’s rpm red line and doesn’t peak until 5,000 rpm.

Crash test data for the 2012 Genesis is not yet available, however the 2011 Genesis, which is essentially the same car except for some styling changes, achieved good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in frontal, side, rear, and roof tests. The only exceptions were acceptable ratings for side driver torso and side structure/safety cage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not crash-tested the 2011 Genesis.

As you might expect, Genesis comes loaded with safety technology. There are 8-airbags, including advanced driver and passenger front and side airbags, rear outboard side airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Other safety equipment includes 4-channel, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist, and lane departure control.

J.D. Power and Associates gives the Genesis an above average score for initial quality. In the predicted reliability ranking, the 2011 Genesis scored slightly better than average. Consumer Reports, on the other hand, named the 2011 Genesis with a 92 out of 100 overall score, its highest rated upscale sedan. Consumer Report’s overall reliability rating for the 2010 Genesis received top scores across the board.

We drove all three engine offerings in the new 2012 Genesis and can happily report that all are well up to the task of moving the 4,000-plus pound luxury sedan down the road. The 15-percent horsepower increase in the 3.8-liter V6 is a welcome addition and even the smallest displacement engine provides satisfying acceleration. As you might expect, we really enjoyed our time driving with the 8-speed automatic. This is one smart transmission that shifts when expected and delivers smooth operation. The 4.6-liter V8 Genesis is a very well-equipped car for the money in the premium sedan segment.

The R-Spec Genesis is a kick to drive. Acceleration is deliberate and impressive. The Genesis is a big, relatively heavy car, especially when full loaded. However, from a stop, the R-Spec blasts from 0-to-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. Impressive. The R-Spec has a firmer ride and heavier steering feel that you would expect in a performance sedan. The R-Spec is also noticeably more connected to the road and the combination of 19-inch alloy wheels and Michelin tires provide good feedback and plenty of grip.

Both the 3.8 V6 and 4.6 V8 Genesis models deliver a pampering luxury car ride. It all makes the Genesis a great cross-country machine; it’s a car you want to point at the horizon and just go. Fuel economy is quite respectable too. The 3.8 V6 Genesis has EPA fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway. We regularly saw low-30 mpg numbers with conservative driving when away from stop-and-go traffic. Naturally, the more powerful 4.6 V8 and 5.0 R-Spec offer lower fuel economy. The R-Spec, for example has EPA numbers of 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. That won’t win any green-driving award but is actually quite good for a big car with 429 horsepower under the hood.

The refresh of the 2012 Genesis keeps it competitive with newer entries in the premium sedan segment and fortunately, the changes are not just cosmetic. Hyundai’s more powerful V6, impressive 8-speed transmission, and muscle-bound R-Spec model keep the Genesis sedan at the head of the class.

By Todd Kaho