2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Overview Change Vehicle

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

The Genesis Coupe is a four-passenger, two-door sport coupe based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the Hyundai Genesis sedan. For now, it competes against the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang and Nissan 370Z. Next year, however, formidable competition arrives in the form of the 2013 Subaru BRZ and 2013 Scion FR-S.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe sees no major changes for 2012, but is expected to undergo a significant refresh for the 2013 model year.

Hyundai sells the Genesis Coupe in no fewer than six trim levels equipped with a choice between a turbocharged four-cylinder or a V6 engine. The turbo-four models are called 2.0T, 2.0T R-Spec, and 2.0T Premium, while the V6 models are called 3.8 R-Spec, 3.8 Grand Touring and 3.8 Track.

Starting off the with base Genesis Coupe 2.0T, standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks with remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, and automatic headlights. Bluetooth wireless connectivity is also standard, as well as a stereo system with six speakers, an iPod connection, and an auxiliary audio input jack.

The 2.0T R-Spec is a more performance-oriented version of the Genesis and gains 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension with a limited-slip rear differential. But in order to lose precious pounds, equipment such as automatic headlights, cruise control and some interior trim gets booted off the island.

For a more refined, rather than guttural, experience, look to the 2.0T Premium. A touch-screen navigation system, a power sunroof, passive entry with push-button ignition, automatic climate control and a 10-speaker Infinity audio system are standard on this model.

If you want your Genesis Coupe to be motivated by a V6 engine rather than a turbocharged four, check out the 3.8 R-Spec. Equipment-wise, it’s the same as the 2.0T R-Spec. The 3.8 Grand Touring is similar to the 2.0T Premium, only it also adds rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, and heated front seats and side mirrors. For a blend of performance and luxury, look to the 3.8 Track, which includes all of the equipment of the Grand Touring, combined with the athletic underpinnings of the R-Spec. You’ll also get Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps.

If you’re looking to add options to your Genesis Coupe, check with your Hyundai dealer to see what accessories can be purchased at the point of sale.

A choice between two engines gives life to the Genesis Coupe. Powering every 2.0T is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 210 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque peaking at a low 2,000 rpm. The 2.0T requires premium unleaded, and comes with a six-speed manual transmission rated to return 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. An available five-speed automatic provides fuel economy of 20-city/30-highway. True to its performance ideal, the R-Spec can only be rowed manually, while the Premium only comes with the automatic.

Meanwhile, the 3.8 trim levels are motivated by a 306-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 which Hyundai says will move the Coupe from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Similar to the 2.0T, you can get the R-Spec only with the manual tranny, the Grand Touring with only a six-speed automatic, and the Track with your choice of either. Choosing a manual gearbox will net you approximately 17 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, while the automatic improves the highway number to 27 mpg.

Standard safety features on the Genesis Coupe include six airbags, stability control, traction control, and four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to perform crash tests on the 2012 Genesis Coupe, although it does receive the top rating of 5 Stars for its ability to resist rolling over in an accident. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not tested this vehicle either, though it would be easy to misunderstand the data on the IIHS website, which does not clearly define that the Hyundai Genesis tested is the sedan model. See, Hyundai? This is why giving these vastly different cars the same name is confusing, and potentially dangerous.

Switching gears, so to speak, to discuss reliability, J.D. Power and Associates believes the Hyundai Genesis Coupe will provide average dependability over time, which matches what Consumer Reports predicts. This is probably why Hyundai’s generous warranty program is so popular, with the powertrain covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles and the rest of the car guaranteed for five years or 60,000 miles with free roadside assistance during that span of time.

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe isn’t just a half-baked version of the sedan with two doors chopped off. It’s shorter and lighter all around, having shed 13.6 inches and hundreds of pounds from the four-door people hauler. It’s a chief distinction, as the Genesis Coupe has one of the most unaccommodating rear seats that we’ve experienced. The 10.6 cubic-foot trunk is, if not huge, at least useful, however.

Even though it’s been a couple of years since Hyundai introduced the Genesis Coupe, we’ve gotta say that it’s still one of the most appealing vehicles that we see on the road today, with its sexy silhouette and edgy creases. The fact that it’s not nearly as ubiquitous as some of its competitors makes it stand out even more. While its not as buttoned down around town or while canyon carving as we might have hoped, the combination of its low sticker price, high feature content, generous warranty and head-turning looks have us on the fan page.

By Liz Kim