Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8

2015-genesis-05 Source: 2015 Hyundai Genesis

I cannot tell you how excited I was to drive the 2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8 this month.  My neighbor owns one in a light silver and I love the lines.  Mine came in a deeper gray called Empire State with black interior and wood grain throughout. Redesigned for 2015 this model boasts an upgraded interior and more room. It definitely felt spacious in the front and the back (3 more inches on wheelbase) and like the luxury sedan that it is.

Since 2009 the Genesis has been showing buyers that a luxury car can also be sensible.  I’m looking at you 5-year/60,000 mile warranty on new vehicles and Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000 Powertrain warranty. They both apply to the Genesis as well as 5-year roadside assistance and 7-year/unlimited mile anti-perforation warranty.  For some that gets them going.  For others they just want to know what is inside.  How does it perform?

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The clock on the dashboard is a nice touch.  So is the Genesis badge on the steering wheelSource: Hyundai.

I will say this, the ride is smooth.  Like all other Hyundai’s I have driven it has excellent brakes and acceleration that are quick and smooth.  New to this year is the rear-wheel drive platform and the upgraded interior.  I thought the Genesis looked nice but it does not hold up against other luxury cars in its class as far as polish goes.  The wood grain is flat with no gloss or shine, which I found lacking in aesthetics. Next to its aluminum trim it did disappoint me. However, that could be just me and my love of all things sleek rather than sedate. Other than that the leather is soft, the heated seats in front and back mixed with the leather wrapped steering wheel and easily accessible to navigate and manipulate navigation and entertainment system (7″ LCD display) were all on par with other sedans in its class.

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Source: Victoria Mason. #DriveHyundai

The AWD 3.8 that I drove included the Signature, Tech and Ultimate package which means the power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof that creates the feeling of more space and light was totally a factor in my love for the car as well as the easy to maneuver power tilt steering wheel.  Auto dimming mirrors, blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert are in their offering a safer ride.  To me, these should be standard on all cars but so far it is a work in progress in the car industry.  Lexicon 14-speaker Discrete Logic 7 surround audio system.  Rear camera and parking guidelines are a nice addition too.  My kids were fascinated by the power rear sunshade.

After driving the Genesis for a week I knew that I liked it.  It’s a very quiet ride which is makes it even more comfortable. I was surprised to hear more road noise than I anticipated (not a lot but it is there) but other than that the car gives an ensconced relaxing feel and ride.

I would definitely recommend the Genesis to someone who is in the market for an affordable sedan with a luxurious feel. It can hold its own with the other cars in its class yet be less expensive. Don’t let the Hyundai brand deter you. That is no longer a viable reason. It is certainly offers a lot for your money which is what Hyundai excels at right now. Great cars that drive well for an excellent price.

The 2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8 with all the packages offers 19 combined mpg with 16 city and 25 highway. MSRP total $52,450 but the 3.8 model starts at $38,000.

 

*Disclaimer: Cars provided by DriveShop. All opinions are 100% my own.

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