Used 2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe enters 2016 with one update: A 6-inch color display for the audio system has been added to the center stack, replacing a dot-matrix screen. Other than that, the 2016 Genesis Coupe carries over unchanged, and remains an attractive choice for those who want to spend as little as possible to get the power and performance of some higher-end coupes. In terms of pure performance, however, the standard Genesis Coupe remains a bit soft, with steering that lacks feel. The R-Spec and Ultimate models address this with firmer suspension, but everyday ride quality suffers. Hyundai engineers should look to Mazda for guidance in this area. Nevertheless, the 2016 Genesis Coupe succeeds as a fast and comfortable rear-drive coupe at a good price.

Fitted with either the 6-speed manual transmission or optional paddle-shift 8-speed automatic (a better choice given the manual’s long throws), the 2016 Genesis Coupe feels strong and willing, especially in a straight line. But when the road gets twisty, the base 3.8 model isn’t as refined as we’d like. While the firmer suspension of the R-Spec and Ultimate models improves chassis composure on curvy roads, we’re not sure if the trade-off in ride quality is one that most folks would be willing to make. On an enclosed track, the R-Spec, with its stout Brembo brakes, can provide hours of fun. In the daily world, however, we’d like a more natural feel to the steering and a more compliant ride. That stated, our favorite Genesis Coupe remains the Ultimate with the 8-speed; it has the sporting capability of the R-Spec but with xenon headlights, a spoiler, navigation and 10-speaker audio.

The interior of the 2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe carries over largely unchanged. One exception: A new color screen caps the dash’s center stack. Beyond that, this Hyundai retains its handsome dash and electroluminescent gauges, plus a tilt-telescope steering wheel with a thick, leather-covered rim. Unfortunately, the console still has some outdated plastic. The seats offer excellent bolstering, but some testers  found the head restraint angled too aggressively. While the console-mounted analog gauges look suitably racy, the Coupe’s interior quality can’t match the pricier Infiniti Q60’s. On the other hand, this Hyundai is far richer inside than a Scion FR-S.

The Genesis Coupe from Hyundai, largely unchanged for 2016,  boasts head-turning styling that would look right at home on some lesser known European exotic.  Just  take a look at that curving sheetmetal, that bold new grille, and that wedge-shaped profile with the short front and rear overhangs. This car shouts “powerful sports coupe,” but without a hint of retro influence.

BLUE LINK
Like GM’s OnStar, Hyundai’s Blue Link (Ultimate model only) keeps you in touch with the outside world. With Blue Link, you can dictate and receive texts, find the cheapest gas and even get an alert if someone has taken your Genesis Coupe for an unauthorized spin.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL OFF BUTTON
While we are big believers in the efficacy of stability control, we like the fact that Hyundai allows it to be shut off completely in the Genesis Coupe. Track-day enthusiasts prefer the added control.

For 2016, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe lineup begins with a base 3.8 model that includes a 6-speed manual transmission, fog lights, cruise control, heated mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a hill-hold feature for manual-transmission cars. There are also iPod/USB  audio inputs, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, LED running lights, automatic headlights and 18-inch wheels. The 3.8 R-Spec ups the ante with track-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, a limited-slip differential and 19-in. wheels. The flagship 3.8 Ultimate model has the R-Spec’s sporty bits, plus a sunroof, leather upholstery, xenon headlights, power driver seat, Blue Link telematics, a navigation system and a 10-speaker stereo.

The only option on the Genesis Coupe is the 8-speed rev-matching automatic transmission. This paddle-shift gearbox, one that adds greatly to the civility of the car in daily use, is available only on the 3.8 and 3.8 Ultimate models, not the track-focused 3.8 R-Spec. If you want any other particular item — say, heated seats or a navigation system — you’ll need to find the Genesis Coupe model that has it as standard equipment (in this case it’s the Ultimate).

For 2016, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe offers only one engine choice: a 3.8-liter V6 delivering 348 horsepower on premium fuel. It’s direct-injected, which helps fuel economy, but the EPA ratings for the Genesis Coupe are not good, pegged at 16-mpg city/25-mpg highway for the 8-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy for the Genesis Coupe with the 6-speed manual transmission is a similar 17/24.  Competitors such as the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger get much better fuel economy.

3.8-liter V6 engine
348 horsepower (344 w/regular gasoline) @ 6,400 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque (292 w/regular gasoline) @ 5,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (manual), 16/25 mpg (automatic)