Used 2014 Hyundai Genesis

That the 2014 Hyundai Genesis has garnered so much attention is no mystery. How the Koreans are able to build a sedan that can nip at the heels of a Mercedes or Lexus for so little money, however, still has some scratching their heads in wonder. Powerful, feature filled and equally comfortable on the highway as it is winding back roads, the Genesis proves you don’t have to pay a lot to get a lot. Although Hyundai likes to pit the Genesis against such names as the Audi A6 and Lexus GS, it is priced more in line with the Volkswagen CC and Chrysler 300. However, although the Genesis offers a choice between a frugal V6 and potent V8, it doesn’t offer an all-wheel-drive platform or a diesel engine – features increasingly popular among the big luxury players.

On first glance, there is very little to distinguish the 2014 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 from its more expensive, performance-oriented 5.0 R-Spec brother. Beyond the wheels, chrome trim and badging, however, there are the engines. While the 3.8’s V6 will satisfy the bulk of Genesis owners, enthusiasts will settle for nothing less than the R-Spec’s 429-horespower V8. Acceleration is blisteringly fast and instantaneous power is on tap for the asking. The R-Spec’s ride is more firm than the V6 car, but its handling is also noticeably more adept, its braking bettering, and its overall character more in line with the autobahn set. In truth, most customers will be more than happy with the Genesis 3.8, which offers good power, a more comfortable ride and much better fuel economy, not to mention a lower price. But, if you’re cross shopping BMW or Audi models, the R-Spec is the one to compare.

The interior of the 2014 Hyundai Genesis sedan is exceptionally well done. The quality of materials and execution of design are better than in some premium brands. Leather-covered front seats are heated (and, for the driver, cooled), and the rear seat has abundant room for passengers’ legs, hips and heads. The dash design is a simple, elegant layout that is easy to view. Hyundai emulated BMW and Audi with its console-mounted joystick to control the navigation and audio functions, and while the placement is convenient, its operation is not always intuitive. (Hyundai emulated that too.)

The 2014 Hyundai Genesis sedan is conservatively styled yet thoroughly appealing. And, yes, rather derivative. From the front, the Genesis’ grille and headlights pay tribute to Mercedes-Benz, while the LED daytime running lights are a nod to Audi. Around back, the trunk and taillights echo BMW and Lexus. Chrome trim adorns the grille, trunk, window surrounds, door handles and bumpers. Added all together, the 2014 Hyundai Genesis definitely looks more like several high-end luxury sedans than it does a Hyundai. That may help it break through to the premium-sedan shopper.

LEXICON AUDIO SYSTEM
If you’re a music lover or audiophile, the Genesis’ Lexicon audio system is a must-have. Powerful yet nuanced, the 7.1 Discrete Audio is simply one of the best factory systems we’ve heard at any price – and we’ve heard a lot of them.

5.0-LITER V8
Considering the Genesis’ 5.0-liter is only Hyundai’s second attempt at building a V8 engine, the company has produced a real masterpiece. Quiet, smooth, powerful and efficient, this V8 proves you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get world-class engineering.

The “base” 3.8 model of the 2014 Hyundai Genesis 4-door sedan isn’t very base at all, providing a rich assortment of standard features. These include the handy proximity key with alarm and entry system, 18-inch alloy wheels, power windows with front auto-up/down and pinch protection, heated leather seats, wood-grain-accented dash, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone interface and USB/iPod auxiliary inputs. The wealth of safety items includes electronic stability control (ESC), advanced dual front airbags, front- and rear-seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants.

Almost all the upgrades that enhance the top-line 5.0 R-Spec model are available as options on the base 3.8. And many of those are bundled into Premium and Technology Packages, including sunroof, leather-trimmed dash and door panels, power rear sunshade, navigation system, rearview camera, lane-departure warning system and adaptive headlights that swivel into corners. There is also the spectacular Lexicon audio system featuring LOGIC 7 technology. Rolls-Royce is the only other automaker to offer a Lexicon system, and the surround-sound, 11-channel, 17-speaker extravaganza produces more than 500 watts of superb sound.

We have nothing but good things to say about both engines available in the 2014 Hyundai Genesis sedan. For most drivers the 333-horsepower direct-fuel-injection 3.8-liter V6 will be more than adequate. But for those who must have the most, the 5.0-liter V8 pumps out 429 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. Due to its high 11.5:1 compression ratio, the 5.0 recommends premium fuel, though happily, the highway fuel-economy penalty is not extreme. An 8-speed automatic transmission built in-house by Hyundai is standard with both engines, with the R-Spec’s running more sporting shift calibration and different gear ratios.

3.8-liter V6
333 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
291 lb-ft of torque @ 5,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 mpg

5.0-liter V8
429/421 (Premium/Regular) horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
376/365 (Premium/Regular) lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23 mpg