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2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD Sedan Review by John Heilig +VIDEO


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THE AUTO PAGE
By John Heilig

Model: 2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD
Engine: 3.8-liter DOHC V6
Horsepower/Torque: 311 hp @ 6,000 rpm/293 lb.-ft. @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Wheelbase: 118.5 in.
Length x Width x Height: 196.5 x 74.4 x 58.3 in.
Tires: P245/45R18
Cargo: 15.3 cu. ft.
Economy: 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway/24.6 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 20.3 gal.
Curb Weight: 4,295 lbs.
Sticker: $53,450 (includes $950 inland freight, $11,000 in options)

The Bottom Line: The Hyundai Genesis isn’t quite an Equus, but it definitely is a premium sedan with a ton of features to make the ride experience as good as possible.


It’s too bad I had the opportunity to drive the really new 2015 Hyundai Genesis after I drove the Hyundai Equus. Both are classified as large cars, and both offer excellent ride qualities. The Equus, however, is a luxury sedan while the Genesis is a premium model. It’s a small difference, but it’s meaningful. After a couple of days, the Genesis made me forget the Equus, to a degree, and its own virtues began to shine through.

This second-generation 2015 Genesis is powered by a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 that delivers a healthy 311 horsepower. Because we spent a significant amount of time on Interstates, the test fuel economy is high, but we also spent an inordinate amount of time in Philadelphia bumper-to-bumper traffic that kept our test mileage from climbing even higher.

Our other long ride took us to upstate New York, and that trip included a run up and down a difficult winding road on a hill. Needless to say, the Genesis proved itself capable of handling just about any challenge with ease. Most of the time we rode in absolute comfort. We exited the longer rides with no aches or pains. Our rear-seat passengers had plenty of room to stretch out as well. However, there is a tall center hump in the rear that makes it uncomfortable for a middle passenger. The large sunroof extends back to the rear seat passengers. If they want privacy, there are shades on all the rear windows.

Although we had some head rest issues (we never could seem to find an ideal placement), front seat comfort was very good. There was good side support on the seats thanks to multiple power adjustments. Overall, the Genesis proved to be a comfortable driver on a wide assortment of roads and driving conditions.

The Genesis is about 7 inches shorter than the Equus, and therefore probably qualifies as a “smaller” large car. There’s no difference in quality.

The driver faces a clear instrument panel with the advantage of a heads-up display. I enjoy the HUD whenever I have one because I don’t have to take my eyes from the road to see how fast I’m going. You can scroll through the information panel between the speedometer and tachometer with a small wheel on the steering wheel.

Among the options are automatic cruise control that is smart enough to slow the Genesis when you’re approaching a car that is going slower than you are. I like the feature, but when it kicks in there’s a noticeable braking effect. I guess it’s still a good idea, but it was slightly annoying.


Watch the 2015 Hyundai Genesis introduced at the Detroit Auto Show


The Genesis also has, among the options, a blind spot warning. This will beep if you put on the turn signal and there is a vehicle alongside you. Sometimes I set the turn signal as the car is passing me, but the BSW still yells at me. Automatic Emergency Braking warns you with flashing lights if the Genesis thinks a crash is imminent. With all these warnings, I wonder if the car is protecting me or itself.

Genesis uses an HTRAC all-wheel drive system, with both normal and ECO modes. The Intelligent Drive Mode offers choices among Eco-fuel economy; normal-balanced; sport-dynamic focus; and snow-low traction conditions. Fortunately we didn’t encounter any snow, but we did find low traction on a couple of the dirt roads we traveled.

Parking assistance uses 8 ultrasonic sensors to aid you in your parking. In addition, there is a rearview camera and the top-down view that lets you see everything around you. Rear cross traffic alert also warns you if there is a vehicle approaching you while you are backing out of a shopping center parking space.

There’s a useful trunk with a power trunk lid – not necessary in a sedan, but nice. There’s a T-shaped handle in the trunk to hang plastic grocery bags. The battery is under the trunk floor.

The 2015 Genesis may be Hyundai’s second-best car, but that’s not a bad rap. It’s a very nice sedan with all the features of the bigger Equus in a slightly smaller package.




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