2016 Hyundai Genesis AWD: The Brand’s Premium All-Weather Midsize Luxury Vehicle
Highlights: The Hyundai Genesis is the Korean brand’s first vehicle with an all wheel drive system. And Hyundai recently announced that the Genesis will become an all-new luxury brand, following in the footsteps of both Lexus and Infiniti.
Test vehicle’s MSRP: $52,450 (base AWD model $41,450)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: all-wheel drive; airbags; ABS; electronic stability control; traction control system; vehicle stability management system; a rearview camera; and a tire pressure monitoring system
Standard Equipment (base model): an 8-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; cargo net; a handsfree trunk opener; a keyless ignition starter system; 18-inch wheels; power (heated) front seats; leather seats; and a manual operated tilt/telescopic system
Optional Features On Test Vehicle: power panoramic roof; ventilated front seats; power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; HID headlights; auto dimming exterior mirrors; blind spot detection with a rear traffic alert system power rear sunshade; manual rear side window sunshades; power driver’s seat cushion extender and side bolsters; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system; a radar-activated cruise control system; a haptic steering wheel; automatic emergency brakes; an automatic vehicle hold system when at a stop light; an automatic high beam assist system; genuine matte finish wood trim; a heads up display system; a power trunk lid; a 9.2-inch infotainment system; and a 17-speaker Discrete Logic 7 audio system
Other Trim Level:
Genesis rear wheel drive 3.8-liter
Genesis rear wheel drive 5.0-liter (8-cylinder)
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 7-speaker AM/FM/HD/satellite
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
iPod connectivity: Yes
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.8-liter, 6-cylinder/311-hp
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage:
16-city/25-hwy
What’s New: The second generation midsize luxury sedan is all-new for the 2015 model year. This is a first from Hyundai, outfitting a vehicle with an all wheel drive system.
Pros: The stately midsize luxury sedan, with its prominent grille, is available in either a rear wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. By adding the all wheel drive system, this further establishes Hyundai as being a true player in the midsize luxury segment.
The all-wheel drive Genesis, with its class leading warranty, is only available with one engine choice, a 6-cylinder engine. Personally, we would opt for the more fuel-efficient 6-cylinder any day over the 8-cylinder engine because it holds down the price and offers sufficient power to this midsize luxury sedan. Another advantage of this 6-cylinder is that it does not require premium fuel, unlike most luxury vehicles.
The adequately equipped Genesis can be optioned out with three packages: a signature package, a tech package and an ultimate package.
In most cases, one can hold down the cost of the all wheel drive Genesis down below the $50,000 threshold by foregoing the higher end ultimate package, which includes a power trunk lid, a 17-speaker audio system and high quality wood trims without sacrificing most luxury accoutrements.
And like the two rear wheel drive Genesis sedans we’ve reviewed previously, the engineers and the designers of the brand’s first all wheel drive vehicle paid close attention to details both inside and out, as it relates to both the fit and the finish and the overall ride and comfort. Also the engineers made sure that the ride and handling is what one would expect from a luxury vehicle, too.
So, if you can move beyond the Hyundai badge on the vehicle, this is definitely a midsize luxury sedan worth considering. Even a well-equipped Genesis sedan, which includes every imaginable feature available, when pitted against the competition is still priced upwards of $15K less!
Cons: While the Genesis sedan, with an all-wheel drive system, is confined to a 6-cylinder system, a number of competitors in the segment are powered by either a 4-cylinder or an 8-cylinder engine. The Hyundai brand name still does not resonate with most luxury car buyers, despite its longer warranty and level of refinement that is on par are outmatches many of its segment competitors.
Verdict: If one can move beyond the Hyundai badge, this is definitely an all-wheel drive midsize luxury sedan worth considering, especially for those seeking the bang for their buck. The Hyundai brand also stands out in terms of having an industry best warranty and value packaging. The Genesis is worth taking note before moving landing on one of the German, British or Japanese makes.
Competition: Audi A6 Quattro; BMW 5-Series AWD; Jaguar XF AWD; Lexus GS AWD; and Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4Matic
———————————————————————————————————–
Jeff Fortson is an auto analyst and editor of a car-buying website for women and minorities. To learn more about his popular car-buying workshop and/or to price a new-vehicle, drive on over to www.JeffCars.com. Follow him on Twitter/JeffCars.
Like BlackAmericaWeb.com on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
