Overview & Reviews

Hyundai sells two cars under the Genesis name, but they could hardly be more different. The softly sprung Genesis sedan is a luxurious shot across the bow of high-end European and Japanese carmakers. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe, on the other hand, is a serious rear-wheel-drive sport coupe that gives more established performance marques a run for their money.

Available with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a naturally aspirated V6, the Genesis Coupe presents typically impressive Hyundai value, but with a high-performance edge. Sending power to the rear wheels makes for a superior driving experience, and the Genesis Coupe also boasts distinctive styling and ample feature content. These virtues make Hyundai's taut two-door one of our favorite affordable performance cars.

Current Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is available in six trim levels: 2.0T, 2.0T R-Spec, 2.0T Premium, 3.8 R-Spec, 3.8 Grand Touring and 3.8 Ultimate.

Power is provided by either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine ("2.0T") or a 3.8-liter V6. The turbo-4 makes 274 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 cranks out 348 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. For the base 2.0T, Hyundai offers either a six-speed manual (with hill-start assist) or an eight-speed automatic (with rev-matching downshifts and manual shift control). The R-Spec trim is manual only, while the Premium level is automatic only. The V6 models follow suit: a choice of manual or automatic for the Ultimate trim, manual only in the R-Spec, and automatic only for the Grand Touring.

Hyundai's reputation for generous standard equipment continues, as even in base 2.0T trim standard features include 18-inch wheels, keyless ignition and entry,  automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and USB/iPod integration. The performance-focused R-Spec loses a few luxuries (including keyless ignition), but adds 19-inch wheels with summer tires, Brembo brakes, firmer suspension tuning, a limited-slip rear differential and front sport seats. The 3.8 R-Spec gets the same upgrades.

Instead of the R-Spec's performance add-ons, the 2.0T Premium adds perks such as a sunroof, rear parking sensors, a power driver seat, the Blue Link telematics system, a navigation system and an upgraded audio system. The Grand Touring and Ultimate trims further add niceties like leather upholstery, heated front seats and rear parking sensors.

In testing, a V6-powered Hyundai Genesis Coupe ran the 0-60-mph sprint in a quick 5.3 seconds. The 2.0T did it in 6.5 seconds. The 2.0T's lighter weight, however, makes for a slightly more balanced driving experience. That said, either version provides the engaging and athletic driving dynamics expected from a well-engineered, rear-wheel-drive sport coupe. Steering response is quick and crisp, balance is excellent and body roll is kept nicely in check. On the other hand, the ride in R-Spec and Ultimate trims is a bit rough due to their firmer suspensions and bigger wheels, so make sure you go over some bumps on a test-drive.

Inside, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe has relatively high-quality materials with good fit and finish. The driver seat has ample bolstering and provides a low, cockpit-like driving position. Buyers should know that the small backseat is strictly for children. Overall, though, the Genesis Coupe is a winner in the South Korean carmaker's lineup, helping to further define it as a value leader in both luxury and performance cars.

Used Hyundai Genesis Coupe Models
The Genesis Coupe debuted for 2010 in seven trim levels, which are for the most part similar to those of the current car. Key exceptions would be the "Track" trims – the 2.0T version was dropped after the first model year, while the 3.8 version was eventually replaced by the Ultimate for 2014. Originally, the 2.0T's turbo-4 produced 210 hp, while the 3.8-liter V6 produced 306 hp. The available automatic transmissions were different as well, with a five-speed paired to the 2.0T and a six-speed for the 3.8.

The most notable changes occurred for 2013. Front-end styling became more aggressive, the eight-speed automatics were introduced and both engines received their current outputs. That year also saw revised, sharper steering and the availability of a telescoping steering column. A year later saw the addition of keyless ignition and entry, hill-start assist and rev-matching downshifts for automatic transmissions.

User Reviews:

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  No Econobox Hyundai, a real sports coupe - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By 257Roberts - November 22 - 7:56 am

  My son needed a new car and had pretty good luck with a used Kia. He was looking at an Infinti coupe, but couldnt afford a new one. I found out about the Hyundai Genesis Coupe from one of the car 10 best lists. My son really likes the car. It has the performance of the Infiniti without the price tag. The features are great and the 100k warranty was proof that Hyundai thinks they did a good job building it.

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  Honest Facts - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and if you know what you are doing I have gotten as high as 35mpg on the expressway. There are some flaws with the trans, had mine replaced once with no questions asked. Car runs and handles great never a problem with getting me where I need to go. I am from Chicago so weather with the track pack. wheels is an issue. You will need winter wheels. I have over 25k miles on mine and is stil a blast. Many road trips and the comfort and ride is great. Always get a lot of attention in this car, thumbs up or questions at the gas station. Once they get this shifter figured out down the road I would give this a full 10/10.

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  Best Hyundai effort yet - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Agent Cook - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I got this car in March after reading up about it. I owned 2 tiburons previous to this car, and I must say this is the best Hyundai I drove yet. The handling is great and the power from the Turbo is excellent. For the money, it cant be beat.

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  Everything I Thought It Would Be, But... - 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By southerngent63 - August 6 - 9:14 pm

  Let me begin by saying that this is one of my favorite cars. Ive owned 14 over 30+ years so I have a good personal database. It is lightning fast, especially in "manual mode". Theres the slightest lag at launch in full automatic but if youre racing youre going to be using the paddle shifters anyway. (I dont race, but I do love one particular freeway on ramp.) It might not be a work of art, per se, but the design lets you know up front that this is a fun car. The interior is about as comfortable as you might imagine a sport-tuned suspension would allow, which is to say not overly. Everything is well laid-out, easy to use and unobtrusive. Overall, I love it. But keep reading...

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  Great first car. - 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By mrgovenator - July 31 - 4:58 am

  This is a great first purchase. On the used market it hard to beat the value of these cars. You get so much for so little. You get a well laid out interior. Some material quality is questionable, such as the some cheap leather, but most the plastics are soft touch or have a rubber coating. And the exterior is gorgeous in my opinion. You get a great power plant under the hood, that gives other cars of this price a run for the money. Only real issue is the 6 speed transmission, it feels cheap and clunky. Can you live with it daily though? For me, yes. The total value out weighs this one problem. The seats hold you in place very well, and feel nice for the price point.

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  KDM power - 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By kultureshok - July 17 - 6:18 am

  rarely do i ever write reviews but i was so compelled to write one for the 2013 genesis 2.0t. i see a ton of mixed reviews at least for the 2.0t. The 2.0t is an extremely fun car for 25k. Power from the 4 banger is more than adequate if youre not an enthusiast or a tuner. Car receives a ton of looks, love the fact that its not a common car on the road yet, it gives you a sense of exclusivity. Handling is good can take corners relatively well, but by no means is it on the same level as an FRS/BRZ. i see a lot of concerns and complaints about the waste gate on the turbo rattling, my genesis has about 2500 with no issue so far (knocks on every piece of wood known to mankind) overall pleased

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  Very, very fun - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Nick - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I waited a while to review and after almost a year the car is wonderful. Chopped off the resonator for a bit more power and changed to a k&n intake, but other than that stock. Car is quick, not fast. Handling is superb. Very reliable, no issues. Cant wait to take it to a track day and see what it can do in a safe environment. Great for 2 people but back seat is only for storage. Paddle shifters are in the wrong place though, should be mounted on to the column instead of the steering wheel making it clumsy. Use the sequential gearbox instead. This is a great car until I go get a vette or a jag s-type. You wont think it is a Hyundai.

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  Gets Lots of Attention! - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Val - January 18 - 6:00 pm

  A beautiful car that gets lots of attention. Handles very well. Gas mileage isnt as good as advertised but not bad for a sports car. Poorly- designed front bumper as it catches on every parking curb - has been ripped off once and scrapes every time. Auto body shop says he sees this car for same problem frequently. Brake pad rumbles/vibrates when coming to hard stop. Blue Tooth Technology not so good - takes too long to engage the cell phone. Otherwise, Ive really enjoyed the car.

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  3.8 Liter Track Sweet Ride - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By kikkenit2 - March 31 - 7:06 am

  Fantastic low end power. Competitive gas mileage. Decent somewhat original body style. Solid chassis, almost too stiff. Almost no body roll. Nowhere to be found. Very limited availability, especially on west coast. Will never be common like mustang. A little slower than g37, 370z, camaro v8, and mustang gt but has a strong package all around.

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  Great bang for the buck! - 2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
  By Jefro - February 9 - 12:27 am

  I bought this car to have fun driving and it doesnt disappoint! Its not going to be practical when it comes down to transporting more than 2 people, carrying excessive amounts of stuff in it or even fuel economy, but it is a hell of a lot of fun to drive! Great engine, excellent 8 speed auto are a blast! One word of warning: you will want to put AS or snow tires on it up north as it comes with summer tires. I am thrilled with this car!