2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan AWD: The Brand's First All-Weather Luxury Vehicle

Highlight: The Hyundai Genesis is the Korean brand’s first vehicle with an all wheel drive system.

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 hands free 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 is only available with one engine choice, a 6-cylinder engine. We would opt for the 6-cylinder any day over the 8- cylinder engine, because it holds down the price and the power is just as adequate.

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 ultimate package, which includes a power trunk lid, a 17-speaker audio system and high quality wood trims.
 

And like the two rear wheel drive Genesis sedans we’ve reviewed, 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.  

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, it is still priced less than the competition, before options or added on.

Like the two rear wheel drive Genesis sedans we’ve reviewed, the all wheel drive vehicle paid close attention to details both inside and out, as it relates to both fit and finish, a segment leader in terms of the warranty and the value packaging. Also the driving experience is on par with the rear drive Genesis except this is an all wheel drive vehicle.

Cons: In addition to a 6-cylinder engine, some of the Genesis competitors equipped with an all wheel drive configuration are available with either a 4-cylinder or an 8-cylinder engine.

The Hyundai brand name still does have that snob appeal that turns folks toward early luxury makes, despite its longer warranty and level of refinement.

 

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 sedan is worth taking note before moving landing on one of the German, British or Japanese make.

Competition: Audi A6 Quattro; BMW 5-Series AWD; Jaguar XF AWD; Lexus GS AWD; and Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4Matic