Flash Drive

2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD

June 24, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8 Sedan

Winter driving is both safe and luxurious in the 2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD sedan.
Winter driving is both safe and luxurious in the 2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD sedan.

Engine: 3.8-liter V-6, 311 horsepower 293 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 16/City—25/Highway—19/Combined

Base Price: $40,500

As Tested: $52,450

Performance:

Lots of high tech safety features

Smooth engine and automatic transmission

The restyled for 2015 Genesis is as handsome as any sedan on the market.
The restyled for 2015 Genesis is as handsome as any sedan on the market.

Seamless AWD application

Comfortable, but not numb highway ride

Sport and Eco drive modes

Comfort:

Wonderful seats

Super soft headrests

Thick, contoured steering wheel with auxiliary controls

3-temp heated and cooled front seats

Heated rear outboard seats

Luxury caliber materials and finishes

Fine back seat room as long as front seats are up a little

Tall, wide rear floor tunnel

Oversized, soft surface rear armrest

Wide opening doors make it easy to slide into the luxurious rear seats.
Wide opening doors make it easy to slide into the luxurious rear seats.
The excellent panoramic sunroof is part of the Signature Package option.
The excellent panoramic sunroof is part of the Signature Package option.

Rear doors open extra wide

Utility:

Oversize sliding sun visors

Big navigation/info screen

Lots of ports for tech gear

First class sound system

Power trunk

Rear side window shades

Flat trunk floor

Covered, protected trunk hinges

WOW Factors:

Very handsome; as sharp as any contemporary sedan

Excellent attention to details even down to door handles

Luxurious rear seat accommodations

Rain sensing wipers

Panoramic sunroof really lightens interior

Power rear window shade

Optional heads up display

Solid door shut; excellent fit and finish

Whines:

All-wheel-drive comes with a 3-mpg penalty over rear-wheel-drive

Three big option packages cost about what a whole Hyundai used to cost

Attention to detail is everywhere on the Genesis as witnessed by this beautiful recessed door handle.
Attention to detail is everywhere on the Genesis as witnessed by this beautiful recessed door handle.

Hyundais are not your father’s cheap imports anymore

Bottom Line:

The 2015 Hyundai Genesis is available in three configurations: V-6 rear drive, V-8 rear drive, and V-6 all-wheel-drive. As slick and powerful as the 420 hp V-8 is, we think the V-6 AWD tested here offers the best balance. It’s still very quick and it has the all-weather confidence factor. Luxurious accommodations are standard on all Genesis iterations.