The 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan is a renewed attempt for the Korean brand to penetrate the luxury car market. Though previous model years have also positioned the Genesis as a near-luxury vehicle at a lower price, the 2015 Genesis shows that Hyundai’s getting better at anticipating and meeting the needs of upscale midsize car shoppers, even though the premium Equus sits even higher than the Genesis in Hyundai’s model lineup. So, how does the 2015 Genesis stack up against the increasingly tough competition, especially from the German luxury brands? Autobytel’s Road Test Editor, Chris Wardlaw, found that the Genesis can be confidently cross-shopped with midsize cars from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, as well as offerings from Lexus and Cadillac. The $39,000 base price of the Hyundai Genesis 3.8 provides a lot for the money, but Autobytel’s test car was fully loaded and came in at about $52,000. At a price in line with the competition’s base models, the 2015 Genesis features a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 311 horsepower as well as all-wheel-drive. The cabin is also right up there with the luxury brands, equipped with premium leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, heated and ventilated front seats, and premium electronics and infotainment. The Genesis also has an upscale exterior that holds its own, and it comes with Hyundai’s class-leading warranty.
