Likes
- Equal, if not superior, build quality to European rivals
- So much value for money
- Excellent driving experience
Used Hyundai Genesis review
Dislikes
- Ex-hire car examples should be avoided
- Poorly maintained ones could have some issues
- Fuel consumption isn’t great
Stuff you should know
The Hyundai Genesis was a significant car for the Korean brand when it was first introduced, and arguably, significant for Korean cars as a whole. Largely because it changed many people’s perception towards Korean-manufactured cars – gone were the days when Hyundais and Kias were considered to be mere appliances, intended to get you from A to B, and nothing else; instead, they were now a serious contender, giving longtime Japanese and European brands a run for their money.
And in the case of the Hyundai Genesis, the flagship sedan of the Hyundai range, reflects that Korean cars could offer luxury and refinement comparable to levels found in German models, for half the price.
Eventually, Hyundai decided to separate the Genesis model altogether from their standard product range, establishing it as a standalone luxury-focused brand – a similar relationship as how Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota, or what Lincoln is to Ford.
Introduced in Australia for the 2014 model year, the first batch made between 2014 to 2017 are referred to as the 1st generation Hyundai Genesis. After the Hyundai name was dropped, these were marketed as the 1st generation Genesis G80 for its remaining production years from 2018 to 2020. Naming aside, both ‘iterations’ are still the same car, separated by some minor aesthetic/equipment changes, and for the post-update Genesis G80 models, a new badge.
Under the bonnet, the Australian market only got one engine and transmission choice: a 3.8L petrol V6 – sending power to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Annoyingly, we missed out on several other engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a turbodiesel, and even a 5.0L V8, as well as the option for all-wheel drive, which were available in other markets.
The Australian market largely only got one trim for the Genesis, both in its Hyundai and ‘Genesis’ brand form – but cleverly, the Korean brand ensured buyers got a lot of toys and equipment out the door. Where other premium brands might force you to add these for an extra cost, the Genesis got features like LED daytime running lights, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, keyless entry/ignition, interior mood lighting, a 17-speaker audio system, 12-way power and heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control all as standard.
Later models brought further equipment packages to bring more levels of amenities, which included, to name just a few:
- Sensory Pack: Memory settings for driver’s seat, power tilt/telescopic steering, around view monitor, LED front fog lights, head up display
- Ultimate Pack: Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, noise-reduction acoustic glass, illuminated front scuff plates, rear door side curtains
When these were first released, many praised how much they were able to receive for their money’s worth. Fast forward a few years, and does the same still apply as a secondhand purchase, especially with factors like long-term reliability and build quality to consider?
What goes wrong?
Exterior issues:
The paintwork can suffer from surface blemishes and can be very easily scratched. Most owners say it’s worthwhile to get paint protection film applied to the car.
Some owners report that the exterior chrome trim around the windows can oxidise, but can be easily fixed.
On models equipped with a powered sunroof, random squeaks and rattles can start to appear. The roof may feature an impressive opening arrangement, but when it goes wrong, technicians and owners told us it can be a pain to put right – sometimes requiring an all-new replacement roof unit. Being a very complex item, it isn’t cheap – some have been quoted up to $10,000 to get it replaced.
Check if the headlights or tail lights are experiencing any issues. A few owners report that the halogen indicator bulbs can blow – largely due to power surges from the housing when it sends power to the bulb. The headlights can also flicker when the switch is in the ‘Auto’ setting – this is easily resolved by turning the switch all the way to the ‘On’ position when you need them.
A minor annoyance reported by owners, but not a serious issue – the powered side door mirrors tilt down for better visibility towards the lower corners when reversing, but when they tilt back up, they adjust back to the default mirror position, not the position you originally adjusted them to.
The rear boot can also be troublesome. Some of the problems we heard include the rubber seals over the boot latch being very brittle and can fall apart easily, especially in hot climates here in Australia.
On models not featuring a powered rear boot, the springs/support struts that hold it up when opened can lose their resistance over time, resulting in difficulties attempting to open it or keep it upright. However, a more annoying problem can present itself if the car comes with the ‘smart trunk’ opening feature – intended to automatically open the boot when the keyfob is with you and you’re at the rear of the car. If the boot springs/struts are playing up, potentially the boot will slightly open (but not fully spring up) in response to the proximity of the keyfob, and the only way you will know the boot is open is when the alert comes on. To avoid this, just deactivate the ‘smart trunk’ feature.
The rain-sensing wipers can sometimes not be responsive and activate in response to light rain or showers, only activating under a heavy downpour.
Interior issues:
The leather seat upholstery ideally needs to be cared for regularly. Left untreated, owners report the material can harden and dry up, detracting from the premium feel
Exterior issues:
The paintwork can suffer from surface blemishes and can be very easily scratched. Most owners say it’s worthwhile to get paint protection film applied to the car.
Some owners report that the exterior chrome trim around the windows can oxidise, but can be easily fixed.
On models equipped with a powered sunroof, random squeaks and rattles can start to appear. The roof may feature an impressive opening arrangement, but when it goes wrong, technicians and owners told us it can be a pain to put right – sometimes requiring an all-new replacement roof unit. Being a very complex item, it isn’t cheap – some have been quoted up to $10,000 to get it replaced.
Check if the headlights or tail lights are experiencing any issues. A few owners report that the halogen indicator bulbs can blow – largely due to power surges from the housing when it sends power to the bulb. The headlights can also flicker when the switch is in the ‘Auto’ setting – this is easily resolved by turning the switch all the way to the ‘On’ position when you need them.
A minor annoyance reported by owners, but not a serious issue – the powered side door mirrors tilt down for better visibility towards the lower corners when reversing, but when they tilt back up, they adjust back to the default mirror position, not the position you originally adjusted them to.
The rear boot can also be troublesome. Some of the problems we heard include the rubber seals over the boot latch being very brittle and can fall apart easily, especially in hot climates here in Australia.
On models not featuring a powered rear boot, the springs/support struts that hold it up when opened can lose their resistance over time, resulting in difficulties attempting to open it or keep it upright. However, a more annoying problem can present itself if the car comes with the ‘smart trunk’ opening feature – intended to automatically open the boot when the keyfob is with you and you’re at the rear of the car. If the boot springs/struts are playing up, potentially the boot will slightly open (but not fully spring up) in response to the proximity of the keyfob, and the only way you will know the boot is open is when the alert comes on. To avoid this, just deactivate the ‘smart trunk’ feature.
The rain-sensing wipers can sometimes not be responsive and activate in response to light rain or showers, only activating under a heavy downpour.
Interior issues:
The leather seat upholstery ideally needs to be cared for regularly. Left untreated, owners report the material can harden and dry up, detracting from the premium feel of the Genesis’s cabin. Especially check the rear seats that they are holding up – quite a few of these were used in premium hire car fleets and may have been subjected to hard use from multiple trips, which we would aim to avoid.
Some of the interior trim is beginning to show signs of wear and tear – the silver/metal lookalike sections, to the painted surfaces and switch gear, and plenty of the multi-function steering wheel buttons can look tired or break off altogether.
Seals around the rear window brake light can degrade or ‘melt’ in hot climates, resulting in debris dropping on the parcel shelf/section
The air conditioning systems have been known to fail, according to the experiences of owners. The root of their problems tends to be the evaporator coil freezing, preventing the blower fan from sending any cooled/warmed air through the cabin vents.
The infotainment systems can experience sporadic or weird issues, even on the updated units introduced in later years. Some of the very early units can be slow to respond or boot up, or reboot at unprompted moments, as well as their user interfaces, in hindsight of what you expect from cars today, appear very dated and not as friendly to use.
We’ve also heard of sporadic issues with the audio and Bluetooth connectivity features of these systems. A few owners report that the volume for audio/music via Bluetooth can start at the very quiet end, and when you increase it to hear it properly, but then have your device disconnect from the system/turn the power off, the car will revert to whatever volume you had previously set – which means the next time you turn the system on, you might deafen yourself and any passengers. (Some owners comment that turning the volume back down as part of their Genesis’s ‘shutdown’ procedure is a crucial step).
Only some of the later models got Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity – this will once again depend on your location, model year, and other specific details of the Genesis you have, but the connectivity – wireless or wired can be inconsistent or just result in the UI freezing altogether.
Available as an option was an upgraded Lexicon sound system, but nowadays, it might not sound as premium as you might expect. If you value a premium in-car audio experience, it would be worthwhile to look into upgrading the system for an aftermarket setup.
Mechanical issues:
Generally, the Genesis is quite a solid vehicle, provided it has been serviced regularly.
Excessive oil consumption is one of the Genesis’s most common complaints and is more likely to be encountered on examples that have been driven hard or neglected.
The electronic thermostat can experience issues, which can lead to overheating. You’ know this needs attention if a fault code comes up.
Other issues that can happen, but are not common on Genesis sedans, range from throttle body problems to timing chain cam phaser rattling.
A recall was issued for the starter motor to resolve an issue where water could sometimes enter the unit, causing short circuiting, so for peace of mind, ensure the fix has been done.
This isn’t a serious mechanical problem, but it’s worth mentioning that fuel consumption of this V6 engine isn’t this car’s strongest point – owners report on average they’ve been able to return 12-13L per 100 km, which would be acceptable if it were the bigger 5.0L V8, but quite disappointing for a smaller displacement engine.
While modern engines from Korean brands don’t have the most solid of reliability track records, provided the Genesis you’re inspecting is backed up by a good service history and has clearly been well cared for, they can prove to be some of the most reliable secondhand powertrains on the market.
The automatic transmissions these use are fairly trouble-free. Aside from the occasional solenoid or temperature sensor fault, we heard no serious problems from owners.
The only complaint we would bring up is that the paddle shifters, which are meant to allow manual control of the gear changes, aren’t as responsive as we’d like them to be.
Due to their staggered setup from the factory, rotating the same set of tyres might not be possible, requiring you to budget for a new set of tires altogether when they are required. Plus, some owners we spoke to report that these can go through brake pads and tyres fairly quickly.
The electronic parking brake can also be temperamental and refuse to disengage, especially if the rear brake pads are very worn. But while the problem disappears after a brake pad replacement and a firmware update to reset the settings, owners report it took a bit of ‘trial and error’ to resolve.
Exterior issues:
The paintwork can suffer from surface blemishes and can be very easily scratched. Most owners say it’s worthwhile to get paint protection film applied to the car.
Some owners report that the exterior chrome trim around the windows can oxidise, but can be easily fixed.
On models equipped with a powered sunroof, random squeaks and rattles can start to appear. The roof may feature an impressive opening arrangement, but when it goes wrong, technicians and owners told us it can be a pain to put right – sometimes requiring an all-new replacement roof unit. Being a very complex item, it isn’t cheap – some have been quoted up to $10,000 to get it replaced.
Check if the headlights or tail lights are experiencing any issues. A few owners report that the halogen indicator bulbs can blow – largely due to power surges from the housing when it sends power to the bulb. The headlights can also flicker when the switch is in the ‘Auto’ setting – this is easily resolved by turning the switch all the way to the ‘On’ position when you need them.
A minor annoyance reported by owners, but not a serious issue – the powered side door mirrors tilt down for better visibility towards the lower corners when reversing, but when they tilt back up, they adjust back to the default mirror position, not the position you originally adjusted them to.
The rear boot can also be troublesome. Some of the problems we heard include the rubber seals over the boot latch being very brittle and can fall apart easily, especially in hot climates here in Australia.
On models not featuring a powered rear boot, the springs/support struts that hold it up when opened can lose their resistance over time, resulting in difficulties attempting to open it or keep it upright. However, a more annoying problem can present itself if the car comes with the ‘smart trunk’ opening feature – intended to automatically open the boot when the keyfob is with you and you’re at the rear of the car. If the boot springs/struts are playing up, potentially the boot will slightly open (but not fully spring up) in response to the proximity of the keyfob, and the only way you will know the boot is open is when the alert comes on. To avoid this, just deactivate the ‘smart trunk’ feature.
The rain-sensing wipers can sometimes not be responsive and activate in response to light rain or showers, only activating under a heavy downpour.
Interior issues:
The leather seat upholstery ideally needs to be cared for regularly. Left untreated, owners report the material can harden and dry up, detracting from the premium feel of the Genesis’s cabin. Especially check the rear seats that they are holding up – quite a few of these were used in premium hire car fleets and may have been subjected to hard use from multiple trips, which we would aim to avoid.
Some of the interior trim is beginning to show signs of wear and tear – the silver/metal lookalike sections, to the painted surfaces and switch gear, and plenty of the multi-function steering wheel buttons can look tired or break off altogether.
Seals around the rear window brake light can degrade or ‘melt’ in hot climates, resulting in debris dropping on the parcel shelf/section
The air conditioning systems have been known to fail, according to the experiences of owners. The root of their problems tends to be the evaporator coil freezing, preventing the blower fan from sending any cooled/warmed air through the cabin vents.
The infotainment systems can experience sporadic or weird issues, even on the updated units introduced in later years. Some of the very early units can be slow to respond or boot up, or reboot at unprompted moments, as well as their user interfaces, in hindsight of what you expect from cars today, appear very dated and not as friendly to use.
We’ve also heard of sporadic issues with the audio and Bluetooth connectivity features of these systems. A few owners report that the volume for audio/music via Bluetooth can start at the very quiet end, and when you increase it to hear it properly, but then have your device disconnect from the system/turn the power off, the car will revert to whatever volume you had previously set – which means the next time you turn the system on, you might deafen yourself and any passengers. (Some owners comment that turning the volume back down as part of their Genesis’s ‘shutdown’ procedure is a crucial step).
Only some of the later models got Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity – this will once again depend on your location, model year, and other specific details of the Genesis you have, but the connectivity – wireless or wired can be inconsistent or just result in the UI freezing altogether.
Available as an option was an upgraded Lexicon sound system, but nowadays, it might not sound as premium as you might expect. If you value a premium in-car audio experience, it would be worthwhile to look into upgrading the system for an aftermarket setup.
Mechanical issues:
Generally, the Genesis is quite a solid vehicle, provided it has been serviced regularly.
Excessive oil consumption is one of the Genesis’s most common complaints and is more likely to be encountered on examples that have been driven hard or neglected.
The electronic thermostat can experience issues, which can lead to overheating. You’ know this needs attention if a fault code comes up.
Other issues that can happen, but are not common on Genesis sedans, range from throttle body problems to timing chain cam phaser rattling.
A recall was issued for the starter motor to resolve an issue where water could sometimes enter the unit, causing short circuiting, so for peace of mind, ensure the fix has been done.
This isn’t a serious mechanical problem, but it’s worth mentioning that fuel consumption of this V6 engine isn’t this car’s strongest point – owners report on average they’ve been able to return 12-13L per 100 km, which would be acceptable if it were the bigger 5.0L V8, but quite disappointing for a smaller displacement engine.
While modern engines from Korean brands don’t have the most solid of reliability track records, provided the Genesis you’re inspecting is backed up by a good service history and has clearly been well cared for, they can prove to be some of the most reliable secondhand powertrains on the market.
The automatic transmissions these use are fairly trouble-free. Aside from the occasional solenoid or temperature sensor fault, we heard no serious problems from owners.
The only complaint we would bring up is that the paddle shifters, which are meant to allow manual control of the gear changes, aren’t as responsive as we’d like them to be.
Due to their staggered setup from the factory, rotating the same set of tyres might not be possible, requiring you to budget for a new set of tires altogether when they are required. Plus, some owners we spoke to report that these can go through brake pads and tyres fairly quickly.
The electronic parking brake can also be temperamental and refuse to disengage, especially if the rear brake pads are very worn. But while the problem disappears after a brake pad replacement and a firmware update to reset the settings, owners report it took a bit of ‘trial and error’ to resolve.
Should you buy one?
Prices for secondhand Genesis sedans begin from as little as $5,000 – realistically, you would want to look at those from $15,000 for good examples, with the best low-kilometre examples topping out at $45,000.
Most examples on the used market currently lie between the $20k and $30k, and when you factor in what other cars you can get at this price range, along with what the Genesis brings as a whole package – the same value for money these cars had when new still very much applies as a used car.
Compare the Hyundai Genesis to its key rivals – especially German equivalents such as the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class – the Hyundai Genesis stands out further. For the same price as an entry-level model from one of these brands, your money could get you into a decent, well-kept Genesis that comes with far more equipment and features than what you might find in the others at this price point; in addition to being as nice to drive, equally if not more refined, and arguably, superior build quality and reliability in the long run.
Plus, when it comes to maintenance and upkeep, this Korean sedan has the upper hand again – while it is a premium car, its roots as a Hyundai should mean parts and repairs will be far less than what you might be quoted for a European luxury car. Plus, going through owners’ experiences, they are likely to encounter far fewer to very little
Prices for secondhand Genesis sedans begin from as little as $5,000 – realistically, you would want to look at those from $15,000 for good examples, with the best low-kilometre examples topping out at $45,000.
Most examples on the used market currently lie between the $20k and $30k, and when you factor in what other cars you can get at this price range, along with what the Genesis brings as a whole package – the same value for money these cars had when new still very much applies as a used car.
Compare the Hyundai Genesis to its key rivals – especially German equivalents such as the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class – the Hyundai Genesis stands out further. For the same price as an entry-level model from one of these brands, your money could get you into a decent, well-kept Genesis that comes with far more equipment and features than what you might find in the others at this price point; in addition to being as nice to drive, equally if not more refined, and arguably, superior build quality and reliability in the long run.
Plus, when it comes to maintenance and upkeep, this Korean sedan has the upper hand again – while it is a premium car, its roots as a Hyundai should mean parts and repairs will be far less than what you might be quoted for a European luxury car. Plus, going through owners’ experiences, they are likely to encounter far fewer to very little electronic gremlins on the exterior or interior, which some of its rivals are known to experience as they age.
Unless you’re someone obsessed with badge image and prestige, if you look past all of that and truly care about getting the maximum value for your money to get the best executive sedan package possible, the Hyundai Genesis is an underrated option.
Ensure it passes a pre-purchase inspection with no serious concerns, comes with a great service history, and a used Genesis will be one of the best used vehicle purchases you could make.
Should you buy one?
Prices for secondhand Genesis sedans begin from as little as $5,000 – realistically, you would want to look at those from $15,000 for good examples, with the best low-kilometre examples topping out at $45,000.
Most examples on the used market currently lie between the $20k and $30k, and when you factor in what other cars you can get at this price range, along with what the Genesis brings as a whole package – the same value for money these cars had when new still very much applies as a used car.
Compare the Hyundai Genesis to its key rivals – especially German equivalents such as the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class – the Hyundai Genesis stands out further. For the same price as an entry-level model from one of these brands, your money could get you into a decent, well-kept Genesis that comes with far more equipment and features than what you might find in the others at this price point; in addition to being as nice to drive, equally if not more refined, and arguably, superior build quality and reliability in the long run.
Plus, when it comes to maintenance and upkeep, this Korean sedan has the upper hand again – while it is a premium car, its roots as a Hyundai should mean parts and repairs will be far less than what you might be quoted for a European luxury car. Plus, going through owners’ experiences, they are likely to encounter far fewer to very little electronic gremlins on the exterior or interior, which some of its rivals are known to experience as they age.
Unless you’re someone obsessed with badge image and prestige, if you look past all of that and truly care about getting the maximum value for your money to get the best executive sedan package possible, the Hyundai Genesis is an underrated option.
Ensure it passes a pre-purchase inspection with no serious concerns, comes with a great service history, and a used Genesis will be one of the best used vehicle purchases you could make.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of October 27, 2025.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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