Drive Review: 2015 Hyundai Genesis - A Glorified Sonata?

As someone firmly entrenched in the world of auto writer-dom, it’s expected of me to get all hot and bothered about the Hyundai Genesis sedan. After all, it’s big, bold and brash, it’s got a sport-tuned chassis, and most importantly of all, it’s rear-wheel drive. So why, then, can’t I get excited about this car?

Rather than make you read the whole article to find out, I’ll give you the tl;dr version right here—it’s because this $50,000 Genesis doesn’t feel that different from a $32,000 Sonata Limited. And as both cars feel similar inside and out, why spend the additional $20K for the 2015 Hyundai Genesis?

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Sure, this Genesis features aluminum trim, puddle lamps that display the Genesis logo, and a powerful infotainment system, but it lacks the premium feel its $50,000 price tag demands. The leather in the Genesis feels identical to that of the Sonata, for example, as does the cheap-looking (and cheap-feeling) plastic.

And the drive isn’t tire-shredding, power-sliding bliss either. Powering my Genesis tester is the base 3.8-liter V6, rated at 311 horsepower and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. On paper, that’s a huge jump up from the Sonata’s 185-hp four-banger and 6-speed auto. But since both cars are tuned with a nod to efficiency, the actual drive doesn’t feel that much different.

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Power delivery is smooth, but given the Genesis’ sporting pretensions, I want a more forceful shove. And despite Hyundai’s claims of a sport-tuned chassis, this Genesis isn’t a car that encourages a spirited romp through the bends. The steering lacks the directness I need from a sports car, and overall it just feels too big and heavy for corner carving. That said, the Genesis is comfortable and quiet, and it works very well both as a city commuter and as a long-distance cruising machine. But then, the same can be said for the Sonata.