2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Review

MPG-o-Matic 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Review Summary: The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe goes to battle with the V6 editions of America’s legacy rear-wheel-drive (RWD) pony cars, carving the corners as it carves its niche. Eye-opening performance, solid handling, a high level of drivability, a host of in-cabin amenities, and the potential of 30 miles per gallon on the highway provide stiff competition for the traditionalists.

The RWD 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is offered in a slew of variations with the choice of a 2.0-liter turbo four or naturally-aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine. We tested the V6 Grand Touring model. The 3.8-liter V6 produces 306 horsepower (HP) and 266 foot pounds of torque and can be mated to a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The official fuel economy estimates for the V6-equipped 2010 Genesis Coupe are 17 city / 27 highway miles per gallon (MPG) when equipped with the automatic transmission and 17 / 26 with the manual. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine delivers better fuel-efficiency, with the automatic rated at 20 city / 30 highway and the manual rated at 21 / 30.

We covered roughly five hundred miles in our automatic-equipped Tsukuba Red review unit and slipped past the official mileage estimates, scoring an average of 30.7 MPG on the Interstate highway and 24.7 MPG combined.

The 3.8-liter engine delivers excellent performance, and the Genesis proved to be the fastest V6-equipped 2010 Sport Coupe we’ve tested to date. (This will change with the 2011 model year, as Ford and Chevy up the ante.)

Overall test period temperatures ranged from from the forties through the low-seventies. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the low-to-mid sixties. The test vehicle was delivered with approximately 6400 miles on the odometer and was equipped with the standard 18-inch alloy wheels, clad with 225/45VR18 tires in the front and 245/45VR18 tires in the rear.

Interstate Mileage Testing:

• Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, heat off, windows up: 30.6 MPG
• Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, heat of, windows up: 30.9 MPG

(The cruise control proved its worth on the highway, as it alleviated the temptation of the throttle.)

The 2010 Genesis Coupe is equipped with a 17.2 gallon fuel tank. This provides for a good amount of range … when you manage to keep your foot out of it, of course.

The trip computer is nestled between the speedometer and tachometer and provides two trip meters, range to empty, average fuel economy, and average mile per hour displays. That’s fairly standard stuff these days.

The big bonus is the Genesis Grand Touring’s unique center-mounted Real-Time MPG and Torque meters. These cool blue LCD displays provide a persistent reminder of how much fuel is being consuming and how much power is being produced at any given moment.

If you love driving, you’re in for a treat. The Genesis hustles from corner to corner, with Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control keeping the RWD Genesis’ tail between the lines.

The Genesis Coupe’s interior is smartly designed and driver focused. While many sport coupes sacrifice visibility for the sake of style, the Genesis Coupe is an exception to the rule. Although the rear cabin is snug, visibility is quite good.

The automatic transmission’s SHIFTRONIC mode allows for full control over gear changes from both the slapstick and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The Grand Touring edition provides a host of standard features, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power drivers seat, manual driver’s lumbar support, a power sunroof, and Bluetooth connectivity with phonebook download.

A touchscreen ten-speaker Infinity audio system with USB iPod support and Navigation is standard in the Grand Touring model. The USB interface and auxiliary input are located in the center console. The touchscreen is well designed, with Artists, Albums, and Playlists accessible from the interface. The system also includes MP3 capability and XM Satellite Radio. The Navigation system includes a 90 day trial of XM NavTraffic.

The only options in our test unit were carpeted floor mats ($95) and an iPod cable ($30).

There are two twelve-volt outlets: one at the base of the dash and one in the console.

Like many sport coupes, the Genesis Coupe’s rear seat can be a difficult fit for larger folks. Kids and smaller folks might not mind, but taller folks will squawk. Rear seat headroom is limited.

The Genesis Coupe’s cargo area allows for 10 cubic feet of storage with the rear seat up. Folding down the rear seat yields a good bit of additional space, although the passthrough is tight.

Worth noting: Hyundai provides a five-year/60,000 mile new vehicle warranty, a 10-year/100,000 mile power train warranty, a seven-year/unlimited mile anti-perforation warranty, and a five-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance program.

All-in-all, the 3.8-liter V6-equipped 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe sets the traditional RWD sports coupe pack on end, by delivering a surprising amount of performance in a tight and balanced package.

Parts Content Information
US/Canadian Parts Content: 3%
Major Sources of Foreign Parts Content: Korea – 86%
Final Assembly Point: Ulsan, Korea
Country of Origin:
Engine – Korea
Transmission – Korea

– by Daniel Gray