2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
While the Genesis Coupe has done a lot to increase the performance image of the Hyundai brand, It’s kind of stuck in the middle of the sports coupe segment. It doesn’t offer the retro style and tradition of pony cars like Camaro and Mustang, nor does it have all of the lightweight fun factor of new arrivals like the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. So, just what does the Hyundai Genesis Coupe offer that other cars don’t?
Sometimes being caught in the middle is a good thing as you can poach sales from both sides without being a direct competitor with either one. And so it is for the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, with a turbo-4 that leans more towards the import names and a strong-running V6 that leans more towards Detroit brands, it’s adequately equipped to do battle with both. We chose the 3.8-liter V6 for our test, as it is updated with direct injection, providing 42 more horsepower, for a total of 348, and 29 more pound feet of torque to 295 and headed straight to the track to see what it would do.
Off the line, we could easily feel that additional torque, but there’s still plenty of grip for a good launch, and for shaving a few tenths off of our previous Genesis Coupe 3.8 test with a 0 to 60 time of 5.2-seconds. And, it now runs through the ¼-mile in 13.9-seconds at 103 miles-per-hour. The standard 6-speed manual transmission has also been tweaked to provide more feel, and indeed it was very precise. A new 8-speed automatic is available for those who prefer just two pedals. Brakes certainly live up to the sporty style of the Genesis, as stopping from 60 took just 113-feet. Through the cones it felt well balanced with a front end that stays adhered at all times. There are new dampers, and steering has been re-calibrated. Response is about the same, but we could notice some additional feedback and a little more connectedness overall. There’s enough torque to step the rear out a bit with timely throttle inputs and as before, R-Spec models get front strut camber adjustment bolts.
This latest Genesis Coupe also gets a fresh look. One that’s more aggressive and muscular, especially up front with the new fascia featuring larger air intakes, and a more menacing looking hood, though the new air “vents” are obviously for appearance only. Down the side, the Z-shaped body lines remain, but are set off by new wheels with a more sculpted look, available in 18’s or 19’s. In the back, LED’s highlight a new tail light design, while down low, asymmetrical exhaust tips still add some flash to the black diffuser.
Interior updates are minor, but include new materials throughout that are a bit more inviting. Gauges are also updated with electroluminescent lighting and a new info center. R-Spec models sports seats with red leather bolstering and cloth inserts, and the red trim finds its way onto the door panels as well. Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics is now available, but only in 3.8 Grand Touring, 3.8 Track, and 2.0T Premium trims. Though, all models add needed telescoping to the steering wheel.
On the street, this regenerated Genesis is plenty entertaining, but not as refined as it could be. Ride is still a bit harsh for our aging bodies. Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the V6 manual are 18-City and 27-Highway, and we managed a decent 24 miles per gallon in daily driving, but that’s on Premium Fuel. The Energy Impact Score is average at 15.7-barrels of yearly oil use, with annual CO2 emissions of 7-tons. As the great Poison singer Bret Michaels once told us, “every rose has its thorn” and with the Genesis, all these great updates have come with a base price that’s 2-grand higher than last year, starting at $25,125. Our 3.8 R-Spec goes for $29,625.
Still, the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a lot of car for the money while it also brings a little bit of sophistication to the class. It seems to have really embraced its “tweener” status. Much like a denim jacket, you have to be in the right crowd to feel cool sporting one, but in a group of like-minded individuals, the Genesis Coupe is indeed one slick ride.
Specifications
- Engine: 3.8-liter V6
- Horsepower: 348
- Torque: 295 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds
- 1/4 mile: 13.9 seconds @ 103 mph
- EPA: 18 mpg city/ 27 mpg highway
- Energy Impact: 15.7 barrels oil/yr
- CO2 Emissions: 7.0 tons/yr
2024 Hyundai Sonata
Updated Sonata Continues To Deliver
Comfort and room to roam used to be core elements for attracting buyers to midsize family sedans. But thanks to SUVs, that’s not enough these days. Now, luxury, tech integration, performance, fuel economy, and even all-wheel drive have become must have sedan ingredients. And one more, value. So, let’s see if the latest Hyundai Sonata gives us all a lesson in chemistry.
The seventh-generation Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan has been on the road since 2020, and as usually happens when vehicles approach the end of their lifecycle, this 2024 Sonata gets a makeover to keep the looks fresh and electronics current until an all-new one arrives.
Standard tech includes a crystal-clear 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Both are now combined into one wide curved housing similar to what we’ve seen from BMW and other luxury brands. This required a complete dash overhaul; a big interior change you can’t miss. Top Limited trim ups the game with navigation, leather seating, 12-speaker Bose premium sound, head-up display, and sunroof. It’s quite roomy inside, though maybe not quite as spacious or as comfy as some rivals with newer designs. On the other hand, rear seat legroom is very generous with long distance comfort.
There are three powertrain choices. The base front-wheel-drive SEL works with a 191-horsepower, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter I4. And for 2024, you can now add all-wheel drive to it for $1,500. The sporty N Line puts a turbocharger onto that 2.5 which boosts output to 290 horsepower, but it remains front-wheel-drive only, as does this Hybrid. The Hybrid is 2.0-liter I4 based with a 39-kW electric motor that combine for an output of 192 horsepower.
The real draw with the Hybrid is fuel economy of course, and the Government Ratings are 44 City, 51 Highway, and 47 Combined. We manage just 42.7 mpg of Regular in our driving loop, but that’s still slightly better than in our recent tests of both the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid. And it earns a much better than average Energy Impact Score, using 6.3 barrels of oil yearly, with 3.1 tons of CO2 emissions.
Minimal body roll and light steering had us whipping in and out of the cones with a surprising amount of speed.
The price for that great fuel economy was paid at our test track with a slow roll to 60 of 8.0-seconds. There was no sense of urgency off the line, and while the engine sounded like it was really working hard, numbers on the speedometer were slow to climb. That meter was reading only 89 mph after 16.0 seconds as we crossed the quarter-mile. On a much more positive note, the Sonata Hybrid’s true six-speed automatic transmission provides a much more enjoyable experience than competitor’s CVTs.
And the experience in our handling course was positive too; minimal body roll and light steering had us whipping in and out of the cones with a surprising amount of speed. We didn’t experience much in the way of oversteer or understeer, and stability systems stayed out of the way. In our panic braking runs, the pedal was soft, and we could really hear the ABS working overtime, but stops were straight and fade free, averaging a fine 114 feet from 60 mph.
The Sonata has always attempted to set itself apart when it comes to exterior design. That meant an awkwardly shaped “Digital Pulse Cascading” grille when this gen debuted; we much prefer the more traditional and sportier take of this update. The rear fascia also gets revised, looking both sportier and more upscale at the same time, with wide H-themed lighting to accentuate the Sonata’s width.
Pricing starts with the SEL at $28,650; adding the hybrid powertrain boosts it to $31,950, Limited comes exclusively with the hybrid engine and tops the lineup at $38,350.
Hyundai’s long-time formula for success, delivering more for less and tacking on a longer warranty than rivals, has done a great job of getting them where they are today. The 2024 Hyundai Sonata’s high value, impressive powertrain options, which now include all-wheel drive, and better than average driving dynamics, will ensure they stay a major player in the midsize sedan segment for years to come.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 2.0-liter I4
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Horsepower: 192
- Torque: 151 lb-ft.
- EPA: 44 City | 51 Highway | 47 Combined
- 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 16.0 seconds at 89 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg): 114 feet
- MW Fuel Economy: 42.7 mpg (Regular)