2012 Hyundai Genesis: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Hyundai Genesis gets a major mid-cycle refresh, led by an overhauled powertrain lineup and the new 429-hp 5.0 R-Spec flagship. It is a substantial update, not a full redesign.
About the 2012 Hyundai Genesis
1st generation Genesis sedan (2009-2014), major mid-cycle refresh year
Hyundai marketed the Genesis as a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan that gives shoppers big-sedan space, V6 or V8 power, and premium comfort features without the price or badge of the traditional luxury brands. The core draw is straightforward: a quiet, roomy sedan with strong engines, upscale materials, and a generous equipment list. Against rivals, Hyundai leaned on value, power, and standard features rather than brand prestige.
The 3.8 remains the core Genesis, pairing a roomy, leather-lined cabin with heated front seats, push-button start, and a stronger V6. The 4.6 and luxury-focused 5.0 emphasize comfort and technology with navigation, premium audio, adaptive cruise control, and heated rear seats. The 5.0 R-Spec sits at the top as the performance model, combining the 429-hp V8 with sport-tuned steering and suspension while keeping the luxury equipment.
What changed, by category
2012 Hyundai Genesis specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.0 Liter | V6, 3.8 Liter | V8, 4.6 Liter | V8, 5.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto 8-Spd w/OD & Shftrnc | Auto 8-Spd w/OD & Shftrnc | Auto 8-Spd w/OD & Shftrnc | Auto 8-Spd w/OD & Shftrnc |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 18 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 429 hp | 333 hp | 378 hp | 429 hp |
| Torque | 376 lb-ft | 291 lb-ft | 324 lb-ft | 376 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft | 15.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.6 in | 38.6 in | 38.6 in | 38.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Hyundai Genesis?
The biggest change is the powertrain overhaul. Every 2012 Genesis sedan has an eight-speed automatic, the 3.8-liter V6 is stronger, and the lineup adds new 429-hp 5.0-liter V8 models.
Is the 2012 Hyundai Genesis a full redesign?
No. The 2012 Genesis is a major mid-cycle update of the first-generation sedan, with revised engines, a new transmission, refreshed exterior styling, and chassis updates rather than an all-new design.
How is the 2012 Genesis 3.8 different from the 2011 model?
The 2012 Genesis 3.8 has a direct-injected V6 producing 333 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, up from 290 horsepower and 264 lb-ft in 2011. It also gains an eight-speed automatic, refreshed styling, revised suspension tuning, and larger front brakes.
Were the Genesis 5.0 and 5.0 R-Spec new for 2012?
Yes. Both 5.0-liter trims joined the Genesis lineup for 2012 with a 429-hp V8 and an eight-speed automatic. The 5.0 is luxury-focused, while the 5.0 R-Spec adds sport-tuned steering, suspension, and transmission settings.
What exterior changes did the 2012 Hyundai Genesis receive?
The 2012 Genesis received a revised grille and bumpers, LED-accent headlights with daytime running lights, redesigned taillights, integrated dual exhaust outlets, updated mirrors, and brushed aluminum window trim.