Best Hyundai Genesis Coupe Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
By Kory White · Updated Oct 2026 · 4 min read
Direct answer
The best Hyundai Genesis Coupe model year is 2016, with the 2015 3.8 R-Spec at #2 and the 2014 3.8 Ultimate at #3. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for 2016, the fewest of any year, and its V6 makes 348 horsepower. The weakest is the 2010 2.0T Track, with 210 horsepower and a $26,750 price.
The cheapest way into the original shape with Brembos
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate
Best for enthusiasts
2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
Best turbo four
2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec
Best pre-refresh
2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
Lowest price
2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec
The ranking
1
2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe year to buy.
Base MSRP: $34,950 for the 3.8 Ultimate with the 8-speed automaticNHTSA recalls: 2 recalls for model year 2016 Genesis Coupes: the passenger-seat occupant classification connector (16V722) and the driver air bag mounting bolts (20V248)Fuel economy: 19 mpg combined (16 city, 25 highway) with the 8-speed automatic, fueleconomy.govPower: 3.8-liter V6 with 348 horsepower and 295 lb-ft on premium fuelLineup: The 2.0T turbo was dropped for 2015, so the 3.8 V6 was the only engine; the Genesis Coupe was discontinued in 2016CarComplaints: 1 complaint for the 2016 Genesis Coupe
The 2016 3.8 Ultimate costs $34,950 with the 8-speed automatic and has a 348 horsepower V6. NHTSA lists 2 recalls and CarComplaints.com lists 1 complaint. It is rated 19 mpg combined.
Go ifThe newest and best-sorted Genesis Coupe
Skip ifYou want the cheapest way in
Why #1 over #2: Its 2 recalls are fewer than the 2015’s 3.
2
2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
Photo: Chu / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe enthusiast pick.
Base MSRP: $29,500 for the 3.8 R-SpecNHTSA recalls: 3 recalls for model year 2015 Genesis Coupes: the occupant classification connector (16V722), the rear differential bolts on manual cars (15V756) and the ABS module (23V651)Fuel economy: 19 mpg combined (16 city, 24 highway) with the 6-speed manual, fueleconomy.govR-Spec trim: Brembo brakes, a Torsen limited-slip differential and 19-inch wheels, with only the 6-speed manualPower: 3.8-liter V6 with 348 horsepower on premium fuelCarComplaints: 0 complaints for the 2015 Genesis Coupe
The 2015 3.8 R-Spec costs $29,500 and adds Brembo brakes and a Torsen limited-slip differential, with the 348 horsepower V6. NHTSA lists 3 recalls and CarComplaints.com lists 0 complaints.
Go ifAn enthusiast V6 with no owner complaints on file
Skip ifYou want an automatic
Why #2 over #3: Its 0 complaints and $29,500 price beat the 2014 Ultimate’s 2 complaints and $33,400.
3
2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate
Photo: SsmIntrigue / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe loaded V6.
Base MSRP: $33,400 for the 3.8 UltimateNHTSA recalls: 3 recalls for model year 2014 Genesis Coupes: the occupant classification connector, the rear differential bolts on manual cars and the ABS moduleFuel economy: 19 mpg combined (16 city, 25 highway) with the 8-speed automatic, fueleconomy.govChanges: Carbon-coated synchronizer rings and hill-start assist on the manual, downshift rev-matching on the automatic, and the Track renamed UltimateCarComplaints: 2 complaints for the 2014 Genesis Coupe; one is rod bearing and engine failure at about 114,000 miles
The 2014 3.8 Ultimate costs $33,400 and adds hill-start assist and rev-matching, with 348 horsepower. NHTSA lists 3 recalls, and CarComplaints.com lists 2 complaints, including rod bearing failure at about 114,000 miles.
Go ifThe best-equipped V6 before the 2.0T left
Skip ifYou avoid engine-failure reports
Why #3 over #4: It keeps the V6 and 3 recalls, unlike the 2013 with 4 recalls.
4
2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec
Photo: docmonstereyes from USA / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe last 2.0T.
Base MSRP: $27,200 for the 2.0T R-SpecNHTSA recalls: 3 recalls for model year 2014 Genesis CoupesFuel economy: 22 mpg combined (19 city, 27 highway) with the 6-speed manual, fueleconomy.govPower: Refreshed 2.0-liter turbo four with 274 horsepower and 275 lb-ft on premium fuel, up from 210 horsepowerLineup: The 2.0T was no longer sold in North America from 2015CarComplaints: 2 complaints for the 2014 Genesis Coupe
The 2014 2.0T R-Spec costs $27,200 and makes 274 horsepower, up from 210. It is rated 22 mpg combined, with 3 recalls and 2 complaints.
Go ifThe last and strongest turbo four
Skip ifYou want the V6 sound and power
Why #4 over #5: Its 3 recalls and 2 complaints beat the 2013’s 4 recalls and 19 complaints.
5
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictFast, with paint complaints.
Base MSRP: $28,750 for the 3.8 R-SpecNHTSA recalls: 4 recalls for model year 2013 Genesis Coupes: including the rear differential bolts on manual cars (15V756)Fuel economy: 21 mpg combined (18 city, 27 highway) with the 6-speed manual, fueleconomy.govLightning Lap: Car and Driver ran a 2013 3.8 R-Spec around VIR in 3:13.9 and noted power oversteer and brake fadeCarComplaints: 19 complaints for the 2013 Genesis Coupe; the most of any year, led by paint chipping and flaking at about 52,000 miles
The 2013 3.8 R-Spec costs $28,750 and ran VIR in 3:13.9 for Car and Driver. NHTSA lists 4 recalls and CarComplaints.com lists 19 complaints, mostly paint.
Go ifThe first refreshed V6 at a lower price
Skip ifYou dislike paint complaints
Why #5 over #6: It costs $28,750, well under the Grand Touring’s $32,000.
6
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe comfortable 2013.
Base MSRP: $32,000 for the 3.8 Grand TouringNHTSA recalls: 4 recalls for model year 2013 Genesis CoupesFuel economy: 19 mpg combined (16 city, 25 highway) with the 8-speed automatic, fueleconomy.govRefresh: New front fascia, LED taillights, direct injection on the V6 and a new 8-speed automatic with paddle shiftersEquipment: Grand Touring adds leather, a sunroof and a touch-screen navigation systemCarComplaints: 19 complaints for the 2013 Genesis Coupe
The 2013 3.8 Grand Touring costs $32,000 and gets the new 8-speed automatic, leather and a sunroof. It shares the 4 recalls and 19 complaints of its model year.
Go ifThe comfortable, automatic 2013
Skip ifYou want a sharper R-Spec
Why #6 over #7: Its 348 horsepower beats the 2012’s 306.
7
2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe old-shape V6 value.
Base MSRP: $26,750 for the 3.8 R-SpecNHTSA recalls: 3 recalls for model year 2012 Genesis Coupes: the occupant classification connector, the ABS module and the ignition lock switch (24V562)Fuel economy: 20 mpg combined (17 city, 26 highway) with the 6-speed manual, fueleconomy.govPower: 3.8-liter V6 with 306 horsepower and 266 lb-ft before the 2013 refreshCarComplaints: 0 complaints for the 2012 Genesis Coupe
The 2012 3.8 R-Spec costs $26,750 and makes 306 horsepower. NHTSA lists 3 recalls and CarComplaints.com lists 0 complaints, with 20 mpg combined.
Go ifThe best pre-refresh buy with no complaints on file
Skip ifYou want the 348 horsepower engine
Why #7 over #8: Its 0 complaints and 3 recalls beat the 2011’s 3 complaints and 4 recalls.
8
2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec
Photo: Rutger van der Maar / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictCheap, with the worst-rated year.
Base MSRP: $24,500 for the 2.0T R-SpecNHTSA recalls: 4 recalls for model year 2011 Genesis Coupes: including the brake light switch (13V113)Fuel economy: 24 mpg combined (21 city, 30 highway) with the 6-speed manual, fueleconomy.govReview: The Truth About Cars: 210 horsepower isn’t much for a 3,300-pound car, and the V6 is the better choiceCarComplaints: 3 complaints for the 2011 Genesis Coupe; CarComplaints rates 2011 the worst year, citing a skipped timing chain at about 58,000 miles and a $5,000 repair
The 2011 2.0T R-Spec costs $24,500 and returns 24 mpg combined, but CarComplaints.com rates 2011 the worst year, citing a timing chain that skipped at about 58,000 miles.
Go ifThe lowest price in this ranking
Skip ifYou want a year CarComplaints rates well
Why #8 over #9: Its $24,500 price is under the 2010 Track’s $29,500.
9
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe original V6.
Base MSRP: $29,500 for the 3.8L TrackNHTSA recalls: 3 recalls for model year 2010 Genesis Coupes: including the brake light switch (13V113)Fuel economy: 20 mpg combined (17 city, 26 highway) with the 6-speed manual, fueleconomy.govTrack trim: Combines the R-Spec hardware with leather, HID headlights, fog lights and a rear spoilerCarComplaints: 4 complaints for the 2010 Genesis Coupe
The 2010 3.8 Track costs $29,500 and has the R-Spec hardware plus leather, HID headlights and a spoiler. NHTSA lists 3 recalls and CarComplaints.com lists 4 complaints.
Go ifThe first-year V6 with the full kit
Skip ifYou want a refreshed car
Why #9 over #10: Its V6 beats the 2.0T Track, which The Truth About Cars says is the weaker engine.
10
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe slowest of the set.
Base MSRP: $26,750 for the 2.0T TrackNHTSA recalls: 3 recalls for model year 2010 Genesis CoupesFuel economy: 24 mpg combined (21 city, 30 highway) with the 6-speed manual, fueleconomy.govPower: 2.0-liter turbo four with 210 horsepower and 223 lb-ftReview: AutoGuide: acceleration is brisk but lacks the manic forward thrust of a 370Z or S2000CarComplaints: 4 complaints for the 2010 Genesis Coupe
The 2010 2.0T Track costs $26,750 with 210 horsepower and 223 lb-ft. It is rated 24 mpg combined, with 3 recalls and 4 complaints.
Go ifThe cheapest way into the original shape with Brembos
Skip ifYou want real power
How we ranked these
We ranked each model year and trim on NHTSA recalls, CarComplaints.com complaint counts, engine power, fueleconomy.gov mpg, original MSRP and published reviews, for the 2010-2016 US Genesis Coupe. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Hyundai Genesis Coupe year?
The 2016 Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate ranks first: NHTSA lists 2 recalls for 2016, the fewest of any model year, and it has the 348 horsepower V6. CarComplaints.com lists 1 complaint for 2016.
Which Genesis Coupe years should you avoid?
CarComplaints.com rates 2011 the worst year, citing a skipped timing chain at about 58,000 miles and a $5,000 repair. It lists 19 complaints for 2013, the most of any year, led by paint chipping and flaking.
What changed in the 2013 Genesis Coupe?
The 2013 refresh added a new front fascia and LED taillights. The 3.8 V6 gained direct injection and 348 horsepower, the 2.0T turbo rose to 274 horsepower, and automatics moved to 8 speeds.
Should you buy the 2.0T or the 3.8 V6?
The 2.0T made 210 horsepower through 2012 and 274 horsepower from 2013, and was no longer sold in North America from 2015. The 3.8 V6 made 306 horsepower before 2013 and 348 after, and The Truth About Cars called the V6 the better choice over the 210 horsepower turbo.
Original base MSRP by model year and trim at a glance
2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec24,500 dollars
2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec26,750 dollars
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track26,750 dollars
2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec27,200 dollars
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec28,750 dollars
2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec29,500 dollars
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track29,500 dollars
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring32,000 dollars
2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate33,400 dollars
2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate34,950 dollars
Original base MSRP by model year and trim, as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
