Recently attention has centered on Genesis high-performance Magma efforts along with racing programs and models such as the Magma GT supercar. The division plans to offer the supercar featuring a mid-mounted twin-turbo V8 producing over 600 horsepower which is impressive.

Amid the excitement this has likely renewed interest in earlier V8-powered Hyundais from before Genesis became its own luxury brand in 2015 namely the Hyundai Equus and the Genesis sedan. The Hyundai Genesis entered sales for the 2009 model year while the Equus reached U.S. showrooms two years later. Both continued production until the 2016 model year after which the Hyundai Genesis evolved into the Genesis G80 and the Equus gave way to the Genesis G90.

If seeking a potent and richly equipped full-size or midsize luxury sedan available for far less than most competitors these two options offer strong appeal. Yet several factors warrant review before committing. Both vehicles encountered potentially serious issues leading to recalls. This overview also covers reliability performance data and value to provide better insight.

Engine sizes ranged from 4.6 liters to 5.0 liters

The Hyundai Genesis and Equus featured V8 engines sized between 4.6 liters and 5.0 liters. At introduction the Hyundai Genesis came with the 4.6-liter Tau V8 rated at 375 horsepower (368 hp on regular fuel) and 333 pound-feet of torque. Early in 2010 the powertrain received updates raising output for later 2010 and 2011 Genesis 4.6 models to 385 hp on premium fuel (378 hp on regular). This improved the zero-to-60 time from a factory estimate of 5.7 seconds in the 375-hp versions to 5.3 seconds in the 385-hp variants.

The same 385-hp 4.6-liter V8 initially powered the Hyundai Equus for the 2011 model year but was soon succeeded by the slightly larger 429-hp 5.0-liter direct-injection V8 beginning in 2012. In the Hyundai Genesis the prior 4.6-liter V8 remained available temporarily as a mid-tier option while the new 5.0-liter V8 equipped higher 2012 Genesis trims such as the 5.0 R-Spec. It was discontinued after the 2012 model year leaving the larger 5.0 V8 as the sole V8 choice.

The 2009-to-2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 and 2011 Equus models used a ZF six-speed automatic transmission whereas 2012-to-2016 versions received an eight-speed automatic built by Hyundai. Both vehicles sent power to the rear wheels only. Hyundai HTRAC all-wheel drive became optional on the Genesis starting in 2015 though only with the 3.8-liter V6. Also in 2015 the Hyundai Genesis 5.0-liter V8 was adjusted slightly downward to 420 hp.

Hyundai Equus reliability shows mixed results

RepairPal rated the Equus full-size luxury sedan below average with a score of 2 out of 5 compared to a segment average of 2.5. The site noted the Equus requires major unplanned repairs about once per year with a 20 percent chance of such work annually. Ownership also carries elevated risk of costly repairs averaging roughly 976 dollars yearly for maintenance and fixes.

Common owner reports centered on air suspension strut failures typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles often from leaking struts failed solenoid blocks or compressor problems. Symptoms include a harsh ride loss of pressure and ride height plus sagging at corners. Another frequent issue involves excessive engine oil consumption traced to low-friction piston rings on 2012-to-2013 Equus models which can foul spark plugs and cause misfires.

Conversely many owners rate the Equus highly and report dependable service. This aligns with iSeeCars findings giving the Equus 7.5 out of 10 for reliability surpassing the 2007-to-2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 2010-to-2016 Porsche Panamera both at 7.4 out of 10.

Hyundai Genesis earned solid reliability marks overall

The Hyundai Genesis achieved above-average reliability ratings from several sources including RepairPal which awarded 3.5 out of 5 stars placing seventh among 30 vehicles in its class. Average annual repair costs stand at 565 dollars with a 14 percent chance of major issues. iSeeCars assigned the 2009-to-2014 Genesis 8.1 out of 10 while Consumer Reports rated 2011-to-2013 models above average and 2015-to-2016 models average. Like any vehicle the Genesis has occasional drawbacks.

Reported problems often involve brakes transmission and interior accessories. The sedan sometimes shares the high oil consumption seen in the Equus. Isolated stalling incidents have occurred though these primarily affect 3.8-liter V6 versions rather than V8 models.

Both the Hyundai Genesis and Equus faced multiple recalls

The Hyundai Genesis accumulated several safety recalls with six issued for the 2015 model alone. These included concerns over the anti-lock brake system module and a potential engine compartment fire risk from water entering the starter solenoid causing a short in wet conditions. Another 2015 recall addressed water intrusion into rear lamp housings that could display incorrect gears or delay drive or reverse engagement. Certain 2009-to-2011 Genesis models received three recalls tied to stop lamp and hydraulic electronic control unit corrosion from brake fluid lacking corrosion resistance.

For the Hyundai Equus some 2011-to-2013 models were recalled for possible windshield wiper failure while the 2011 model also faced a stop lamp recall. Additional recalls targeted certain 2014-to-2015 Equus models due to anti-lock brake system module leaks that could lead to electrical shorts and engine compartment fires whether parked or in motion.

The Hyundai Genesis and Equus have seen sharp value loss

Luxury vehicles often suffer the steepest depreciation and the Genesis and Equus follow this pattern. Buyers can therefore find lower prices after significant value erosion over the past decade.

Consider the 2016 Genesis 5.0 which carried an original MSRP of 54800 dollars. Current fair purchase prices for typical examples average 15100 dollars reflecting a 72.45 percent drop. The 2015 model depreciated even further at 76.07 percent. Genesis models with the 4.6-liter V8 have lost up to 90 percent of original value with the 2011 Genesis 4.6 falling from 43800 dollars MSRP to around 4500 dollars today.

Equus examples show similar declines with the 2016 model losing between 83.07 and 83.99 percent. Signature trims now average 10000 dollars from an original 62450 dollars while Ultimate trims average 11800 dollars from 69700 dollars new. Earlier 4.6-liter V8 Equus models also depreciated sharply such as the 2011 Signature dropping 53200 dollars from its 58900 dollar MSRP for roughly a 90.33 percent loss with current values near 5700 dollars.