18 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but no one shopping for a 2016 Hyundai Genesis RWD with the 5.0L V8 is prioritizing efficiency. This car is for drivers who want a luxurious, comfortable, and powerful sedan with a premium feel, but don’t want to pay for a comparable German car. Fuel economy is a secondary concern; the V8 rumble and easy power are more important.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Genesis 5.0L are 15 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway, which is respectable for its class. The city figure reflects the engine’s displacement and the car’s weight; it takes a lot of fuel to move a large, powerful sedan from a stop. The highway number is better, as the Genesis benefits from its smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and aerodynamic shape to achieve decent mileage during steady cruising. Aggressive driving will lower both figures, especially if you often drive the engine at high RPMs.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Hyundai Genesis 5.0L RWD is $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using current national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs can vary based on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and how many city versus highway miles you drive. Hard acceleration or stop-and-go traffic can easily increase that annual cost.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy will vary. Some owners report numbers close to the EPA estimates, while others get less. Many report low teens in city driving, especially in congested areas. On long highway trips, exceeding the 23 MPG rating is possible, but requires careful driving and avoiding high speeds. Don’t expect Prius-like efficiency; enjoy the V8 sound and accept the gas costs.

How it compares

The 2016 Hyundai Genesis 5.0L RWD is between a few key competitors in fuel economy. The V6-powered Acura TLX (specifically the 3.5L V6, 9-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive variant) achieves 25 MPG combined, a significant jump, but lacks the V8’s power. A BMW 535i from the same era (turbocharged inline-6) offers around 24 MPG combined. For those considering alternatives within the Hyundai family, all Hyundai fuel economy data is available for comparison. Even looking at the GENESIS MPG across all years reveals some interesting trends.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2016 Genesis 5.0L isn’t very fuel-efficient, but some driving techniques can help you get more mileage. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, as these increase fuel consumption. A measured approach to the throttle will provide smoother performance and reduce the amount of fuel used.

Proper tire inflation is critical for fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure they are at the recommended level on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires create increased rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel.

Minimize idling time, especially at cold starts. Modern engines warm up quickly, so there’s no need to let the car idle for long. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This small change can add up.

Use cruise control on long highway drives. Maintaining a constant speed minimizes fuel consumption. While cruise control might not be optimal in hilly terrain, it can improve fuel efficiency on flat roads. Sudden bursts of acceleration to pass other vehicles will negate these benefits.

Consider using the “Eco” mode, if equipped. This mode adjusts the throttle response and transmission shift points to focus on fuel efficiency. The changes are subtle, but they can contribute to slightly better mileage.