Hyundai Genesis pips Lexus ES350 for Consumer Reports' top-rated "upscale sedan"
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan
Hyundai made it clear from the onset that the new Genesis sedan would upset the balance in the luxury world, particularly at the expense of Lexus. Consumer Reports' latest round of testing proves that Hyundai has succeeded in dethroning Toyota's luxury arm as the latest credible entry into the "Upscale Sedan" arena. Just as Lexus was once the upstart that ruffled feathers, it's Hyundai's turn, and they are making the most of the opportunity with a win against all comers from the likes of Acura, Lincoln, Saab and Lexus, which had previously held the top overall spot with its ES350 sedan.
Despite the Genesis' win in direct testing, Consumer Reports doesn't have enough data to rate the sedan as "Recommended." The same goes for the ES350, which means that the Acura TL is the only competitor in the segment that officially gets CR's nod. Regardless, consider the gauntlet officially thrown at the feet of the established Japanese players, and we look forward to Round Two when Hyundai sends a shot over the bow of the sportscar world with the Genesis Coupe.
Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan
[Source: Consumer Reports]
PRESS RELEASE:
Hyundai Genesis Outscores Competitors, Becomes Consumer Reports' Top-Rated 'Upscale Sedan'
Genesis narrowly outpoints Lexus ES 350 to take top spot
YONKERS, N.Y., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Hyundai Genesis outscored four competitors to become Consumer Reports top-rated vehicle in the competitive "Upscale Sedan" category. The Genesis, which achieved an "Excellent" overall road test score, now outranks 12 vehicles from Lexus, Acura, Lincoln and others including the Lexus ES 350.
The Genesis' performance in CR's battery of tests solidifies the automaker's reputation as a builder of high-quality vehicles in several diverse automotive segments. Previously, Consumer Reports named two Hyundais, the Elantra and Santa Fe, as "Top Pick" vehicles in the small sedan and midsize SUV categories respectively.
"The Hyundai Genesis rivals high-end luxury sedans but costs considerably less," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "Its luxurious and spacious interior and quietness far transcend its relatively modest price."
The Genesis was tested against four other new or redesigned upscale sedans -- the Acura TL, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8 and Lincoln MKS -- for the February issue of Consumer Reports. Prices ranged from $33,660 for the Pontiac to $40,880 for the Lincoln.
Two other vehicles in the test group also earned Excellent overall road test scores, the TL and Maxima. The G8 and MKS achieved Very Good overall scores.
The eight other vehicles in the Upscale Sedans category including the ES 350, Toyota Avalon, Buick Lucerne and Saab 9-5, were all tested previously.
In addition to the five upscale sedans tested, CR also purchased and tested the Jaguar XF luxury sedan. Though it obtained a Very Good overall score, it still ranked near the bottom of the group of 12 luxury sedans that Consumer Reports has rated.
But the redesigned Honda Pilot has slipped from being one of Consumer Reports' top-rated three-row SUVs to midpack. The Pilot now ranks eleventh out of seventeen midsized, three-row SUVs that have been tested by CR.
Full tests and ratings of all six sedans appear in the February issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale January 6. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. (Road test vehicles of recently tested vehicles are also available free at CR's web site.)
The issue also contains a report on the conversion of a hybrid Toyota Prius to a plug-in hybrid. Consumer Reports chose a Hymotion L5 conversion kit sold by A123 Systems, which the company claims can yield more than 100 mpg. Fuel economy in CR's converted Prius jumped from 42 to 67 mpg overall for the first 35 miles of driving. At almost $11,000, the plug-in conversion clearly won't save consumers money overall. However, the technology itself proved viable.
The TL is the only vehicle in this month's test group that is Recommended by Consumer Reports. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
CR doesn't have reliability data yet on the Genesis, MKS, Maxima, G8 and XF.
Spacious and well appointed, the rear-wheel-drive Genesis offers good value and is a compelling alternative to luxury vehicles costing thousands more. This car's forte is swaddling passengers in silence. The engine sounds polished and road noise is strikingly absent. The interior rivals those of the very best luxury cars, with its optional stitched-leather dashboard facing and consistently high-quality materials. The only real drawback is its ride, which can be unsettled at times and doesn't live up to the standards set by other luxury cars. The Genesis 3.8 ($36,000 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 290-hp, 3.8-liter V6 that feels quick and smooth and delivers a decent 21 mpg in CR's own fuel-economy tests. The six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth, quick shifts. Braking is excellent.
The redesigned Acura TL is a nice car, with responsive handling, a slick powertrain and commendable fuel economy. But when compared with the previous TL, which was CR's Top Pick in this segment for years, the latest generation is not as impressive. Vague steering saps the fun out of its handling, the trunk opening is small, and other competitors have roomier rear seats. The base-model TL ($35,715 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that delivers excellent acceleration and a respectable 23 mpg overall on premium fuel. The five-speed automatic transmission is both quick and smooth. Brakes are excellent overall.
The Maxima is a quick car, but it doesn't add much over the less costly Nissan Altima overall. While it's pleasant, it falls short in some ways. Handling is responsive, but at low speeds the steering is overly light. The car is quiet and the ride is decent. But the new coupe-like silhouette compromises visibility, trunk room, and rear-seat comfort. The Maxima 3.5 SV ($33,700 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that gives the car quicker acceleration than some V8s. Expect 22 mpg overall on premium fuel. The continuously variable transmission works very well overall; it's also the only one available. The Maxima's brakes are very good overall.
As a bargain sports sedan that can challenge the performance of models from BMW and Mercedes, Pontiac's G8 is a success. It handles and rides as well as the best cars in its class. The G8 GT's acceleration is very impressive, with a zero-to-sixty time of 5.7 seconds. But the downside of that is poor fuel economy -- at just 17 mpg overall on regular fuel. The G8 GT ($33,660 MSRP as tested) is powered by a huge 361-hp, 6.0-liter V8 engine that makes it blisteringly quick. The smooth six-speed automatic transmission with a tall sixth gear makes highway cruising relaxed. The brakes are very good overall. (A 256-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic is also available in the base G8, but CR didn't test it because a more powerful V6 with a six-speed automatic will arrive in 2010.)
In the tradition of large domestic luxury cars, Lincoln's MKS is built for pampering, not for spirited driving. Handling lacks agility, and the engine is too noisy for a car in this class. The interior amenities and finishes are pleasant, but the MKS feels too much like the Ford Taurus, on which it is based, to justify its luxury price tag. The MKS ($40,880 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 273-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine that performs well, but is not as quick or smooth as its competition in this class. CR measured its fuel economy at just 20 mpg overall on regular, which is not impressive. The six-speed automatic transmission is not as slick as most in this class. Brakes are very good overall.
With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
FEBRUARY 2009
(C) Consumers Union 2009. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports(R) is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our independence and impartiality, Consumers Union accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. Consumers Union supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
gerrrg 3:42PM (1/06/2009)
Can't wait to see what the resale value is.
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firstplace 5:13PM (1/06/2009)
they never had good resale or reliability. No one will take you seriously but it is a lot of car for the money, even better used once it looses half its value in 10k miles...
AZMike 6:31PM (1/06/2009)
firstplace,
what year is in your head? 1986?
no reliability? ever own a Hyundai? I didn't think so. in case you weren't aware, a warranty works just like an insurance policy. you're betting it will break; they're betting it won't. you'd be a fool to bet against Hyundai, because they wouldn't continue to offer the warranty they've had for the past ten years if the cars had a lot of warranty claims, would they? what's the warranty on the Toyo, oops, Lexus? 3/36? if this car is so great, why doesn't it have a warranty to match Hyundai?
and what are you basing resale value on? you might want to check cars in this price class; they ALL depreciate rapidly, regardless of make. I was looking at used 2008 C-class Mercedes the other day. many were available in the $22,000-$25,000 range, and they had an MSRP of almost $40K just a few months ago. it's rather funny to note that Lincoln MKZs were in the same range, even though the Lincoln was about $4K cheaper when new. the resale value of the '08 CTS is even better than the Lincoln, too.
AZMike
firstplace 7:31PM (1/06/2009)
If they had inherent reliability they wouldent need to offer a warentee that long. Much like the other unreliable manufacturers who do the same. Does honda need to? No need to debait what everyone knows, the kia and hyundai are not up to honda/toyota/subaru level not by a long shot. In resale they take an even bigger hit because everyone knows they aren't built well..
JakieB 9:18PM (1/06/2009)
@ Firstplace:
Hey Jerk Off, I just paid $350 for a 86 Pony!
I guess that blows your resale/ reliability theory.
Some people....
Frank 10:13PM (1/06/2009)
"If they had inherent reliability they wouldent need to offer a warentee that long."
Your missing the point about what the REAL purpose of a warranty is. It is not to guard the consumer against a premature failure, although it also accomplishes that. It's real purpose is marketing. In the case of Hyundai and Chrysler it is combat the (false) perception that their cars are unreliable. Everyone likes to believe that they are not swayed by public opinion and the attitudes of their peers but the facts say otherwise. Hyundai has a perception problem (like the domestics) when it comes to reliability. So they combat it with the longer warranty period. It's not costing that much more. It wouldn't cost Toyonda much more to do it either, just a few million, but they won't. Why should they? The sheeple already believe they are the best made, so why spend a few million more on warranty claims? Do you think Chrysler would offer a lifetime powertrain warranty [before that it was a 7 years 70,000 mile powertrain warranty - before Hyundai's 10 years it was the longest in the business) if they had big time powertrain failures in a significant percentage of their cars? Even though the majority of their owners will trade their cars in before 100 or 150k miles on them a sizable number will keep them longer. They had to be sure that warranty claims would be small enough so they would not go out of business, even with the tax payer loans. AZMike in an earlier post spelled out the warranty cost figures for Chrysler, they have hardly gone up since instituting the lifetime powertrain warranty.
jsjs 12:36AM (1/08/2009)
Uhh, firstplace, it would help to be more INFORMED about these matters before posting.
First, Consumer Reports now rates Hyundai's reliability to be equal to the big Japanese automakers.
Scoff at CR?
How 'bout JD Power, which rates Hyundai as having ABOVE average long-term reliability (higher than Infiniti).
Not enough?
Auto Bild in Germany, which probably does the most comprehensive testing/survey of reliability, places Hyundai in the top 5.
The University of Michigan/Ross Customer Satisfaction Study places Hyundai just below that of Honda and Toyota.
Toyota wanted to exchange info w/ regard to build techniques and cross-tour factories - Hyundai refused.
And lastly, Hyundai has one of the highest retention rates in the industry (which wouldn't happen if Hyundai owners kept getting stuck w/ lemons).
hypermiler 3:46PM (1/06/2009)
It better be. Genesis is a Lexus GS competitor selling for GS prices in Korea but at ES prices in the US.
Basically, this is technically dumping.
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Serge 3:47PM (1/06/2009)
Vote me down as much as you want, but... this looks like a fake ass E-class inside and out.
I dont get people who buy cars that are obviously a rip-off.
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MajorGeek 3:57PM (1/06/2009)
Really? One costs 50k+, one costs 36k+. Not sure about you but getting a car that has all the features of a car costing 15-20k more appeals to a LOT of people.
homunculus 4:12PM (1/06/2009)
e-class? as in mercedes e-class? you need your eyes checked, friend. this looks nothing like an e-class inside or out. i would say it looks BETTER than an e-class.
if anything it looks like a beefier previous gen g35. this will charge into the gap left long ago by buick and now held by avalon- middle class, more luxurious, good value cars.
i think hyundai have a winner.
Serge 4:18PM (1/06/2009)
You got the wrong impression... I don't mind that it has all the features and the price. I don't get why it has to obviously look like other more expensive cars.
jsjs 4:53PM (1/06/2009)
Uhh, how does the Genesis look anything like the E Class on the outside.
And speaking of not buying "rip-offs" - then no one would buy the Lexus LS (S Class rip-off), Infiniti (BMW rip-off w/ the whole c-pillar kink) or even the new Honda Accord (which rips-offs styling cues all around) - but yet many people do.
Randy915 4:54PM (1/06/2009)
If anything it looks more like the current Accord sedan especially the C pillar and profile. I saw one parked less than an hour ago, took a really good look... I think it's a success for Hyundai...
BUT
I wouldnt buy one simply because there's no soul to this car - Hyundai's goal is to just pick out every other competitors good parts down to individual line and fender and mish-mash it all together. True, it will be good, but if you were to describe its characteristic in one or even 2 words, you can't.
Think BMW and you think of performance.
Think Mercedes and you think of timeless design and innovation.
Think Audi and you think of Quattro and DSG/dual-clutch.
Think Lexus and you think of refinement and reliability.
Right now I see a really good all around review of the Genesis and I'm just not excited because taking everyone's winning formula and combining it isn't a winning formula to me. The Genesis is trying to be so perfect in every category that it succeeds in nothing except value and that's boring.
People might end up flocking to the Genesis and it might have great sales numbers but at the end of the day, as a car enthusiast, I want a car that at least tried to innovate rather than follow in the footsteps of others on all features just to be perfect. What the Genesis says about Hyundai is that they think the winning formula is a BMLexecadesW. Unfortunately they're wrong.
Arun Kumar 5:12PM (1/06/2009)
Come on accept it. Look, Samsung, LG are better brands than most Japanese made Sony's, Panasonic etc. So I strongly believe that Hyundai Genesis could be a good vehicle and after all ES is just a clone of the Camry.
Toyota is on the way down...
Thanks.
jsjs 5:10PM (1/06/2009)
"If anything it looks more like the current Accord sedan especially the C pillar and profile."
Randy -
Uhh, that's b/c Honda ripped-off that C-pillar "kink" (as did Hyundai) from Infiniti/Nissan, which, in turn, had ripped it off from BMW.
The C-pillar kink has become a staple in luxury models (and upscale mass market autos) - that's why everyone from Lexus to Hyundai to Acura/Honda uses it in many of their models.
"Think Lexus and you think of refinement and reliability."
When I think of Lexus, I think of rip-off of Mercedes.
As for Audi, not that long ago, it was considered a poor pretender to the other German makes and one w/ sudden acceleration issues (which for the most part, have been debunked).
Even BMW prior to the mid-80s was hardly considered a "luxury" mark.
And take most Acura, Infiniti and Lexus models - hardly distinctive when you take away the badge and grills.
Even recent Mercedes models have become blah (the new C Class is an improvement) and the upcoming 7 Series is totally boring.
Randy915 5:30PM (1/06/2009)
JSJS >> i had a feeling someone would quote a single sentence leaving out the context so let me spell it out for you.
Everyone copies everyone, who doesn't? Point is, even for Lexus, they might have a certain shape of another car but their gadgets and gizmos are unique to them (no matter how silly they are). Surely I didn't have to remind you of that?
All the brands I've mentioned, think about their historic past. Sit down with a piece of paper and write what's new with every single one of them.
Example:
Mercedes: ABS, sat nav, etc etc.
Audi: 4wd, dual clutch
BMW: engine tech
Lexus: park assist and other gizmo's nobody else has or (would put in)
What has Hyundai given us?
Serge 6:42PM (1/06/2009)
@ Randy915
- Jeep made the first 4WD system, not Audi
- Porsche made the first Dual-Clutch Gearbox, not Audi
- Chrysler produced the first production car ABS system, not MB
- I'm sure you're right about the useless self-park thing though
revaholic 3:01PM (2/27/2009)
I think now that we've seen pictures of the next generation E-Class, the Genesis looks better than that awkward angular thing by far!
Theo 3:48PM (1/06/2009)
Yeah, but it's still a Hyundai.
This also says a lot about the veracity of CR's automotive "reports".
How may of the "Toyota is best, because CR says so" sheep will now flock to the Koreans?
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