National - 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan 3.8L Ride Report/Review

http://carrentingreviews.com/2012/03/04/2012-hyundai-genesis-sedan-38/

I would definitely rent over the 2012 Infiniti G37 and 2012 Chrysler 300.:D

All the fancy features one could possibly want are found in two option packs available on V-6 models - and of course National buys base trim cars. As your review notes, one could do much worse than a base Genesis as a Premium car.

Better then the 300? Really... I don't like the center console, looks odd lol

Better then the 300? Really... I don't like the center console, looks odd lol

While the new 300 is a significant improvement over the old 300, it's heavier than the Genesis by 200 lbs and has smaller engine. Also Genesis was more agile, while 300 felt about as maneuverable as a large, ponderous boat. 300 probably better for highway cruising.

Interior plastic materials used in 2012 300 Limited not significantly better than those in Genesis. But I agree that Genesis interior is dated, as noted in my review.

Having put 400 miles on the Genesis I rented from MSP today, I must say that I agree with almost everything Dr. Zoidberg said in his review. This is quite a nice car for a PCAR. I do disagree about the power compared to the G37. Maybe it is simply the engine noise playing tricks on me, but the Genisis seemed to lack the "oomph" of the g37. However, it can still get going in a hurry when asked.

I also agree that the infotainment system is lacking. I don't know if it is this particular specimen, of indicative of the model, but the USB port refused to play nice with my iPhone 4S or my girlfriends 4. It would chirp and briefly show the battery icon on the lock screen, then cycle through that again, never actually connecting or charging. However, the audio via bluetooth feature worked flawlessly.

The car also lacks a rear view camera or ultrasonic sensors, which is always slightly disconcerting to me when driving a car I'm not used to.

Overall, I would rent again. It is a very solid performer with nice flair from the exterior lighting. It handled Chicago traffic like a champ tonight and allowed me to cut others off like a true local ;-). The fuel economy is also commendable. The computer showed avg 32mpg for most of the trip (though I believe that was slightly optimistic.) It still got better mileage than the 4cyl Chrysler 200 I rented in January. The requirement for regular unleaded is the icing on the cake.

Having put 400 miles on the Genesis I rented from MSP today, I must say that I agree with almost everything Dr. Zoidberg said in his review. This is quite a nice car for a PCAR. I do disagree about the power compared to the G37. Maybe it is simply the engine noise playing tricks on me, but the Genisis seemed to lack the "oomph" of the g37. However, it can still get going in a hurry when asked.

I also agree that the infotainment system is lacking. I don't know if it is this particular specimen, of indicative of the model, but the USB port refused to play nice with my iPhone 4S or my girlfriends 4. It would chirp and briefly show the battery icon on the lock screen, then cycle through that again, never actually connecting or charging. However, the audio via bluetooth feature worked flawlessly.

The car also lacks a rear view camera or ultrasonic sensors, which is always slightly disconcerting to me when driving a car I'm not used to.

Overall, I would rent again. It is a very solid performer with nice flair from the exterior lighting. It handled Chicago traffic like a champ tonight and allowed me to cut others off like a true local ;-). The fuel economy is also commendable. The computer showed avg 32mpg for most of the trip (though I believe that was slightly optimistic.) It still got better mileage than the 4cyl Chrysler 200 I rented in January. The requirement for regular unleaded is the icing on the cake.

The Genesis' sedan isn't as throaty sounding as the G37's; in fact, it's the direct opposite, quiet and hushed. However I think they both have nearly identical 0-60 speeds. The 2012 Azera looks like it has a nice infotainment system, so we can only hope the Genesis will also receive this in the near future.

Glad you enjoyed your rental!:cool:

Just returned the Genesis and has a couple thoughts to add. I fully agree with the statement about the seats being too flat. They have almost no lateral support, however I did find them more comfortable than the G37 (which for some reason I could never get completely comfortable in).

Also, the computer on the car blatantly lies about the fuel efficiency. I filled up 3 times, the first time it gets a pass because I'm sure the tank was 1 to 1.5 gallons shy of actually being full. However, the other 2 times, the computer's fuel efficiency average was 4-5 MPG higher than if I did the math by hand. The last take, the computer said 33mpg when in reality it was only 28. Still not terrible mileage for a car with a 3.8L engine though.

Finally, I would have really enjoyed if it had a sunroof, as it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL out this weekend. :-D

Just returned the Genesis and has a couple thoughts to add. I fully agree with the statement about the seats being too flat. They have almost no lateral support, however I did find them more comfortable than the G37 (which for some reason I could never get completely comfortable in).

Also, the computer on the car blatantly lies about the fuel efficiency. I filled up 3 times, the first time it gets a pass because I'm sure the take was 1 to 1.5 gallons shy of actually being full. However, the other 2 times, the computer's fuel efficiency average was 4-5 MPG higher than if I did the math by hand. The last take, the computer said 33mpg when in reality it was only 28. Still not terrible mileage for a car with a 3.8L engine though.

Finally, I would have really enjoyed if it had a sunroof, as it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL out this weekend. :-D

Never trust the car computer! :) I usually just do a manual calculation when I add gas.

What's with the secrecy? Have I been awake for too many hours?

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What's with the secrecy? Have I been awake for too many hours?

Sorry, it's temporarily down for maintenance. Should be back up in a few days. :P

I just completed a rental of the Genesis out of YYC (2013 model, but from what I can see, there are no significant changes from the 2012).

Overall, I found this car wanting in comparison to the G37 or Maxima. The centre console is terrible looking for an alleged luxury/performance sedan. I had the same issues with the iPhone connection as mentioned, which apparently is caused by using any other USB cable than the one provided with the vehicle. I also wasn't wild about the seats or overall comfort of the vehicle. And it's hard to believe that there's 333 HP, as it is no where near as peppy as the G37, or even the Maxima.

My biggest complaint with this vehicle was the winter handling. I couldn't believe they still made RWD vehicles, but the Genesis is living proof. Although the poor quality performance tires on the vehicle didn't help, the Genesis had zero traction on some icy patches. It was fish tailing at 80km/h on some sections of black ice that I think a FWD car would have handled easily.

Overall, I wasn't impressed, and won't rent one again.

I just completed a rental of the Genesis out of YYC (2013 model, but from what I can see, there are no significant changes from the 2012).

Overall, I found this car wanting in comparison to the G37 or Maxima. The centre console is terrible looking for an alleged luxury/performance sedan. I had the same issues with the iPhone connection as mentioned, which apparently is caused by using any other USB cable than the one provided with the vehicle. I also wasn't wild about the seats or overall comfort of the vehicle. And it's hard to believe that there's 333 HP, as it is no where near as peppy as the G37, or even the Maxima.

My biggest complaint with this vehicle was the winter handling. I couldn't believe they still made RWD vehicles, but the Genesis is living proof. Although the poor quality performance tires on the vehicle didn't help, the Genesis had zero traction on some icy patches. It was fish tailing at 80km/h on some sections of black ice that I think a FWD car would have handled easily.

Overall, I wasn't impressed, and won't rent one again.

Sorry to hear that Voodoo! The Genesis is getting a major redesign for 2014 although it will still be RWD.

All Hyundai and Kia vehicles require a specific cable to connect an iPhone to the infotainment system.

http://www.amazon.com/Hyundai-Charge-Audio-Video-Cable/dp/B004GYE7LO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_2

Dealers want about $50 for these so this is an absolute steal if you're renting often enough to warrant it. I was getting Sonatas for a long time but then I cracked my screen and went Android...

Given Hyundai's reputation for including lots of features as standard, I felt a bit of a let down with the Genesis in terms of features.

Given the size of the car, it would have been nice to have a back up camera or parking sensors. And the audio screen is quite a few years behind the times. Having just rented a 300C with the Hemi V8 a week ago, I kept comparing the two cars in my mind.

The Genesis felt a bit more nimble and had much better visibility. However, the 300C's Uconnect system was very impressive in its responsiveness and included a backup camera as well. As well, the sound of the Hemi V8 is hard to replicate.

Just picked up a 2013 Genesis. After reading the review I can't say there is much difference. Very nice but still lacking some features.

Put 600 miles on one this weekend. I too was totally surprised that it was RWD--probably would've picked something else if I had known that, as I was doing some mountain hwy driving.

Good to know about the iPod connectivity, as we couldn't figure out how to get the ipod to connect when charging through the USB.

Spot on review, drzoidberg. Does anybody else hate the cheesy blue console lights in the Hyundais?! I think it undermines the overall classy feel of the car, particularly the Genesis.

Put 600 miles on one this weekend. I too was totally surprised that it was RWD--probably would've picked something else if I had known that, as I was doing some mountain hwy driving.

Good to know about the iPod connectivity, as we couldn't figure out how to get the ipod to connect when charging through the USB.

Spot on review, drzoidberg. Does anybody else hate the cheesy blue console lights in the Hyundais?! I think it undermines the overall classy feel of the car, particularly the Genesis.

Yes! I hate the blue console lights with the menu navigation-by-dial. I guess Hyundai is just waiting for the new 2014 Genesis and won't update the current Genesis until then.

Oddly, I've never seen a Genesis with any options packages. Just like the many Nissan Maxima base trims I guess.