Is the Genesis for me? If yes, which one?

[giantshark18]

So, I have been lurking on this site for a few weeks and have been researching a 2015 Genesis for months. I apologize if the post is a bit of a ramble.

Some background before I list my questions. I have owned a 2000 Accord coupe V6, 2003 Lexus GX 430 V8, 2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7 V8, and have now inherited my wife's Hyundai Elantra since we had to buy a mininvan for her . A Kia Sedona.

My favorite vehicle of the bunch is the Tundra. So I think I want the V8 Genesis. Posters on here speak of so much more passing power. Yet, many reviews seem to claim its not at all faster. Is this a case where 0-60 the two engines are equal, but at higher speeds the V8 pulls ahead? I want the V8, but not if it is not faster or better somehow in any sense except on paper and sound. We know the negative of a V8 is the higher fuel consumption. But since I have had a tundra that gets 12/17, I am not too concerned about it.

My other dilemma is whether to get the ultimate package. When I started out on this vehicle search, I made a rule with myself that I would not buy a a car with a crappy interior, even if it had a killer enginer, and it needed to have a great sound system. For a long while, I was set on a CTS V-sport, but the CUE system and the lack of buttons had made this option an outside chance. I also wanted to make sure I would get Android Auto when buying the minivan and a vehicle for myslef. I am extremeley bummed that Hyundai put an older/inferior CPU in the ultimate Genesis that makes Android Auto impossible to get. So do I not get the ultimate and sacrifice a better sound system, bigger screen, and some other tech items? Then there is the question of whether the 17 ispeaker Lexicon sound system is worth it. Everyone seems to agree its inferior to the previous Genesis. So maybe not worth the upgrade? But then again, my parents have a 2009 Genny with tech package and 14 speaker Lexicon and I have always disliked that sound system. Seemed like the dash center speaker was the main sound source.

Truthfully, I only really like Android Auto for the Google Maps. So maybe its worth not getting Android Auto and I just buy a mount for my phone. OR, in a perfect world, I find a way to screen mirror my phone onto the Genesis 9.2 inch screen. Would take some conversions and dinero.

Lastly, I am a 35 yr old guy and work in the silicon valley. Am I going to be looked at as a relatively young person driving an older persons's car? I am not an ageist but sadly must admit the stereotype of a brand like Buick would keep me away (atleast for the near term).

I would just go and test drive, but do not seem many used Genesis with the features I am hoping to test out in my area.

 

[Mark_888]

My only question is this: Do you wear a bag over your head while driving the Elantra?

 

[rayse]

I drive the new 2018 G80 Sport and LOVE it. Before that I had the 2015 G80 and 3 different Lexus before that. My Sport is my all time favorite. I do not think this is just for older folks. If you test drive the G80 sport, put it into "Sport Driving Mode" and stomp on it. You will be amazed as you are pressed into the seat. And the roar from the exhaust system is very satisfying.

With only a couple of details, it is equal or better that a Lexus LS costing 30K more money.

 

[giantshark18]

I do. It is baby blue no less. But you make a great point. if I dont mind showing up i an Elantra, a Genesis is certainly no downgrade.

 

[EdP]

I drive the new 2018 G80 Sport and LOVE it. Before that I had the 2015 G80 and 3 different Lexus before that. My Sport is my all time favorite. I do not think this is just for older folks.

When I was in my 30s I hated driving my boss's Caddy for the reasons mentioned. Actually, even at 72 I won't be seen driving one. The Sport is not an old fart car at all and even the standard G80. I'm happy with the V-6 and have no use for Android Auto, but that is just me. The navigation on the big screen is quite nice and may suit your needs. Nice to see the next turn in the HUD.

 

[giantshark18]

I do. It is baby blue no less. But you make a great point. if I dont mind showing up i an Elantra, a Genesis is certainly no downgrade.

 

[JohnRa]

I can tell you that so far, I like my 15 Genesis much better than I liked my Cadillac CTS. My brother liked to harass me that the CTS was an "old man car". I did honestly feel that way myself once in awhile. I don't feel that way at all with the Genesis. I've got the 3.8, and while my wife feels it is a little sluggish off the line, I haven't had any issue with it.

 

[BlancaGenny]

Lastly, I am a 35 yr old guy and work in the silicon valley. Am I going to be looked at as a relatively young person driving an older persons's car? I am not an ageist but sadly must admit the stereotype of a brand like Buick would keep me away (atleast for the near term).

Can't comment on the rest of of the post but I'll indulge with what I quoted. First, you won't be looked at weirdly. I am 24 and I have a Genesis. See Avatar picture. This car is to suit you, yes? DO NOT worry about what other people think. In my rather short adult life, I have already figured out that people are miserable and continue to impress the wrong people. Why not impress yourself? Granted, that may be selfish. However, if you plunge and spend some $40-$60k on a car, you better like it and not regret it.

I like mine because I have it has space, purely that. I have the Signature and Technology package which is more than enough features for my taste. Heads-up display, a different leather surface and a couple other things are "missing" from the Ultimate package but it doesn't feel like I'm "missing" anything. Your comparison to Buick is quite irrelevant. Buick's have been known to attract an older audience. Genesis is new, nothing can equate to attracting older people or not. The only thing I see is the price difference from entry-level/first car ($15-$22k) options to established, retired folks ($50k+). Now I'm not saying retired folks spend that on a car and I'm not saying all first car buyers only have $15k to spend on a car, it's all about priority and where you want your money to go.

If you're questioning whether or not people will look at you and stereotype, this car probably isn't for you. I'd stick to a Impala LTZ, maybe a Fusion Sport AWD, or even the Sonata and Optima. But I will tell you the Genesis a better car in every way than the ones I listed. Don't let outside forces and people who don't matter in life dictate how you live yours.

Cheers, Man

 

[celltech]

I traded a 5.7 Tundra in on my 5.0 Genesis, so I am used to lots of smooth V8 power. I would personally rather have a big, smooth, refined, NA engine over a smaller turbo unit. The Genesis is a quite fat and heavy car that "feels" like it needs the V8, IMHO. I suspect the V8 will be more reliable and easier to maintain than a turbo over the long run.

As for the Ultimate package... I do not have it and the only part I wonder about is the electronic shocks. With the Genny's size and power I do wish the suspension was more buttoned down. If you drive it aggressively it will wallow around in the rump. I always wonder if the Ultimate shocks would help to hold it steady. Other than that, there is nothing in that package I would care about.

 

[jsmit86]

So, I have been lurking on this site for a few weeks and have been researching a 2015 Genesis for months....
My other dilemma is whether to get the ultimate package. ....
I am extremeley bummed that Hyundai put an older/inferior CPU in the ultimate Genesis that makes Android Auto impossible to get. So do I not get the ultimate and sacrifice a better sound system, bigger screen, and some other tech items? Then there is the question of whether the 17 ispeaker Lexicon sound system is worth it. Everyone seems to agree its inferior to the previous Genesis. So maybe not worth the upgrade? But then again, my parents have a 2009 Genny with tech package and 14 speaker Lexicon and I have always disliked that sound system. Seemed like the dash center speaker was the main sound source.

Truthfully, I only really like Android Auto for the Google Maps. So maybe its worth not getting Android Auto and I just buy a mount for my phone. OR, in a perfect world, I find a way to screen mirror my phone onto the Genesis 9.2 inch screen. Would take some conversions and dinero.
....

All 2018 Models come with Android Auto and CarPlay. This includes Ultimate models. The '15-'17 models with Ultimate (9.2" DIS Systems) were not up-gradable to AA/CP.

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[giantshark18]

Thanks for all of the input. I am not 99% settled on getting a Genesis with V8. I LOVE the 5.7 V8 in my Tundra and want that in a Genesis.

I am buying used (15/16), so the one decision left is whether to go with the Ultimate package. Assuming I am fine not having Android Auto, are the electronic shokcs worth it. Meaning, does the car drive any better than those with the standard shocks? If not, seems doubly like a waste. First the cost that is added to the vehicle price, plus the cost for replacing elecronic shocks. I am fine with this if it means a smoother ride or better body control.

 

[mjbuck]

I don't understand the "old person driving a young man's car" concern. If you like the car, you like the car. Who the heck cares what other people think? That being said. I owned a 2014 Cadillac CTS, fully loaded for a year and a half before I purchased my Genesis 2015, also fully loaded. In my opinion, there is no comparison. I did like the exterior styling of the Cad a little better. It was candy-apple red color. The genesis is much more car for the money when comparing apples to apples with most of the other cars in its class. I live in a very rural part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. There is only one other Genesis in this area (easy to spot). Almost every time I refuel, someone comes up to me asking what type of car that is. The 2015's were still Hyundai Genesis. When I tell them, they walk away saying "Hyundai", with a somewhat disgusted look on their face. I'm guessing that is from the poor reputation Hyundai had when it broke into the U.S. market 25 years ago. What these people and many others don't know, is my Genesis is a great car. From comfort, to styling to options to the complete package. It does not look cheap in any aspect. From a person that gets new car every couple of years or even less sometimes, I plan on keeping this awhile.

 

[1FstYota]

I been driving the genny since I was 30, I got a lot of compliments and not a single person said it looked like a old man car. I agree with above posters if you like the car, get it and drive the wheels off it.

 

[Gen127]

Thanks for all of the input. I am not 99% settled on getting a Genesis with V8. I LOVE the 5.7 V8 in my Tundra and want that in a Genesis.

I am buying used (15/16), so the one decision left is whether to go with the Ultimate package. Assuming I am fine not having Android Auto, are the electronic shokcs worth it. Meaning, does the car drive any better than those with the standard shocks? If not, seems doubly like a waste. First the cost that is added to the vehicle price, plus the cost for replacing elecronic shocks. I am fine with this if it means a smoother ride or better body control.

I've driven a 2015 Genesis 5.0 for the past six months. It is the TECH package, not the Ultimate, so yes, I do have Apple Carplay (or AA, if I were using an Android phone). It does not have some of the features of the Ultimate (the HUD, 14-spkr vs 17-spkr Lexicon, DIS controller (touch-screen instead), and the CDC suspension), but I have to say, it is a joy to drive with a vast variety of luxury features. The ride is VERY smooth and comfortable and dead-quiet. Regarding the V8 Tau engine: in a car of this size (and weight), I'd certainly recommend the naturally-aspirated (NA) V8 over the NA V6. The only V6 I'd seriously consider for this vehicle is the twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 found in the G80 sport. My basis for this evaluation: I had driven the 5.0 for about 5 weeks before having to take it in for warranty repair (new head unit) and was given a 2017 G80 (NA V6) as a loaner. I drove the V6 G80 for a little over three weeks, doing some around town driving, commuting and even some sporty 'pleasure' driving. For short little errands and casual driving, I found the V6 ample for the job. But when immediate power was needed (accelerating onto the freeway, passing) I truly missed the V8 growl and REAL power that came on with a fury.

 

[MNgen]

2015 3.6 AWD with Ultimate package here, you will not be disappointed with the V6 horsepower. This is no Grampa car. If you're looking to do rwd burnouts the V8 is your choice. I love the technology in the car, heads up display is awesome and the center console dial is very useful for controlling the head unit. Lexicon stereo is acceptable but if you're into loud music you won't be impressed. I prefer Google maps over the Genesis Nav only at rush hour, traffic speed/updates seem much faster over the phone than in the car. All in all this is an extremely comfortable quiet car for a very reasonable price. I will likely buy another.

 

[celltech]

I LOVE the 5.7 V8 in my Tundra and want that in a Genesis..

Coming from a Tundra I can tell you that the Genny 5.0 is every bit as good. Let's face it, the Tundra gets off the line so good because of the low gearing along with the strong motor. But believe me, the 5.0 simply hauls ass way beyond speeds the Tundra will peter out. It can be shocking how fast the Genesis hits 120 and is still pulling. I stomped my Tundra all the time and *never* feel let down by the Genesis.

Plus the Tundra rode like a brick...a reliable brick that would never break, but a brick none the less. And the Genny brakes are soooo much better...

 

[Gen127]

And the Genny brakes are soooo much better...

I agree with you on the brakes! For such a heavy RWD car with a big motor, I have great confidence with these brakes. Far better feel and stopping power then I achieved with my old Volvo S80T, which was a fairly good-sized vehicle.

 

[PaFromFL]

I would get the Ultimate package again just for the HUD and DIS controller. Looking at the instrument panel and fiddling with the touchscreen in my Pacifica now feels like I'm taking unnecessary risks. I hate getting no response or hitting the wrong "button" on touchscreens.

 

[waz]

+1 on the Ultimate's HUD, DIS, and real wood and aluminum trim. I personally can't take the fake plastic wood.

 

[batmanmiami1]

Just got my '15 Ultimate (3.8) about 3 wks ago and happy i bought it. Found a nice stretch of road down here in S fl and was able to get it up to 135 on the dial (with more left) didn't notice an "young uns" trying to pass me. I was going between a Beemer 528 or the Genesis. Same money for the '15 Gen & the '14 (beemer) with less options & warranty & more millage on the B. I also ride a 6 cylinder Goldwing. Another "old persons" bike. There are basically only 2 touring bikes than keep up with me. A $40k Harley or a top of the line BMW tour bike. With the price of premium fuel going up and down, unless you intend to use the extra 100hp on a constant bases can't really see the need to spend the extra $. Your money, your choice. I think you'll be happy with either engine. If buying pre-owned I would definitely go with the Ultimate package. The original owner paid for all the bells & whistles and you'll be getting them for about 25 cents on the dollar. Good hunting!