Impressions

[jkohn]

When it comes to ride/handling, I think it's somewhat relative and depends what you're used to. For somebody who likes the Lexus ride, I can see them not being thrilled with the Genesis. I don't like the Lexus approach, personally. Too mushy, no road feel, poor cornering, steering feel, etc.

To me the Genesis is a "tweener"; it's not quite a luxury sedan and it's also not quite a sports sedan either. I think it's a nice compromise for somebody who want to be able to fit two adults comfortably in the rear seats, but also be able to do some occasionally spirited driving.

My last two cars were Infiniti G35's. I loved the suspension in those cars, I think they struck the perfect balance for that type of sedan. The Genesis drives like a bigger car (which it is). The ride is reasonably firm, but not overly so. But compared to the Infiniti there's way more body roll; and while it's a bit smoother overall it can also be a little more bouncy in certain conditions. I'm OK with this, I knew the larger, nicer interior would come at the cost of handling; but I think Hyundai has struck a pretty good balance overall for a vehicle of this size and I certainly wouldn't want the ride to be any softer.

 

[Mark_888]

The ride is reasonably firm, but not overly so. But compared to the Infiniti there's way more body roll; and while it's a bit smoother overall it can also be a little more bouncy in certain conditions. I'm OK with this, I knew the larger, nicer interior would come at the cost of handling; but I think Hyundai has struck a pretty good balance overall for a vehicle of this size and I certainly wouldn't want the ride to be any softer.

Based on the number of posts and join date, I am assuming you have a 2010 model (please correct me if I am wrong). Not many have complained about the 2010 Genesis suspension, because Hyundai made changes to it mid-year 2009 and again in 2010 (they changed the shock and spring rates, and changed some bushings).

So if you see a discussion about the 2009 suspension, don't jump to any conclusions about what other people are experiencing (and whether Hyundai struck the proper balance) unless you are driving the same model year car (build date prior to April 2009).

 

[Sayantsi]

People complain about the 2010 suspension as much as they complained about the 09 imo. They just don't expect the sport-sedan suspension when they are thinking "Lexus LS at a discount".

 

[Cut-Throat]

People complain about the 2010 suspension as much as they complained about the 09 imo. They just don't expect the sport-sedan suspension when they are thinking "Lexus LS at a discount".

The Genesis was made to compete with the Lexus GS, not the LS. The new Equus will compete with the LS.

Anyone that thinks the Genesis has a Stiff ride, should test drive a Lexus GS and see what a Stiff ride feels like.

 

[Konig]

what about different suspension for different engine?

Do you think its feasible to put softer suspension in the v6 17" tire car to make it a dedicated cruiser and retain the firmer suspension in the v8 18" tire car. I loved every aspect of genny but cannot bear the risk of disliking its ride over rough surface later, especially coming from a family of lexus es300 and lexus ls 430. In fact, while most auto journalist wants firm sporty ride, the majority of the market seems to want a soft compliant ride for cruising. How many of you really has that much time to carve mountain roads on a weekend?

 

[Cut-Throat]

Re: what about different suspension for different engine?

Do you think its feasible to put softer suspension in the v6 17" tire car to make it a dedicated cruiser and retain the firmer suspension in the v8 18" tire car. I loved every aspect of genny but cannot bear the risk of disliking its ride over rough surface later, especially coming from a family of lexus es300 and lexus ls 430. In fact, while most auto journalist wants firm sporty ride, the majority of the market seems to want a soft compliant ride for cruising. How many of you really has that much time to carve mountain roads on a weekend?

Test drive the Equus when it comes out. I'm sure that it will have the ride that you want. The Genesis does not compete with the ES or LS.

 

[Sayantsi]

The Genesis was made to compete with the Lexus GS, not the LS. The new Equus will compete with the LS.

Anyone that thinks the Genesis has a Stiff ride, should test drive a Lexus GS and see what a Stiff ride feels like.

I agree - just referencing the LS as the OP listed it as a comparison. A few others have also compared the Genesis to an LS here - I think you can make a comparison based on size, even if the Equus is a more direct competitor. I don't know about actual volumes, but the Genesis definitely feels more open and larger than the GS to me.

When the original GS came out there were lots of complaints about the ride being too stiff as well. Lexus owners weren't used to a sports-sedan suspension compared to their ES, SC or LS rides. Toyota eventually installed a suspension with multiple settings, and I'll bet Hyundai will do the same with the second gen Genesis - the car just appeals to too many people to have one suspension satisfy everyone.

 

[Sayantsi]

Re: what about different suspension for different engine?

Do you think its feasible to put softer suspension in the v6 17" tire car to make it a dedicated cruiser and retain the firmer suspension in the v8 18" tire car. I loved every aspect of genny but cannot bear the risk of disliking its ride over rough surface later, especially coming from a family of lexus es300 and lexus ls 430. In fact, while most auto journalist wants firm sporty ride, the majority of the market seems to want a soft compliant ride for cruising. How many of you really has that much time to carve mountain roads on a weekend?

Changing a suspension is pretty straightforward, and making the genesis sofer to suit your desires is easy enough, but there are not many aftermarket solutions yet. As for carving mountain roads on a weekend, I have other toys, but for the week and on long road trips, the GT quality of the Genesis makes driving fun when you get to those same roads vs tedious as would be the case with some other "softer" cars.

 

[Konig]

Re: what about different suspension for different engine?

Test drive the Equus when it comes out. I'm sure that it will have the ride that you want. The Genesis does not compete with the ES or LS.

the problem with equus is 1) price 2) fuel economy 3) unreliable air suspension 4) staggered wheels??? 5) no passengers to enjoy back seat amenities

3 + 4 = more $ to upkeep the car

a soft riding genny can be a great lexus es and base lexus ls replacement for many of us

 

[Mark_888]

People complain about the 2010 suspension as much as they complained about the 09 imo. They just don't expect the sport-sedan suspension when they are thinking "Lexus LS at a discount".

Only the ones who have driven both. The early 2009 suspension has a problem that is not directly related to the firmness. The problem is that the springs overpower the shocks and there is some lack of control on bad roads (or unsettled feeling as Consumer Reports stated). What is amazing about the Genesis is that even with suspension issue, it is still a great car, but just think what it could be if the this one problem is adequately addressed.

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[Mark_888]

The Genesis was made to compete with the Lexus GS, not the LS. The new Equus will compete with the LS.

Anyone that thinks the Genesis has a Stiff ride, should test drive a Lexus GS and see what a Stiff ride feels like.

The Genesis was made for the domestic Korean market, and not for the US market. The KDM version has a much softer suspension on the base models than the US model (which came later), and an optional air suspension on more expensive KDM versions.

For the US version that came later, HMA decided to not offer the air suspension (probably for cost reasons since they wanted to undercut the competition by about $15K, and undercut the Korean domestic price by about $10K). HMA decided that the KDM base suspension was too soft for North America, but they made some mistakes in the 2009 suspension tuning (done in Southern California), then made some improvements mid-year 2009, and added some more improvements in 2010 to the suspension.

Anyway, the problem with the Genesis suspension is not that it is too firm. As noted by "Car and Driver" video review, BMW and Infiniti M has much stiffer suspensions, but have better control on the back roads where the Genesis tends to loose it. This was addressed in 2010 on the Genesis with stiffer shocks, and softer springs to keep the overall firmness the same, but with better damping control provided by the shocks.

 

[Konig]

The Genesis was made for the domestic Korean market, and not for the US market. The KMD has a much softer suspension on the base models than the US model (which came later), and an optional air suspension on more expensive KDM versions.

For the US version that came later, HMA decided to not offer the air suspension (probably for cost reasons since they wanted to undercut the competition by about $15K, and undercut the Korean domestic price by about $10K). HMA decided that the KDM base suspension was too soft for North America, but they made some mistakes in the 2009 suspension tuning (done in Southern California), then made some improvements mid-year 2009, and added some more improvements in 2010 to the suspension.

Anyway, the problem with the Genesis suspension is not that it is too firm. As noted by "Car and Driver" video review, BMW and Infiniti M has much stiffer suspensions, but have better control on the back roads where the Genesis tends to loose it. This was addressed in 2010 on the Genesis with stiffer shocks, and softer springs to keep the overall firmness the same, but with better damping control provided by the shocks.

I dont think the kdm suspension will be too soft for north american market, just too soft for the auto journalists who speed around road bends to REVIEW the car. For 70% of the market who wants a luxury ride, the kdm suspension should offer the compliant ride we desire.

 

[Sayantsi]

The Genesis was made for the domestic Korean market, and not for the US market.

Where did you ever get this idea?

 

[Sayantsi]

Only the ones who have driven both. The early 2009 suspension has a problem that is not directly related to the firmness. The problem is that the springs overpower the shocks and there is some lack of control on bad roads (or unsettled feeling as Consumer Reports stated). What is amazing about the Genesis is that even with suspension issue, it is still a great car, but just think what it could be if the this one problem is adequately addressed.

Its only an issue to some - most people are fine with it.

 

[Mark_888]

Where did you ever get this idea?

From the source.

 

[MrB0462]

The Genesis was made to compete with the Lexus GS, not the LS. The new Equus will compete with the LS.

Anyone that thinks the Genesis has a Stiff ride, should test drive a Lexus GS and see what a Stiff ride feels like.

CUt-Throat

No one is saying the GS has a soft ride; the issue is the ride of the Gen Sedan. By saying something is worse doesn't make the real issue go away. There are just too many comments about the ride to ignore it. Doesn't mean reast of car isn't great.

Dave

 

[Cut-Throat]

CUt-Throat

No one is saying the GS has a soft ride; the issue is the ride of the Genesis Sedan. By saying something is worse doesn't make the real issue go away. There are just too many comments about the ride to ignore it. Doesn't mean reast of car isn't great.

Dave

I never said that the GS ride is WORSE, I said it was stiffer. I don't think this is an issue or a problem; Just a matter of personal preference. And my friend's Porsche is way too stiff for me. I don't view the Porsche's ride a problem though. Just not my cup of tea.

 

[Mark_888]

CUt-Throat

No one is saying the GS has a soft ride; the issue is the ride of the Genesis Sedan. By saying something is worse doesn't make the real issue go away. There are just too many comments about the ride to ignore it. Doesn't mean reast of car isn't great.

Dave

Be careful, the overwhelming majority of negative comments relating to the suspension are about the 2009 Genesis. Hyundai made changes in 2010 and it is much better. Still a firm ride, but much better.

 

[nearwater]

the car just appeals to too many people to have one suspension satisfy everyone.

I agree.
It would've been great if they offered an electro-magnetic selectable damper.

Dan

 

[MrB0462]

Be careful, the overwhelming majority of negative comments relating to the suspension are about the 2009 Genesis. Hyundai made changes in 2010 and it is much better. Still a firm ride, but much better.

Mark

Thank you for the alert, but there is still a great deal of talk about the 2010 suspension and the ride issues. This thread and others indicate that the upgrades did not resolve the issues for some/many owners.

Dave