2014 Lexus GS 350 F Sport vs 2015/2016 Genesis 3.8 sedan

[classyobi]

I have a question on which car to buy, I'm looking for reliability and long term along with maintenance cost. I'm also looking for speed. Both cars look amazing but really trying decide on which is better overall.

 

[silberma]

I have a question on which car to buy, I'm looking for reliability and long term along with maintenance cost. I'm also looking for speed. Both cars look amazing but really trying decide on which is better overall.

Both cars depreciated to about 1/2 of the selling price so they are both good values. Go with the one you like driving the best

 

[EdP]

Most of us here are a bit biased. Did you drive both? Did one "fit" you better? IMO, the Genesis is better looking. More distinctive.

 

[Roc 5.0]

Pay a little more and get the 5.0 and never look back. It will put the Lexus on the trailer and get almost the same gas mileage as the 3.8. Genesis added a lot of weight to the '15s. Easier on the V8.

 

[1FstYota]

You really have to drive both, if you want something smaller and more nimble the Lexus, the Genny is big and you will def feel its weight. The GS felt alright, has enough pep, and if you want the cooler stuff get a 16, it has the LFA style dash and upgraded interior and adaptive cruise.

When I test drove the 15 awd on both cars the 15 genesis had way more features that I actually use for the money. Also I liked the styling of the genesis a bit more than the lexus.

 

[glennk]

The navigation system and control joystick on the GS350 was a no-go for me. Just couldn't get used to operating it.

 

[lobsenza]

The navigation system and control joystick on the GS350 was a no-go for me. Just couldn't get used to operating it.

I agree. Consumer Reports rated the Genesis navigation interface as one of the best and Lexus as one of the worst....

 

[1FstYota]

I agree. Consumer Reports rated the Genesis navigation interface as one of the best and Lexus as one of the worst....

I think 14 might have had the mouse style before the touch pad, the touch pad is near impossible to do anything with while in motion.

 

[BlancaGenny]

If you can handle a little less luxury, look towards a Chevy SS or Stinger GT2. Both are grand touring cars and can eat up miles while still running sub-13 sec 1/4 mile.

Lexus is just a Toyota shined up. I wouldn't consider it unless I got a hell of a deal. I love my Genesis even though it's not the fastest car I've had. I've toned it down a bit. However, nothing wrong with a sub-15 sec 1/4 mile and all the amenities one needs in a car.

 

[mfaile]

I had both of those cars in my search and ended up getting the 5.0 Ultimate. The Genesis just was a better buy and I liked the fact that there were fewer of them on the road. I hated the Lexus mouse and Nav system and couldn't live with the fact that I would have had the same engine as my wife's RX350. The newer GS with the 5.0 looks awesome but with an $80K price tag it's just not realistic. Maybe in a few years when the vehicle hits some depreciation and gets down to its real value it may be worth it. It's still kinda smallish compared to the Genesis though.

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[classyobi]

I had both of those cars in my search and ended up getting the 5.0 Ultimate. The Genesis just was a better buy and I liked the fact that there were fewer of them on the road. I hated the Lexus mouse and Nav system and couldn't live with the fact that I would have had the same engine as my wife's RX350. The newer GS with the 5.0 looks awesome but with an $80K price tag it's just not realistic. Maybe in a few years when the vehicle hits some depreciation and gets down to its real value it may be worth it. It's still kinda smallish compared to the Genesis though.

Would you say your 5.0 is better than the 3.8 gas whys? I'm hearing the difference is maybe 2-3 mpg.

 

[wdhsa]

Been shopping the 2015 Genesis against the 2014 GS 350 as a replacement for my 2016 Outback. I had to have gotten the one lemon from Subaru. 2 years and 5 warranty claims with a recall as well. About out of warranty so thinking about moving on. These two cars have been my front runners. Really like them both. My thoughts after back to back test drives.

Ride and cabin Noise:
Both ride very smoothly, soak up bumps, and are very quiet at highway speeds. The Genesis does win out here slightly

Handling, steering, and fun to drive:
Both cars are very competent in the bends. The GS wins out here though. It feels more spry and the steering more responsive. The Genesis holds its own but it can't hide its weight. Steering feel is slightly numb in both. Enjoyed driving both cars but between the more responsive handing, steering, and better engine note when you are on it, I preferred the GS here. Your opinion may vary.

Features:
Look, the GS is well equipped with about everything you want but $ per $ the Genesis just has more tech. The safety suite on the Genesis is more comprehensive and it is easier to find a used one with most of it. Stereos are both really good, though the lexicon wins out if you can't find a ML equipped GS. So depending on what you are looking for keep this in mind. The Genesis interface is easier to use right out of the gate. The GS mouse takes getting used to and I still was overshooting icons I wanted to select.

Comfort:
This one will be preference. I think the seats on the GS were more comfortable overall but the Genesis offers more adjustment then most of the GS models out there. (i haven't found many F-sports or Lux models) The Genesis seats are very comfortable and again, the car is slightly quieter and has a better ride, not by much though.

Quality, reliability, and warranty:
CPO to CPO I think the Genesis warranty is better. The Lexus is a pretty much know quantity when it comes to reliability but the Genesis has been very good according to various publications. I will say I see more questions regarding issues here then i do on the GS forum. Build quality wise both are really well built cars though the door handle did come apart in my hand when I opened the rear door on the genesis I drove. Inside, I thought both interiors were super nice, all the controls were well dampened, all the storage bins were lined with felt or soft material to save unwanted rattles, neither car had any creeks or rattles, and storage was good (Genesis has more interior storage). That said the Lexus materials even on a base model match and exceed the Ultimate Package Genesis. Everything just does feel that ever so slightly higher quality.

All that said, drive both and make your choice. I would be happy with each and for me it will come down to price on what I find in my area when I make up my mind on moving on from the Outback or not. I do really enjoy driving and for me I do prefer the GS, but I would be very happy with each.

 

[mr.miyagi]

I have owned both and as much as i love the looks of the genesis it is no match for the performance of the gs350 f sport. wdhsa has hit the nail on the head beside the seats.. GS 350 seats are terrible for drives longer than an hour.

 

[Roc 5.0]

In city full time the 3.8 is about 2/3mpg better, but on the road or hilly areas the 5.0 has to work less, but OH the performance! No comparison. And that Lexus is fully outclassed in performance. I don't bother running the GS F Sports any more. The '14 Lexus IS 350 F Sport gives me a better run.