2015 3.8 vs 5.0??

[gundam91]

I was looking at one back in 2014, then I saw the 2015 picture and figure I wait. Now it's the end of 2015, and I finally dragged my feet into the dealership to take a closer look at one.

I got to test drive the 5.0 first, then the 3.8. Got some questions for all you current owners out there:

Power:
On the spec, the gas mileage is not that different between the two. I did sense that the 3.8 was working a little harder on acceleration. Do you 3.8 owners feel that it is underpowered? I don't have a lead foot.

Features:
It seems like all the features in the Signature & Technology packages come standard in the 5.0. And the price would end up be close, why wouldn't anyone just go for the 5.0 if the price difference is, say, less than $3k or $5k? Or is there a big difference in street prices?

Quality:
What issues are you running into with your 2015? Read somewhere higher than usual numbers of issues have been reported with the 2015 model.

Thanks in advance....

 

[Mark_888]

I was looking at one back in 2014, then I saw the 2015 picture and figure I wait. Now it's the end of 2015, and I finally dragged my feet into the dealership to take a closer look at one.

I got to test drive the 5.0 first, then the 3.8. Got some questions for all you current owners out there:

Power:
On the spec, the gas mileage is not that different between the two. I did sense that the 3.8 was working a little harder on acceleration. Do you 3.8 owners feel that it is underpowered? I don't have a lead foot.

Features:
It seems like all the features in the Signature & Technology packages come standard in the 5.0. And the price would end up be close, why wouldn't anyone just go for the 5.0 if the price difference is, say, less than $3k or $5k? Or is there a big difference in street prices?

Quality:
What issues are you running into with your 2015? Read somewhere higher than usual numbers of issues have been reported with the 2015 model.

Thanks in advance....

There is also the "Ultimate" trim level that you may want to look at for the 2015 3.8 and 5.0. Unfortunately, I believe the 2015 info is gone from the Hyundai website (it is a little different for 2016 in that there is only one trim level for the 5.0 in 2016).

As far as power, you should be able to figure that out yourself. No one who purchased a 5.0 will admit that a 3.8 is enough, and no one who purchased a 3.8 will admit that it lacks sufficient power for them.

On the MPG, you can do the math. The 5.0 runs on regular or premium, but Hyundai recommends premium for about 7 extra HP (which is the rated HP). Premium was used for EPA MPG tests on the 5.0. The 3.8 runs on regular.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

The 3.8 is 100,000% perfectly adequate unless you find yourself racing V8 Camaros or Mustangs. If you want to be fast - buy the 5.0. If you don't need to be fast - there's no reason for it.

 

[Nikgen]

There is also the "Ultimate" trim level that you may want to look at for the 2015 3.8 and 5.0. Unfortunately, I believe the 2015 info is gone from the Hyundai website (it is a little different for 2016 in that there is only one trim level for the 5.0 in 2016).

As far as power, you should be able to figure that out yourself. No one who purchased a 5.0 will admit that a 3.8 is enough, and no one who purchased a 3.8 will admit that it lacks sufficient power for them.

On the MPG, you can do the math. The 5.0 runs on regular or premium, but Hyundai recommends premium for about 7 extra HP (which is the rated HP). Premium was used for EPA MPG tests on the 5.0. The 3.8 runs on regular.

The 5.0 gets 13 hp more on premium! The 3.8 gets more hp with premium too, but Hyundai did not provide a #.

 

[lobsenza]

I recommend driving both the 3.8 and 5.0 back to back. Test the acceleration going up hill and on merges. That way, you can decide for yourself. There is a definite difference in acceleration, the question is if it is important to you.

I run my 5.0 on regular. I find there is plenty of power with regular. I think you will get 2-3 MPG more on the V6.

I did post a comparison between my V8 and a loaner V6 elsewhere on this forum.

I would look at the ultimate trim before you decide, in particular the HUD. If you want a V8 with the tech package, I think there is a lot of inventory, at least here in TX. But, if you wait for 2016, you have to get an ultimate if you want a V8.

 

[coolasice]

3.8 is more than enough for the streets I would say. Only get the 5.0 if you wanna splurge.

For the most part I would say that if you don't feel you MUST have 5.0 then get the 3.8. I originally signed the deal for 3.8 and situation happened so I had to re-ink the deal. After testing a 5.0 before redoing everything I knew I had to have it. So if you don't feel that way save the $$$. I think I would have been perfectly fine with the 3.8 too and would have had some spare cash for sweet wheels and lowering Springs

 

[Nikgen]

3.8 is more than enough for the streets I would say. Only get the 5.0 if you wanna splurge.

For the most part I would say that if you don't feel you MUST have 5.0 then get the 3.8. I originally signed the deal for 3.8 and situation happened so I had to re-ink the deal. After testing a 5.0 before redoing everything I knew I had to have it. So if you don't feel that way save the $$$. I think I would have been perfectly fine with the 3.8 too and would have had some spare cash for sweet wheels and lowering Springs

But in the US, if a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and AWD are things you want, then the 3.8 is the only option. To me, those things were way more important then the extra power of the V8. While the V8 is certainly faster, the V6 is absolutely more than adequate in daily driving, including merging and passing - regardless of what some here would try to make you believe. As others have said, drive both and compare features and decide what's important for you!

 

[lobsenza]

The heated steering wheel and AWD are only important in some areas of the country. I live in TX and AWD versions are very rare and not really needed. I have a heated steering wheel in 1 vehicle, but it is not really needed here. I have used it a few times, but not too often.

 

[Nikgen]

The heated steering wheel and AWD are only important in some areas of the country. I live in TX and AWD versions are very rare and not really needed. I have a heated steering wheel in 1 vehicle, but it is not really needed here. I have used it a few times, but not too often.

Obviously, heated steering wheel and seats are not important in warmer climates. However, AWD is benefit on dry and wet roads as well - not just snow as some folks seem to think...

 

[rickkapur]

Have a base 2015 v8 5.0 for about 6 months. There have been no issues...touch wood.

3.8 vs 5.0...
- If you driving at say 75 mph, and need to get to 90 quickly (for whatever reason...passing a car, racing, just for the fun of it): Both cars will do it; 3.8 may need a lead foot, compared to 5.0.
- If you are driving say 90, and need to get to 110 quickly (for whatever reason...passing a car, racing, just for the fun of it): I know that 5.0 gets you there in a flash, with a gentle caress of the accelerator

Seriously, i drove both cars; i was going to go for a 3.8, but two things drove me to a 5.0..
1) The price was similar to a similar equipped 3.8; not any appreciable difference
2) Years ago, i had bought a Ford Expedition...it has two engine size (i forget the specifics), and i bought the smaller engine as i thought it was good enough. I kept regretting that all the time i owned it (5 yrs)...and wished i had bought the bigger engine; now, to be fair, it could have been the opposite too...who knows.

My 2 cents...5.0 all the way

best

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[Midnightsun]

Here's another one to stir the pot. No one who chose a V8 will ever think or feel they made a mistake and should have gone with the V6 on the other hand I have seen many post where V6 owners regret their decision. Bottom line is buy what you can afford. If price does not matter then the V8 ultimate is the only way to go.

Speaking of V8, is there any mention of V8 AWD coming to the USA in 2016?

I find the racing comments rather funny. None of us race these cars. The difference is if I need to pass someone I depress the pedal slightly and it's done, usually without even downshifting. The V6 needs to down shift and redline to achieve similar results. Nothing to do with 0-60 times. 25% more overall effortless power and the buttery smooth 8 is what the V8 choice is all about.

If you are counting MPG then you would be better suited in the diesel or Prius forums.

 

[Aquineas]

I've driven a 3.3L Genesis (available in the KDM and even less power than the 3.8 ) and it was delightful. Honestly I don't think the 3.8 is under-powered, it's just a matter of personal preference. You characterize it very well, the 3.8 just has to work a bit harder.

 

[Nikgen]

Here's another one to stir the pot. No one who chose a V8 will ever think or feel they made a mistake and should have gone with the V6 on the other hand I have seen many post where V6 owners regret their decision. Bottom line is buy what you can afford. If price does not matter then the V8 ultimate is the only way to go.

Not sure what you are reading, but I have not seen any posts where people regret buying the V6??

Money is no concern to me and I did not even consider the V8 - so it's not the "only way to go" for many and not the way to go at all in the US if you want AWD.

The racing comments come up because some V8 guys always want to imply the V6 is a slug. It's not. Is it as fast as the V8? Of course not. But it has more than sufficient power to do the job (even if it has to downshift). There is more than just power involved in the driving experience and many folks prefer the handling characteristics of the better weight balanced V6 models.

 

[Aquineas]

I think the changes in tone that have gradually occurred with the Genesis forum have been regrettable. When I joined this forum 2010, it used to be a much friendlier and more helpful place. I love my car and dropping in here between project builds from time-to-time during the day has always been a guilty pleasure. Now it's becoming less and less so. As if the world didn't already have enough reasons to draw lines in the sand.

 

[coolasice]

Totally forgot the US actually gets options for the 5.0! In Canada it's one option and the price difference is pretty significant. Would have taken a RWD version in a heartbeat despite the snow here

I think the car is pretty great at any trim level. Even a stripped down base v6 with RWD would be sweet.

 

[Ernie3647]

I think the changes in tone that have gradually occurred with the Genesis forum have been regrettable. When I joined this forum 2010, it used to be a much friendlier and more helpful place. I love my car and dropping in here between project builds from time-to-time during the day has always been a guilty pleasure. Now it's becoming less and less so. As if the world didn't already have enough reasons to draw lines in the sand.

Agreed as I am also tired of these silly comparisons. Really there are enough threads on this site to satisfy all these questions. Why is it necessary to repeat the same things (mostly by the same people) all the time? Anyone with genuine concerns like these especially V8 versus V6 should be looking at all existing information on the topic (which is quite extensive) and actually driving both cars to confirm said concerns. What’s there to say most if not all the time the V8 crowd says how much or how glad they are the have it and the same goes for the V6 crowd. They’re both very good cars review “existing” threads and go drive the cars.

Says it all. https://youtu.be/gx4EfoLzu_I

 

[Nikgen]

Totally forgot the US actually gets options for the 5.0!

Not for 2016 - no options for the 5.0: just Ultimate trim RWD in the USA.

In fact, if the 2016 spec sheets are right, the 5.0 appears to lose the power rear sunshade/manual side shades and the electronic suspension (not mentioned anywhere like it was for the 2015?) - making the 3.8 AWD the model with the most available options (if you can live with the lowly V6 powerplant, of course ).

 

[ksoze]

In fact, if the 2016 spec sheets are right, the 5.0 appears to lose the power rear sunshade/manual side shades and the electronic suspension (not mentioned anywhere like it was for the 2015?)

Confirmed - no power rear or side shades or continuous dampening suspension on the 2016 V8 model. So for those 2015 V8 owners who miss out on the new LED DRL's, the shades and CDS help make up for it.

 

[reddogva99]

But in the US, if a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and AWD are things you want, then the 3.8 is the only option. To me, those things were way more important then the extra power of the V8. While the V8 is certainly faster, the V6 is absolutely more than adequate in daily driving, including merging and passing - regardless of what some here would try to make you believe. As others have said, drive both and compare features and decide what's important for you!

Agree with the above.

 

[Nikgen]

Confirmed - no power rear or side shades or continuous dampening suspension on the 2016 V8 model. So for those 2015 V8 owners who miss out on the new LED DRL's, the shades and CDS help make up for it.

Interesting - I wonder if it was a pure cost, cost/benefit (i.e., did it really make much difference in ride/handling for the added cost/complexity), or reliability issue that made them drop the CDS. They featured it prominently in the 2015 launch/marketing materials, so curious as to the real reason they dropped it, making the 3.8 AWD the overall highest optioned model?