Any way to tighten the sloppy steering?

[spinedoc777]

I initially test drove a 2016 awd genesis and fell in love. I had my heart set on it. But today I went and test drove a 2015 GS350 awd that was on a very cheap lease special and man that car had VERY tight steering, it felt like it was on rails. I went back and test drove the Genesis again tonight and realized how sloppy and disconnected the steering is.

In googling I see that Sonata owners complain of this and there is a factory computer option that the dealer can set to stiffen the steering. Anyone know if this is a possibility with the Genesis? Both lease offers are very good, I'm leaning heavily towards the Genesis but I have a feeling the sloppy steering will make me regretful once I'm driving it every day. It's a VERY tough decision they are both incredible cars, if I could get the Genesis to handle a bit stiffer I'd be sold.

Here's my lease comparisons off topic:

2015 GS350 AWD F Sport package
MF 00049
Residual 56%
MSRP 58,744
Agreed on price 51000
Monthly on 12k/36mo would be $500 no money down, $400 with 2999 down, and I can buy another $28/month with some multiple security deposits.

2016 Genesis AWD Signature package
MF 00046
Residual 58
MSRP 45,769
Agreed on price 40,769
Monthly on 12k/36mo would be $454 no money down, $400 with 2k down, I forgot to ask about MSD's.

 

[greekgeek]

Get the v8 G2, steering is tight, much more weighted than v6..

 

[spinedoc777]

I test drove a V8 2016 tonight, the steering felt even sloppier than the 3.8awd, but admittedly this was after test driving the lexus so I was probably just spoiled. The V8 was pretty beastly otherwise, luckily there is no AWD or I'd be considering it.

The dealer called me back tonight about my question on the steering wheel. They said the steering wheel itself had an adjustment on how it tracked, I forget but it had 3 settings, something like standard, comfort sport. I asked if he meant the eco/regular/sport mode and he said there was another setting. Anyone know what setting he's referring to?

 

[Mark_888]

I test drove a V8 2016 tonight, the steering felt even sloppier than the 3.8awd, but admittedly this was after test driving the lexus so I was probably just spoiled. The V8 was pretty beastly otherwise, luckily there is no AWD or I'd be considering it.

The dealer called me back tonight about my question on the steering wheel. They said the steering wheel itself had an adjustment on how it tracked, I forget but it had 3 settings, something like standard, comfort sport. I asked if he meant the eco/regular/sport mode and he said there was another setting. Anyone know what setting he's referring to?

I would try and get ahold of an owner's manual.

 

[MoabGen]

I imagine the GS350 would make for a better comparison than the F sport. Genesis is more of a luxury cruiser.

 

[spinedoc777]

I imagine the GS350 would make for a better comparison than the F sport. Genesis is more of a luxury cruiser.

Yes I agree, the F sport of course has modifications that are extra. It's a different type of car as well, being lighter and built differently, it also feels less roomy inside. I like that the Genesis you feel like you drop down into a cockpit.

 

[Nikgen]

Get the v8 G2, steering is tight, much more weighted than v6..

??? It's the same steering unit in both cars!

 

[Rloyola0426]

I forget but it had 3 settings, something like standard, comfort sport. I asked if he meant the eco/regular/sport mode and he said there was another setting. Anyone know what setting he's referring to?

The 4th setting is snow mode (you hold down the button for x amount of seconds). That's irrelevant though because it's not going to help with what you're looking for.

When I cross shopped the rwd gs350, I also felt the steering in that car was tighter also. You aren't dreaming.

 

[Mark_888]

Back in 2009 when the Genesis was introduced, they aimed it at the Infiniti M, and the USA Genesis had a special suspension setting that was tuned at the California research center. Handling and steering were good, but it caused other problems, such as shredding tires rather quickly (due to using excessive camber) and a very stiff ride.

Over the years, the suspension on the Genesis has softened quite a bit, although the 2012-2014 R-Spec retained most of the better handling attributes of the earlier Genesis. But now the Genesis is a luxury cruiser, at least until they come out with a new R-Spec or other performance version.

 

[Nikgen]

I test drove a V8 2016 tonight, the steering felt even sloppier than the 3.8awd, but admittedly this was after test driving the lexus so I was probably just spoiled. The V8 was pretty beastly otherwise, luckily there is no AWD or I'd be considering it.

The dealer called me back tonight about my question on the steering wheel. They said the steering wheel itself had an adjustment on how it tracked, I forget but it had 3 settings, something like standard, comfort sport. I asked if he meant the eco/regular/sport mode and he said there was another setting. Anyone know what setting he's referring to?

Dealer is a moron (what a surprise).

There is no separate control of the steering wheel in the Genesis. You're only option is to drive in sport mode where the steering gets heavier - but then you also get higher revs, delayed upshifting and downshifting and an aversion for the car to ever shift to 8th gear = a hit on fuel economy!

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[spinedoc777]

Dealer is a moron (what a surprise).

There is no separate control of the steering wheel in the Genesis. You're only option is to drive in sport mode where the steering gets heavier - but then you also get higher revs, delayed upshifting and downshifting and an aversion for the car to ever shift to 8th gear = a hit on fuel economy!

I suspected as much! I drive in sport mode pretty much all the time anyhow so it doesn't bother me. Gas is cheap, and I'm currently driving an A6 which requires premium so to be able to use regular gas will be enough of a thrill. Although gas is cheap enough these days.

I probably didn't give it enough time, but the steering didn't feel much different to me when in regular versus sport mode.

 

[MoabGen]

Dealer is a moron (what a surprise).

There is no separate control of the steering wheel in the Genesis. You're only option is to drive in sport mode where the steering gets heavier - but then you also get higher revs, delayed upshifting and downshifting and an aversion for the car to ever shift to 8th gear = a hit on fuel economy!

I haven't played around with the paddle shifters and have rarely used sport mode, but I assume you can paddle shift to avoid some of the higher revs?

 

[Nikgen]

I haven't played around with the paddle shifters and have rarely used sport mode, but I assume you can paddle shift to avoid some of the higher revs?

I suppose, but they are pretty laggy...

 

[greekgeek]

??? It's the same steering unit in both cars!

Felt much heavier in the v8 to me back when I test drove both back to back. I assume they tuned it to be heavier, all electric.

 

[jsmit86]

The Genesis is about 400 pounds heavier than the Lexus. Perhaps that is driving some of the perception. My 3.8 AWD does not feel sloppy in any way, but it's a larger, and heavier car than the Lexus, so it's bound to feel different.

 

[spinedoc777]

The Genesis is about 400 pounds heavier than the Lexus. Perhaps that is driving some of the perception. My 3.8 AWD does not feel sloppy in any way, but it's a larger, and heavier car than the Lexus, so it's bound to feel different.

That's certainly true and probably a factor. It's hard to describe, but my main complaint was the steering wheel on the genesis felt slightly disconnected from the wheels, the movements I made at the wheel didn't feel like they translated instantly to the wheels. I felt more understeer and body roll around corners as well, but that's a no brainer as you mention, larger and heavier being a factor.

Anyhoo not a deal breaker as I'm going to sign on the dotted line next week. It's just too nice of a vehicle for the price to pass up and I'll get used to the steering. Heck I drove an A8 around for years and that felt sloppy, I was just spoiled with the A6 which is very nimble, but I've always pined for the size and luxury of my A8 since I sold it.

 

[MoabGen]

Not sure about the GS350 but Genesis has electric steering

 

[dxtra196]

Note- tires have a break in period and the steering wheel feels loose during that time. My v6 steering feels heavy to normal

 

[daviderle]

^+1,
Also tire pressure plays a factor, as it have been mentioned may times before, they are shipped over inflated and some dealers do not seem to adjust the tire pressure, prior to putting the car to service! Which may account this observation.

 

[ksoze]

Over the years, the suspension on the Genesis has softened quite a bit, although the 2012-2014 R-Spec retained most of the better handling attributes of the earlier Genesis. But now the Genesis is a luxury cruiser, at least until they come out with a new R-Spec or other performance version.

Sorry but the 2012-2104 R-Spec is not a better handler than the G2. The R-Spec denotation was mostly a nameplate and cosmetic enhancement and the prevailing knock was the less than stellar suspension and steering. The G2 engineering teams spent significant effort to focus on the drive and it shows. There is no way you can drive a G1 V8 and then drive a G2 V8 and not see the difference that went into the changes. Is the G2 a luxury cruiser? Yes. Is the G1 a luxury cruiser? Yes, just with not as refined a platform and suspension.