Consumer Report Rates 3.8 Genesis Top in Category

[davparlr]

The latest Consumer Report rates the 3.8 Genesis as top in the Upscale Sedan category beating, in order, Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon, Acura TL!

 

[ajls09873]

Sadly, Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon, Acura TL are not same class with genesis sedan.

Lexus ES350 = Mid-size. reskinned FWD camry
Toyota Avalon = Full-size. slight bigger version of FWD Camry
Acura TL = Mid-size. reskinned FWD Accord

Genesis sedan = Full-size, luxury RWD. Mercede E-class fighter. only one car in HKAG line-up.

 

[Disaster]

Sadly, Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon, Acura TL are not same class with genesis sedan.

It looks like CR put the Genesis (rated at 92) in the "upscale" class based on it's price. All the cars in the "upscale" class are below $40K. The "Luxury" class has price from $45K to $60K. They even have an "Ultra-luxury" class, with cars at $76K and up. Interestingly, the Genesis bests all but 3 cars in the Luxury and Ultra-luxury class, in overall rating, including the Mercedes E350 (79) and BMW 535 (78.)

We cross shopped several of the cars in their survey, including the Avalon (87) Ford Taurus (73), Volvo S80 (70) and Buick Lacrosse (73) and, of course, ended up with the Genesis.

 

[davparlr]

I think that this is the main Genesis market, the sub $40k. My friend is looking to buy a new car and these are very cars she's looking at. I think there is something psychological about $40k. Below that, many people are still looking for the best value, above that they want what they want.

 

[Mark_888]

Sadly, Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon, Acura TL are not same class with genesis sedan.

Lexus ES350 = Mid-size. reskinned FWD camry
Toyota Avalon = Full-size. slight bigger version of FWD Camry
Acura TL = Mid-size. reskinned FWD Accord

Genesis sedan = Full-size, luxury RWD. Mercede E-class fighter. only one car in HKAG line-up.

The EPA size designation of cars is almost meaningless when looking at competitive market analysis. For example, here is how the EPA classifies the following 2010 models:

Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Sub-Compact
Bentley Azure, Brookland, and Continental GT - All Compact
Acura RL and TL - Midsize
Audi A6 and A8 - Midsize
BMW 5 series - Midsize
ROLLS-ROYCE Phantom - Midsize
Mercedes E Class - Midsize
Lexus ES, GS, and LS - All Midsize
Honda Accord - Large
Hyundai - Genesis, Azera, Sonata - All Large

Obviously, cars do not compete on the basis of EPA size classification. I think the Consumer Reports classifications are more accurate in that they tend to compare cars that a typical buyer may be considering in that price range. And even when considering size, not everyone would agree with the EPA size classifications (which are based on passenger and cargo volume that penalizes sleek designs).

Even though you claim the Acura TL is a re-skinned Accord, note that they are in different EPA size classifications. Obviously they do share certain platform similarities, but there are many differences including completely different drivetrains. They are not nearly as close to the same as they were years ago, but people are slow to change their perceptions.

 

[GripperDon]

Wait till "they" classify medical conditions. ooops

 

[DavidNJ]

Just wish it had a fold down rear seat like our BMW 5-series and MB E-classes had.

 

[Sayantsi]

Even though you claim the Acura TL is a re-skinned Accord, note that they are in different EPA size classifications. Obviously they do share certain platform similarities, but there are many differences including completely different drivetrains. They are not nearly as close to the same as they were years ago, but people are slow to change their perceptions.

Fwiw, both the Acura TSX and TL are reskinned Honda Accords, but the TSX is based on the European Honda Accord, which is a smaller and frankly, better car than the American Accord. All AHMC does is rebadge them and put on some different sheetmetal for US design and Federal regs. The TL is based off the US-spec Accord, but since it can accomodate awd, I'd think there's some fundamental chassis difference... I guess its a bit more than a simple reskinning job.

The genesis is a hard car to classify when it comes to competition - across its price range of $30-40k, it can compete with so many other cars on many different fronts, including interior size, drivetrain, amenities, and power. In any comparison it wins on warranty.

At the low end, $30-36k, the Genesis can compete with loaded Accords, Camrys, Avalons, Lacrosses and the like. At the high end, $37-44k, it can compete with BMW 3s and 5s, the Audi A4s and A6s, the MB E Class, Infinitis, etc. On size, it competes with the LS, Avalon, 5 and 7 Series, Infiniti M, etc. On power, it competes with the 3 Series, 5 Series, LS, etc.

It comes down to what you are looking for in a car that determines how the cards are shuffled, and that is one reason there is such a diverse owners group for the car. There's a thread here that had members talking about what other cars people were looking at before they bought the Genesis, and if you look at all the different answers, there's a lot of categories you can put the Genesis into.

If CR only classifies based on price, its not necessarily the best way to look at the car if you have other criteria that matters to you. Overall ratings for each model helps, assuming all cars CR ranks are tested by the same criteria.

 

[moonstar]

Sadly, Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon, Acura TL are not same class with genesis sedan.

Lexus ES350 = Mid-size. reskinned FWD camry
Toyota Avalon = Full-size. slight bigger version of FWD Camry
Acura TL = Mid-size. reskinned FWD Accord

Genesis sedan = Full-size, luxury RWD. Mercede E-class fighter. only one car in HKAG line-up.

LOL, well said. Those other cars are completely reskinned..I call them Glorified camerys and accords. Toyota's toast. Recall after recall after recall after recall an probably another recall coming soon...

 

[gator3210]

I have a 2010 3.8. I purchased it in late March,& let me say after owning a 07 accord (loaded) this is for the money is a great buy. I have the top 3.8 modle. I took it on a small road trip (250mi). It was like riding on a couch on wheels. All the comforts from sound system & lombar suport for the seats great just great. And under 33,000 please my accord cost that much without all the bells & whistles. And don't forget a 5year 60,000mi bumper to bumper warranty.

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[Rockynight]

I know you guys like your sedans but the coupes are REALLLLY sweet as well. : )

Rocky

 

[moonstar]

I know you guys like your sedans but the coupes are REALLLLY sweet as well. : )

Rocky

The coupe is sure a head turner. Kudos to both.

 

[gator3210]

I agree the coups are sweet. I drove the 2.0 turbo & it was fun. But when you are 6'4" & wiegh 240lbs oh yea a wife as well. If the wife gets the promotion. Trust me that coupe is on the radar. Hope you enjoy yours.