I only have 260 miles on the car but thought I’d share my first thoughts about the differences. In my opinion, the TL is a great car; the Genesis is an extraordinary car. I paid about the same amount for each.
Ride – On LA surface streets the TL was like driving a 4 door Vette. Each bump, rut, and pot hole reverberated through the car disturbingly and viscerally. I could hear and feel everything. On the freeway it smoothed out and felt like it was on 4 magnets. But there was so much road noise. It was just too much.
The Genesis is like a vault. I feel connected to the road but also removed from it. On the freeway the car feels firmly planted but not like the TL. Road noise is minimal.
I like the 2012 4.6 much better than the 2011 I test drove. According to the press release they did make changes to the ride –
“CHASSIS REFINEMENT FOR 3.8 AND 4.6 MODELS
Always seeking to enhance the Genesis driving experience, Hyundai engineers have made further refinements to the 3.8 and 4.6 model suspension damping calibrations. These precise adjustments serve to minimize the traditional compromises between handling precision and ride comfort. In addition, body roll control for the 3.8 model is enhanced, with the rear stabilizer bar diameter increasing from 17 mm to 18 mm.” ‘
Handling – Hands down the TL SH-AWD but you pay the aforementioned price.
Acceleration – The TL is like being in a jet. It just keeps gaining speed as long as you want to push it. It’s an exciting feeling. I think the Genesis is capable of the same or more but have not pushed it yet.
Interior – Fit and finish on the Genesis is excellent given the price point. Both cars use cheaper materials here and there. The Genesis interior feels better and looks like it was put together better. But really I’m no expert in these affairs. I’ll have to see how the Genesis holds up. The TL developed 2 rattles after about 4,000 miles. My 6 year old Elantra has no rattles at all. Also, the TL body structure seemed to flex. The Geneis is solid.
Having said that; the Genesis has an elegance the TL lack. I don’t have push any buttons hard on the Genesis. A simply touch accomplishes the task.
Multi-media - I know people hate all of the buttons on the TL but once learned one can do almost anything with the multi-media with only a glance. The Genesis system takes extra actions to complete tasks. And one can use the TL nav on the road and it has real time traffic and weather.
Bluetooth phone – On the TL, I had to designate people on a voice call list by tagging them (up to 10) in order to call by name. On the Genesis I can call anyone in the phone book by name.
Back-up camera- The Genesis back-up camera is low rez and low quality. The TL has a high-def system that is crystal clear and has a longer, wider viewing angle.
Features - Genesis. You just can't get many Genesis features on an Acura.
Dealership experience - Hyundai. All 3 I went to were top-notch with informed sales people.
Tranny – The Genesis. 8 speeds in a non-branded luxury car. Remarkable. It feels quality.
Exterior – Hands down the Genesis. I like the changes made for 2012. Give it more of a personality separate from the parent cars it is derived from.
That’s it for now. All in all, I really am very pleased with the Genesis.
The car was perfect when I got it except for water stains on the windows. I don’t know how that happened. Is there a break-in period for the car? The TL was 600 miles.
Ride – On LA surface streets the TL was like driving a 4 door Vette. Each bump, rut, and pot hole reverberated through the car disturbingly and viscerally. I could hear and feel everything. On the freeway it smoothed out and felt like it was on 4 magnets. But there was so much road noise. It was just too much.
The Genesis is like a vault. I feel connected to the road but also removed from it. On the freeway the car feels firmly planted but not like the TL. Road noise is minimal.
I like the 2012 4.6 much better than the 2011 I test drove. According to the press release they did make changes to the ride –
“CHASSIS REFINEMENT FOR 3.8 AND 4.6 MODELS
Always seeking to enhance the Genesis driving experience, Hyundai engineers have made further refinements to the 3.8 and 4.6 model suspension damping calibrations. These precise adjustments serve to minimize the traditional compromises between handling precision and ride comfort. In addition, body roll control for the 3.8 model is enhanced, with the rear stabilizer bar diameter increasing from 17 mm to 18 mm.” ‘
Handling – Hands down the TL SH-AWD but you pay the aforementioned price.
Acceleration – The TL is like being in a jet. It just keeps gaining speed as long as you want to push it. It’s an exciting feeling. I think the Genesis is capable of the same or more but have not pushed it yet.
Interior – Fit and finish on the Genesis is excellent given the price point. Both cars use cheaper materials here and there. The Genesis interior feels better and looks like it was put together better. But really I’m no expert in these affairs. I’ll have to see how the Genesis holds up. The TL developed 2 rattles after about 4,000 miles. My 6 year old Elantra has no rattles at all. Also, the TL body structure seemed to flex. The Geneis is solid.
Having said that; the Genesis has an elegance the TL lack. I don’t have push any buttons hard on the Genesis. A simply touch accomplishes the task.
Multi-media - I know people hate all of the buttons on the TL but once learned one can do almost anything with the multi-media with only a glance. The Genesis system takes extra actions to complete tasks. And one can use the TL nav on the road and it has real time traffic and weather.
Bluetooth phone – On the TL, I had to designate people on a voice call list by tagging them (up to 10) in order to call by name. On the Genesis I can call anyone in the phone book by name.
Back-up camera- The Genesis back-up camera is low rez and low quality. The TL has a high-def system that is crystal clear and has a longer, wider viewing angle.
Features - Genesis. You just can't get many Genesis features on an Acura.
Dealership experience - Hyundai. All 3 I went to were top-notch with informed sales people.
Tranny – The Genesis. 8 speeds in a non-branded luxury car. Remarkable. It feels quality.
Exterior – Hands down the Genesis. I like the changes made for 2012. Give it more of a personality separate from the parent cars it is derived from.
That’s it for now. All in all, I really am very pleased with the Genesis.
The car was perfect when I got it except for water stains on the windows. I don’t know how that happened. Is there a break-in period for the car? The TL was 600 miles.
