Genesis vs. Acura TL

[Anathem]

Hi all, a newbie to the forum here. Looking at replacing my 2003 Acura TL this fall. The genesis sedan looks like the right choice in many ways, especially price to value ratio since I am not terribly status conscious and don't need to own a Beemer or Benz. I like my TL a lot and am particularly partial to the way it handles. My wife however doesn't like it mainly because the ride is too harsh for her (she also finds the seats uncomfortable). Test drove a Lexus before buying the TL and found the ride too soft (no road feel). I know the topic of ride/suspension is subjective, but I the Genesis sounds like a good compromise in terms of handling/feel. Planning a test drive soon but in the mean time I was wondering what others thought. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[dg_moore]

You won't find a lot of folks here with negative things to say about the Genesis. As a member of the majority I can say that I have loved this car from day 1, including the ride and handling. Welcome aboard! .

 

[wallymn]

Hi all, a newbie to the forum here. Looking at replacing my 2003 Acura TL this fall. The genesis sedan looks like the right choice in many ways, especially price to value ratio since I am not terribly status conscious and don't need to own a Beemer or Benz. I like my TL a lot and am particularly partial to the way it handles. My wife however doesn't like it mainly because the ride is too harsh for her (she also finds the seats uncomfortable). Test drove a Lexus before buying the TL and found the ride too soft (no road feel). I know the topic of ride/suspension is subjective, but I the Genesis sounds like a good compromise in terms of handling/feel. Planning a test drive soon but in the mean time I was wondering what others thought. Thanks in advance for your input.

I love the handling of the Genesis , power on sweepers are the most fun... (I would recommend a tire swap)... However it is a completely different style car than the TL.. You didn't say which Lexus you tested (GS is most comparable)... If it was the ES ... that and the TL are front drivers...

I think the biggest change you are looking at is from FWD to RWD... and handling is much different on those platforms..

The most "fun" about the RWD Genesis is the full power on very slight drift that can be invoked (on ramps around 100) before it bites and pushes you through the corner.... I have never driven a FWD car that can provide the same experience...

 

[Socrates]

I am not a Genesis owner, but likely will be soon. I originally was going to buy a TL. I wanted to like it. I really did. But I remember the steering requiring constant correction. If I'm not mistaken, the steering is electronic. I also much preferred the Genesis's audio system to the TL's. Of course the Genesis has much more interior volume which makes it feel more luxurious. The Genesis is also much quieter. The TL does have AWD going for it which is awesome, but on the downside it looks like Darth Vadar.

 

[Platgen]

As you stated, ride is subjective. You may want to test drive at least three Geneses. The different wheel sizes can affect the ride. Test drive a V6 with the 17 inch wheels, a V6 with the 18 inch wheels, and a V8. Make sure that the tire pressure is correct on the car. The correct cold tire pressure is 33 PSI. If the car has been driven, the pressure number will be a little higher. An incorrect tire pressure will make the ride harsher but handle better.
Good luck in your search for the car.

 

[nearwater]

Hi all, a newbie to the forum here. Looking at replacing my 2003 Acura TL this fall. The genesis sedan looks like the right choice in many ways, especially price to value ratio since I am not terribly status conscious and don't need to own a Beemer or Benz. I like my TL a lot and am particularly partial to the way it handles. My wife however doesn't like it mainly because the ride is too harsh for her (she also finds the seats uncomfortable). Test drove a Lexus before buying the TL and found the ride too soft (no road feel). I know the topic of ride/suspension is subjective, but I the Genesis sounds like a good compromise in terms of handling/feel. Planning a test drive soon but in the mean time I was wondering what others thought. Thanks in advance for your input.

If you're comparing the Genesis to the newer '09+ Acura TL w/ SH-AWD, I think they are very comparable in terms of available features, cabin space, price range, etc.

I really liked the TL SH-AWD, Tech package, w/ 6speed manual transmission.
Ride/handling wise, I would say the TL is definitely more sporty than the Genesis.
However, the overall appearance and interior fit/finish of the Genesis is a lot more luxurious.
Also, I'm sure 90% of most people would agree that the Genesis looks way better than the TL.

Make sure to test drive both and make your own decision.
Both are nice cars, IMO.

Dan

 

[TNTitan]

If you're comparing the Genesis to the newer '09+ Acura TL w/ SH-AWD, I think they are very comparable in terms of available features, cabin space, price range, etc.

I really liked the TL SH-AWD, Tech package, w/ 6speed manual transmission.
Ride/handling wise, I would say the TL is definitely more sporty than the Genesis.
However, the overall appearance and interior fit/finish of the Genesis is a lot more luxurious.
Also, I'm sure 90% of most people would agree that the Genesis looks way better than the TL.

Make sure to test drive both and make your own decision.
Both are nice cars, IMO.

Dan

Probably true.

Yikes! Looks like a spinal condition.

 

[InTheLou]

Hi all, a newbie to the forum here. Looking at replacing my 2003 Acura TL this fall. The genesis sedan looks like the right choice in many ways, especially price to value ratio since I am not terribly status conscious and don't need to own a Beemer or Benz. I like my TL a lot and am particularly partial to the way it handles. My wife however doesn't like it mainly because the ride is too harsh for her (she also finds the seats uncomfortable). Test drove a Lexus before buying the TL and found the ride too soft (no road feel). I know the topic of ride/suspension is subjective, but I the Genesis sounds like a good compromise in terms of handling/feel. Planning a test drive soon but in the mean time I was wondering what others thought. Thanks in advance for your input.

I looked at a TL also, have a 01 S2000, though only 26K miles, it's been 11 years and never been in the shop except for normal service. The styling just was a stopper for me on the TL, I have never seen so many angles and the grill looks like a bagel cutter. The RL is just over priced and cramped for the price, and Honda just does not know where to go with it, sales are dropping like crazy. Go drive the Genesis though, for rear wheel drive and the feel of the car is very different than the TL, which you may or may not like.

 

[homeofstone]

The seats in the Genesis are superior to the TL. Our previous car was an Acura and the seats is one reason that we did not look at a new one. The ride is about the same in both.

 

[Ruissimo]

I test-drove all three engines. I could not find a significant difference in riding comfort between the 3.8 and 4.6, though the 4.6 did feel more responsive, and had a little bit more "solid" feel to it (likely because of the added weight).

The 5.0 is by far the sportier suspension. I do not find mine to be harsh, though it is a stiff suspension. Coming from a 2003 model, you will DEFINITELY like the 5.0 better; a 10 year old suspension will likely beat you up a lot more than when it was new.

My brother borrowed my car for the weekend (we traded), and all he could say was "WOW, is that car smooth!" Of course, he drove it mainly on the highway...

Spend quality time behind the wheel. Take the worst roads you can on the test drive. Don't settle.

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[YEH]

The seats in the Genesis are superior to the TL. Our previous car was an Acura and the seats is one reason that we did not look at a new one. The ride is about the same in both.

I know there have been complaints about the comfort of Honda/Acura seats but that's saying something considering that the seats in the Genesis aren't the greatest (could use more bolstering like the seats in the new Azera).

 

[Benz > Audi]

Acuras including the RL are really stiff compared to the competition. I've owned a 2005 TSX, and I'm currently at the end of my lease on a C350. Granted, the new TL SHAWD and my old TSX are nothing a like in terms of driving experience and handling however both cars suspension felt way too stiff for a luxury brand. My C350 is way more plush compared to both, and Benz was given flack for the somewhat rudimentary set up in the C class.

I've test drove enough TL's for me to think, Acura is really behind the curb compared to Benz, BMW, and the Genesis when it comes to all those attributes.

So my pick, Genesis.

 

[lwmtasc]

I looked at/drove the Cadillac XTS, Infiniti G35, BMW 535, and the Benz E350. Read all the reviews, etc.
I am now driving a Genesis 3.8 base sedan and am loving it. I went with the base model to avoid all the problems with the Nav system (I get free map downloads every 6 months from Garmin). The 3.8 has all the performance you need and a good ride. The Genny is tight and responsive in sharp turns and the brakes are more then adequate. Acceleration is excellent for a vehicle this size and weight.
Warranty is the best! My daughter has a 2007 BMW M3 with 28K miles and has had to have a $7K tranny rebuild and a $2600 differential replacement - all out of warranty! Never buy a used BMW without a warranty!
I love the handling and performance, along with the fuel economy (21 city - 30+ Interstate). I have almost 5K miles and absolutely NO Issues with the Genny.
My friend bought a new E350 Benz and when he rode in my Genny he was astounded (He got no leather seats at $20K more-less warranty miles/months) by the ride/quality.