Genesis vs Lexus GS350 vs Infiniti Q50

[GenesisNikon]

So I currently drive a 2008 Lexus IS250 RWD and want to upgrade for two main reasons
(1) Bigger engine
(2) AWD

My main targets are (main reasons for model years are essential price point)
- 2013-2014 GS 350
- 2015-2016 Hyundai Genesis
- 2014-2015 Infiniti Q50

I know this is a Genesis board so I'm sure the Genesis will be recommended but wanted to get some unbiased thoughts.

I actually am leaning towards the GS as I'm familiar with Lexus and my current car has not let me down.

So here are some of my thoughts and driving habits:

• Need AWD
• Want bigger engine (test drove IS350 and that is the sweet spot)
  • Want a bigger car than IS350 though (not sure if Q50 is in the same size class)
  • I don't have a lead foot and cornering, racing dynamics, etc. not a priority
  • Looking at more luxury ride
  • Just want something with a bit more punch on straight aways which I believe all these cars have
• Hyundai Genesis gas mileage is a bit lower than the rest
• Hyundai Genesis has more standard options (lane keep assist, dynamic cruise control)
• Looks are personal, but to me the Genesis is the best looking car but the GS is the best brand (Lexus)
  • The GS in white or silver is pretty nice. The spindle grill is more muted than later/other models which is also a positive
• Not looking for super sport feel. Now more interested in smooth driving and quiet cabin
• Reliability is a factor.
  • I put GS first, Genesis second, and Q50 last (is this a correct assessment?)

Thanks

 

[Nikhil Malhotra]

I had looked at Lexus GS350 , even test driven one .
Nothing wrong with it . It looks good , is super comfortable , and has a lot of gadgets . On top of it its know to be very reliable (heard it, not personal experience) .

The one i tried was also a V6 engine like the Genesis 3.8 v6

I bought the top of the line Hyundai Genesis 3.8 , due to little features here and there that make the overall package better (1) head up display (2) panaromic sunroof (3) sound system is one of the best (4) good quality leather and the wood dash .

The downside of Hyundai Genesis has been the dealership experience . It does not even come close to Lexus .
To me ... hyundai does not seem to be trying to even fix the dealership issue . And cost wise (cost of parts / repair) - they are slowly inching towards Lexus .

 

[GenesisNikon]

Yeah, the tech features on the Genesis definitely beat the Lexus. With Hyundai most are generally standard.

 

[skipgen]

I'd go for the Genesis... Primarily because the Lexus infotainment is infuriating to use and the graphics are Atari grade at best. And the Genesis is much better looking. The Q50 is basically a reskinned G37. I used to have a G37s Sedan, the Q50 didn't drive much different. Although, it was much nicer inside.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[GenesisNikon]

I do love that all the Carfax reports for the Genesis include the original window sticker (these aren't included in the Lexus reports).

Gives a quick snapshot of the package options. Also like that the Genesis has simple option packages and things can't really be added a la carte.

Even the Genesis with Ultimate package prices are reasonable.

Just gauging reliability and long term quality. This includes how the whole car holds up, not just the engine. Car rattles, squeaks, oil leaks, etc.

 

[Aquineas]

Based on your selection criteria, honestly I would go with the GS350.

1. The G80 is going to be bigger, heavier, and thirstier than the GS350
2. The G70 is sportier, but also smaller than the GS350.

 

[SuperKing]

The Lexus GS feels like a 15 year old car for some reason

 

[tompass]

Own both 2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD and 2019 Genesis G70 3.3 Sport. Two entirely different driving experiences and both have their place.

 

[TinsleyC]

The Q50 will have the tighter ride and will feel more sporty of the three. Probably the loudest, too. Reliability on all three should be good.

I've ridden in and driven several Q50's and they're no where near as quiet as the Genesis. But they are fun to drive. It may be the faster if the three.

 

[GenesisNikon]

I have not driven the Q50 yet but I'm certain it is the fastest and sportiest but not looking for just that. I honestly would rank luxury before sport. But I also don't want a car the feels like it struggles to quickly accelerate to pass other cars or going up inclines.

I mostly cruise but when I need that extra oomph, I want it available - like on mountain highways (I live in CO) or up highway on ramps, etc.

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[GenesisNikon]

One other question, any electrical "gremlins" on the 2015 or 2016 models. Those are the annoying things. I'm looking at a car and inspection report shows that the dealer had to investigate the car not communicating with our states emissions module. Some wiring harness had to be replaced. Things like that kind of scare me.

 

[greekgeek]

One other question, any electrical "gremlins" on the 2015 or 2016 models. Those are the annoying things. I'm looking at a car and inspection report shows that the dealer had to investigate the car not communicating with our states emissions module. Some wiring harness had to be replaced. Things like that kind of scare me.

Funny you should say that, my 2015 has been chock full of electrical gremlins. Several reports of wiring harness issues are on this forum, seems the harness in the trunk was not positioned well, this was later corrected. Probably by 2016 I am am uncertain if that was the case.

 

[joegr]

Since you are willing to go FWD, I suggest that you also consider the Kia Cadenza. The fully loaded versions are very loaded, and the used prices are pretty good. Test drive one before you eliminate it from your list.

 

[GenesisNikon]

Funny you should say that, my 2015 has been chock full of electrical gremlins. Several reports of wiring harness issues are on this forum, seems the harness in the trunk was not positioned well, this was later corrected. Probably by 2016 I am am uncertain if that was the case.

Thanks. This does concern me. Maybe look for 2016 or 2017

 

[skipgen]

Thanks. This does concern me. Maybe look for 2016 or 2017

I haven't had most of the issues with my 2015 5.0 Ultimate that some have stated - mine has 83k miles. As with any forum of any particular car, the reports of widespread problems will tend to be amplified. For instance, if you go on a Porsche forum one would think that all 911's between 1999 to 2005 have engines ready to turn into grenades - although only about 5% of cars really had deep issues...

As with any used car, drive a bunch of them and then buy the best one that you can afford. And if you're not mechanically savvy, get a Pre-purchase Inspection. If the seller balks, run away.