My 2011 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Ride is Rougher Than Expected

[robcar]

The Consumer Reports review (along with most other negative comments about the Genesis suspension) was for the 2009 model year. Hyundai made some definite improvements in the suspension for the 2010 model year. Not sure which model year you have.

I have a 2009 that I upgraded to 2010 suspension specs, and it is much improved, especially over rough roads. Not that the 2010 or 2011 suspension is perfect, but I don't recall any negative reviews about it in the automotive press (probably not many reviewed the 2010 model since the Genesis was new in 2009). One reason we know the 2010/2011 suspension is not perfect, is that they improved it again in 2012 (and are boasting about it in their press release).

I own a 2010 4.6. I like it very much but I do find the suspension falls short of my other cars. It rides great on the highway but is a bit jittery and unsettled on bumpy roads. As for Consumer Reports, they have rated the Genesis highly and have recommended it every model year but they also have commented on the suspension every year:

April 2010 issue review of 2010 model: "the car's weak link is its somewhat nervous ride."

April 2011 issue review of 2011 model: "the ride is nervous."

And in the November 2010 issue, Consumer Reports gives the Genesis aa very high 92 out of 100 rating, placing it second behind the Infiniti M37 (which had a 93 rating) and above Cadillac CTS, BMW 535i, Acura RL, Mercedes-Benz E350, and the Audi A6. However, they do comment about the "somewhat unsettled ride." The review begins: "Hyundai offers a lot of car for the money with the Genesis. It's well-finished and has a spacious interior and a smooth powertrain, providing much of the luxury of sedans that cost thousands more. The V8 engine in this version provides smooth and strong acceleration, and handling is fairly responsive if not particularly sporty. But the Genesis does not ride as well as it should...

"...Most bumps are absorbed well, but frequent short, jostling motions make the ride nervous..."

 

[Mark_888]

I own a 2010 4.6. I like it very much but I do find the suspension falls short of my other cars. It rides great on the highway but is a bit jittery and unsettled on bumpy roads. As for Consumer Reports, they have rated the Genesis highly and have recommended it every model year but they also have commented on the suspension every year:

April 2010 issue review of 2010 model: "the car's weak link is its somewhat nervous ride."

April 2011 issue review of 2011 model: "the ride is nervous."

And in the November 2010 issue, Consumer Reports gives the Genesis aa very high 92 out of 100 rating, placing it second behind the Infiniti M37 (which had a 93 rating) and above Cadillac CTS, BMW 535i, Acura RL, Mercedes-Benz E350, and the Audi A6. However, they do comment about the "somewhat unsettled ride." The review begins: "Hyundai offers a lot of car for the money with the Genesis. It's well-finished and has a spacious interior and a smooth powertrain, providing much of the luxury of sedans that cost thousands more. The V8 engine in this version provides smooth and strong acceleration, and handling is fairly responsive if not particularly sporty. But the Genesis does not ride as well as it should...

"...Most bumps are absorbed well, but frequent short, jostling motions make the ride nervous..."

I was one of the first and most persistent to complain in this forum about the 2009 suspension, and have made hundreds of posts on this subject criticizing it. I have already stated that, although the 2010 suspension is definitely improved over 2009, they can do better (and they have admitted that fact by changing it again in 2012). However, it is not an expensive air suspension, like is available on the Korean version of the Genesis, so we will have to see what they were able to do for 2012.

Also, although I agree completely with the Consumer Reports review of the 2009 Genesis and their comments about the suspension (and many other media reviews that are critical of it that I have posted myself), I would bet a lot of money that Consumer Reports did not retest the 2010 or 2011 Genesis, since the car is "basically" unchanged from 2009. When the 2010 was first released, Hyundai was touting the 2010 suspension changes, but pulled that information from press releases because dealers with lots of 2009 models still in stock complained. Being a Consumer Reports subscriber up until just a short while ago, I can attest to the fact they have a very sloppy run organization (I assume due to lack of funds) and they make lots of mistakes (and a terrible website). One time I received a copy of their magazine with most of the pages in the wrong order, or upside down (and I never saw them admit it). Consumer Reports claims they purchase all the cars they review (don't accept loaners from the manufacturers to review) so that is another reason I don't think they actually drove a 2010 or 2011 model.

Although I don't want to infringe in any way with those who want to criticize the Genesis suspension, some of old media reviews being quoted are for the 2009. That being said, the Genesis IS NOT a luxury cruiser. And it does not have an expensive air suspension system for the North American version, or a sophisticated suspension like some the "competitors" that sell for $15-20K more. The 2010 suspension is not as good as it should be, but it is acceptable to me (unlike 2009 suspension). But perhaps if I lived in areas with lots of pot holes and bad roads, I might be more inclined to sell it and get something else.

 

[homeofstone]

"Ride is Rougher than Expected" I was just going through this thread and thought why is this statement made. When I spend 40,000.00 or more for something like a car I make sure it rides and drives like I want. I just don't understand not test driving cars extensively on all types of roads and the ones that you drive regularly. If test driven several times prior to purchase, a car's ride should not be unexpected. Maybe I test drive cars that way because I live with my purchases for over 200,000 miles.

 

[Vince2]

homeofstone just like we know all about the people we marry, the home we buy, the job we take ... If your point is its the buyers fault for not thoroughly vetting the vehicle then OK GUILTY. Now that I've admitted my mistake how then should I proceede? Wait a minute Hyundai has shown us the way out of the suspension wilderness and verily I saw unto you it is the new 2012! The lamp is dim but with a little globe polishing (some smart soul finding the new part numbers) we will be on our way...

 

[Mark_888]

homeofstone just like we know all about the people we marry, the home we buy, the job we take ... If your point is its the buyers fault for not thouroughly vetting the vehicle then OK GUILTY. Now that I've admitted my mistake how then should I proceede? Wait a minute Hyundai has shown us the way out of the suspension wilderness and verily I saw unto you it is the new 2012! The lamp is dim but with a little globe polishing (some smart soul finding the new part numbers) we will be on our way...

First step is to drive a 2012 and see if it is acceptable to you. Don't forget that Hyundai already "fixed" the suspension once when they introduced the 2010 models.

Check the tire pressure before the test drive (should be 33 PSI if car has not been driven in last few hours, or maybe about 35 PSI if driven recently). Some dealers may lower tire pressure to make for smoother test drives.

 

[robcar]

I was one of the first and most persistent to complain in this forum about the 2009 suspension, and have made hundreds of posts on this subject criticizing it. I have already stated that, although the 2010 suspension is definitely improved over 2009, they can do better (and they have admitted that fact by changing it again in 2012). However, it is not an expensive air suspension, like is available on the Korean version of the Genesis, so we will have to see what they were able to do for 2012.

Also, although I agree completely with the Consumer Reports review of the 2009 Genesis and their comments about the suspension (and many other media reviews that are critical of it that I have posted myself), I would bet a lot of money that Consumer Reports did not retest the 2010 or 2011 Genesis, since the car is "basically" unchanged from 2009. When the 2010 was first released, Hyundai was touting the 2010 suspension changes, but pulled that information from press releases because dealers with lots of 2009 models still in stock complained. Being a Consumer Reports subscriber up until just a short while ago, I can attest to the fact they have a very sloppy run organization (I assume due to lack of funds) and they make lots of mistakes (and a terrible website). One time I received a copy of their magazine with most of the pages in the wrong order, or upside down (and I never saw them admit it). Consumer Reports claims they purchase all the cars they review (don't accept loaners from the manufacturers to review) so that is another reason I don't think they actually drove a 2010 or 2011 model.

Although I don't want to infringe in any way with those who want to criticize the Genesis suspension, some of old media reviews being quoted are for the 2009. That being said, the Genesis IS NOT a luxury cruiser. And it does not have an expensive air suspension system for the North American version, or a sophisticated suspension like some the "competitors" that sell for $15-20K more. The 2010 suspension is not as good as it should be, but it is acceptable to me (unlike 2009 suspension). But perhaps if I lived in areas with lots of pot holes and bad roads, I might be more inclined to sell it and get something else.

Mark, as I said, I think the Genesis rides great on the highway and I agree with you, on rough roads, it is "acceptable." Please understand, I love my Genesis and overall, I am very happy with it. Also, as I said, Consumer Reports does recommend it and does rate it highly among luxury sedans, with an overall score of 92 out of 100. In fact, in the November 2010 issue they rate the 2011 Genesis second best of all luxury sedans, right below the Infiniti M37 (which got a 93 rating) and above the Cadillac CTS, BMW 535i, Acura RL, Mercedes-Benz E350, Audi A6, and various other luxury cars, including the Lexus GS 450h and the Jaguar XF. What makes this amazing is the Genesis is the lowest price car on the list, selling for $15,000-$20,000 less than these other luxury sedans!

There is no question about it, the Genesis is a tremendous luxury car value. However, it does fall short in regards to its suspension. I live in the Chicago area where we have a lot of rough roads and potholes and my 2003 VW Passat, which cost me a lot less than my Genesis, also rides firm but handles these roads in a much more confident and serene manner.

I never drove a 2009 Genesis, but I believe you when you say it drove much worse than a 2010 on rough roads. I am glad you were able to improve the ride. All I am saying is, I think the Genesis gets an A+ in almost every respect, but I do wish the ride was more than "acceptable" on rough roads.

 

[Mark_888]

Mark, as I said, I think the Genesis rides great on the highway and I agree with you, on rough roads, it is "acceptable." Please understand, I love my Genesis and overall, I am very happy with it. Also, as I said, Consumer Reports does recommend it and does rate it highly among luxury sedans, with an overall score of 92 out of 100. In fact, in the November 2010 issue they rate the 2011 Genesis second best of all luxury sedans, right below the Infiniti M37 (which got a 93 rating) and above the Cadillac CTS, BMW 535i, Acura RL, Mercedes-Benz E350, Audi A6, and various other luxury cars, including the Lexus GS 450h and the Jaguar XF. What makes this amazing is the Genesis is the lowest price car on the list, selling for $15,000-$20,000 less than these other luxury sedans!

There is no question about it, the Genesis is a tremendous luxury car value. However, it does fall short in regards to its suspension. I live in the Chicago area where we have a lot of rough roads and potholes and my 2003 VW Passat, which cost me a lot less than my Genesis, also rides firm but handles these roads in a much more confident and serene manner.

I never drove a 2009 Genesis, but I believe you when you say it drove much worse than a 2010 on rough roads. I am glad you were able to improve the ride. All I am saying is, I think the Genesis gets an A+ in almost every respect, but I do wish the ride was more than "acceptable" on rough roads.

I am well aware of the Consumer Reports review of the Genesis and their comments about the suspension (which I posted on this forum about 2 years ago). My point was that I am quite sure that Consumer Reports never drove the 2010 or 2011 models, so their comments may be somewhat suspect given the problems with the suspension on the 2009 car they reviewed (that Hyundai changed in 2010 model year).

I say that even though I agree with your overall assessment of the suspension on the 2010/2011 model years, and that it still falls short of many other cars and needs improvement (which Hyundai claims they did for 2012 model just released).

Where I live, roads are smooth in almost all places (and very few potholes), so I can definitely sympathize with your situation.

 

[jdposhkus]

I finally picked my 2011 4.6 up today. The dealership I bought at is 60 miles from my house, I agree that "nervous" is the best way to characterize the suspension. I can live with it. This car outshines the pack in almost every other meaningful way. It is a tremendous value. The ride is way more comfortable a ride than my 09 Maxima was. And this car has way more going for it than the Maxima. And the lease price difference between the two cars is 2 bucks a month. A winner all the way.

 

[robcar]

I finally picked my 2011 4.6 up today. The dealership I bought at is 60 miles from my house, I agree that "nervous" is the best way to characterize the suspension. I can live with it. This car outshines the pack in almost every other meaningful way. It is a tremendous value. The ride is way more comfortable a ride than my 09 Maxima was. And this car has way more going for it than the Maxima. And the lease price difference between the two cars is 2 bucks a month. A winner all the way.

Congratulations on your new car! The "nervous" ride on rough roads notwithstanding, in every other respect it is an outstanding car, and a tremendous value. Treat yourself to the Beatles "Love" DVD-A in 5.1 DTS surround sound, pop it into your spectacular 17-speaker Lexicon sound system, and enjoy your concert hall on wheels!

 

[Mark_888]

If the 2010/2011 suspension is "nervous" then the early 2009 suspension (before minor mid-year 2009 changes, and more significant changes in 2010) was having a complete mental breakdown.

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[robcar]

If the 2010/2011 suspension is "nervous" then the early 2009 suspension (before minor mid-year 2009 changes, and more significant changes in 2010) was having a complete mental breakdown.

God almighty, Mark, it sounds like the early 2009 Genesis rides like a stagecoach. Makes me wonder how it won 2009 North American Car of the Year!

 

[Mark_888]

God almighty, Mark, it sounds like the early 2009 Genesis rides like a stagecoach. Makes me wonder how it won 2009 North American Car of the Year!

The overall firms of 2009 vs 2010 did not change much (if any), it was just that the springs were overpowering the shocks and the bounciness could sometimes continue on for relatively long time and were not damped well by the shocks. It was fine on smooth roads, and it tended to get better as springs loosened up, and also a little better in warmer weather. But 2010 is definitely nicer. I guess 2012 is nicer again.

As I mentioned before, the hard-core automotive press always prefers stiff suspensions, even if they would not buy one themselves for a family car. In addition, some of them may have been misled by test driving on relatively smooth roads, just like some of us who bought the car. But I guess that also is a testament to just how good the rest of the car is (especially at the price being offered, which seems to be deliberately underpriced in North America compared to Korean prices).

 

[jdposhkus]

Ok, I just got my Genesis, I have read nearly every post pertaining to the gripes about the suspension on the Genny. 09, 10 notwithstanding, as I have an 11 and have no basis for comparison. I have been paying attention to every bump pothole, expansion joint and road imperfection in my normal around town driving. I just came out of an 09 Maxima, it rode nice but considerably harder than the Genny.
My Genny is generally smooth and composed. It may not be perfect, at times jittery or nervous as amny of you put it but it is really good. I did a comparison with 3 newer cars in our fleet today on a 4 mile loop of some of the typical roads in my town. All 3 road tests were conducted in dry conditions with me and my boss. (200lb males) We drove the loops consecutively and at posted speeds.

Car 1. 2012 Infiniti M37x 3500 miles on odo. MSRP 54xxx
Car 2. 2010 MB E-350 4-Matic 10k on odo. MSRP 58xxx
Car 3. 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 250 miles on odo. MSRP 43xxx

Guess what?
All 3 cars perform in a similar fashion. Neither the Benz nor the Infiniti isolated the imperfections joints bumps potholes in a markedly better fashion. The Benz is smoother than the Infiniti, but not by much. The Infiniti is smoother than the Genesis, but not by much. The difference in road manners between the E Class to the Genesis is not notable enough to overcome the price difference.
Neither the E-Class or the M37x put power down like the Genesis.
They dont have cabin room like the Genny. The interiors are not notably more upscale, their cabins are not quieter, both trunks are smaller.
The only advantage the Jap and German have over the big Korean is brand cachet, and all-weather capability. The drivers of these other two cars (my bosses) who coincidentally flip the monthly nut for my Genny are incredulous as to how much content it has, and how truly nice it is.
Dont hate on the car because it doesnt isolate every road imperfection, and have the outward status level of other established premium brands...Instead love it because of how good it is and how it is the absolute best kept secret on the road. And...because you have one!!!!

Thanks for reading.

Cheers.

JDP

 

[Mark_888]

I am just curious as to why Hyundai just does not offer to the US market the same shocks and springs that are on the Korean Versison which they say has a softer ride. It would seem to me that this might be the answer for those that prefer a softer ride.
The Monroe Shock is a nice shock but at this time they do not make a shock for the Genesis. May be later Monroe will come out with a shock for the Genesis.
I can tell you from exsperience that there were people who came out of the Lexus LS460 because they thought it's ride was to firm. The base LS460 and Genesis 4.6 both ride on 235-50-18 tires. The LS460 rides a little softer than the Genesis or handles rough surfaces a little better than the Genesis.
If you have always driven a car that gives a cushy ride it takes a little time to get use to a car with a firm but more controled ride.
I am ok with the ride of the Genesis but I can understand where some people would not be. At 300 miles I did trade the Dunlops for Continental Extreme Contacts DWS and am happy with the quietness, and smoother ride that you get with these tires but on rough surfaces you will still not get the ride that you will get with a floater but it will be improved.

Two reasons why they didn't use the Korean base suspension:

• The Korean base version (without air suspension) really is too soft for the North American market.
• Becasue the automotive press would have ripped the car to shreads in reviews if it had too cushy of a ride at the expense of handling. So it was a marketing decision, that maybe Hyundai is now backtracking on a little bit.

But beside that, you seem a little confused about the Genesis suspension. The "problem" is the springs, not the shocks. When Hyundai improved the suspension in 2010 (made it less jittery), they softened the springs and beefed up the shocks (and rear stabilizer) so they would be in balance with eachother.

 

[homeofstone]

Ok, I just got my Genesis, I have read nearly every post pertaining to the gripes about the suspension on the Genny. 09, 10 notwithstanding, as I have an 11 and have no basis for comparison. I have been paying attention to every bump pothole, expansion joint and road imperfection in my normal around town driving. I just came out of an 09 Maxima, it rode nice but considerably harder than the Genny.
My Genny is generally smooth and composed. It may not be perfect, at times jittery or nervous as amny of you put it but it is really good. I did a comparison with 3 newer cars in our fleet today on a 4 mile loop of some of the typical roads in my town. All 3 road tests were conducted in dry conditions with me and my boss. (200lb males) We drove the loops consecutively and at posted speeds.

Car 1. 2012 Infiniti M37x 3500 miles on odo. MSRP 54xxx
Car 2. 2010 MB E-350 4-Matic 10k on odo. MSRP 58xxx
Car 3. 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 250 miles on odo. MSRP 43xxx

Guess what?
All 3 cars perform in a similar fashion. Neither the Benz nor the Infiniti isolated the imperfections joints bumps potholes in a markedly better fashion. The Benz is smoother than the Infiniti, but not by much. The Infiniti is smoother than the Genesis, but not by much. The difference in road manners between the E Class to the Genesis is not notable enough to overcome the price difference.
Neither the E-Class or the M37x put power down like the Genesis.
They dont have cabin room like the Genny. The interiors are not notably more upscale, their cabins are not quieter, both trunks are smaller.
The only advantage the Jap and German have over the big Korean is brand cachet, and all-weather capability. The drivers of these other two cars (my bosses) who coincidentally flip the monthly nut for my Genny are incredulous as to how much content it has, and how truly nice it is.
Dont hate on the car because it doesnt isolate every road imperfection, and have the outward status level of other established premium brands...Instead love it because of how good it is and how it is the absolute best kept secret on the road. And...because you have one!!!!

Thanks for reading.

Cheers.

JDP

Thanks, you stated what my wife and I discovered when looking for a new car and test driving many new cars.

 

[Seattle Genesis]

God almighty, Mark, it sounds like the early 2009 Genesis rides like a stagecoach. Makes me wonder how it won 2009 North American Car of the Year!

Rob,
Come ride with me.. A stage coach would be a dream ride. Dont get me wrong. I love the car. So much Im planning on trading the 09 in on a 12 ASAP !!!

 

[robcar]

Rob,
Come ride with me.. A stage coach would be a dream ride. Dont get me wrong. I love the car. So much Im planning on trading the 09 in on a 12 ASAP !!!

I'll ride shotgun.

 

[tonygxp]

Rob,
Come ride with me.. A stage coach would be a dream ride. Dont get me wrong. I love the car. So much Im planning on trading the 09 in on a 12 ASAP !!!

unless it rides like a DIFFERENT car do you think you will be happy with a '12? sounds like you would like a ride similar to the ES350 or a Lincoln..

I am starting to understand what types of owners are complaining about the ride.. i am all for "cloud" cruising but i will take this handling/comfort over a floaty boat anyday.. they are just NOT going to make everyone happy. i am glad i test drove these before i bought one.. i still can't understand how somone owns a vehicle for an extended period of time HAting it?? life's too short, trade it, sell it whatever just get out why toture yourselves? for a couple grand?? take the hit and move on, how much is your happiness worth lol

 

[Seattle Genesis]

unless it rides like a DIFFERENT car do you think you will be happy with a '12? sounds like you would like a ride similar to the ES350 or a Lincoln..

I am starting to understand what types of owners are complaining about the ride.. i am all for "cloud" cruising but i will take this handling/comfort over a floaty boat anyday.. they are just NOT going to make everyone happy. i am glad i test drove these before i bought one.. i still can't understand how somone owns a vehicle for an extended period of time HAting it?? life's too short, trade it, sell it whatever just get out why toture yourselves? for a couple grand?? take the hit and move on, how much is your happiness worth lol

Like I said.. I really love this car except for the harsh ride. Thank God for the excellent steering, cause I use it to avoid the potholes here... lol !

 

[Mark_888]

unless it rides like a DIFFERENT car do you think you will be happy with a '12? sounds like you would like a ride similar to the ES350 or a Lincoln..

I am starting to understand what types of owners are complaining about the ride.. i am all for "cloud" cruising but i will take this handling/comfort over a floaty boat anyday..

I think that may be a little harsh (no pun intended). Some people complaining about the Genesis ride have the early 2009 suspension (before mid-year 2009 and 2010 upgrades) which you probably never experienced. Someone going from early 2009 to 2012 is going to feel a big difference. More moderate difference between 2010/2011 and the 2012.