My 2011 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Ride is Rougher Than Expected

[tonygxp]

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.

after reading through these threads over the past few months and putting 3k miles on mine i just cannot relate to those with issues. the '09's i guess it's justified (i never drove one) but there a more than a few on here that complain about the newer ones and according the car mags they describe the ride the same on all the years they test???? get over it (to those complaining) move on or go hide until June 2013 when the '14 comes out.

 

[Mark_888]

after reading through these threads over the past few months and putting 3k miles on mine i just cannot relate to those with issues. the '09's i guess it's justified (i never drove one) but there a more than a few on here that complain about the newer ones and according the car mags they describe the ride the same on all the years they test???? get over it (to those complaining) move on or go hide until June 2013 when the '14 comes out.

First, you didn't read all the threads on this subject. There are thousands of posts on this subject going back 2 1/2 years.

Second, the automotive press does not road test the cars each year (since there were very few "published" changes between 2009-2011 Genesis models). Hyundai had planned to advertise the new 2010 suspension, but furor arose from dealers (many on this forum) who had lots of 2009's still in stock. But as previously noted, some in the automotive press are highly biased to cars with very stiff suspensions.

Third, even so, quite of few in the automotive press mentioned problems with the 2009 suspension, such as this:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/08q4/2009_hyundai_genesis-video

 

[Seattle Genesis]

First, you didn't read all the threads on this subject. There are thousands of posts on this subject going back 2 1/2 years.

Second, the automotive press does not road test the cars each year (since there were very few "published" changes between 2009-2011 Genesis models). Hyundai had planned to advertise the new 2010 suspension, but furor arose from dealers (many on this forum) who had lots of 2009's still in stock. But as previously noted, some in the automotive press are highly biased to cars with very stiff suspensions.

Third, even so, quite of few in the automotive press mentioned problems with the 2009 suspension, such as this:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/08q4/2009_hyundai_genesis-video

Thanks.... I had never seen this video before.

 

[oreipa]

I voiced my opinion on this topic back in the original threads and do not wish to rehash the old arguments, but for the record, I am the owner of an early '09--built June '08--and have never found the ride to be washboard, stagecoach or fill-in-the-blank like. I came from two successive Audis with sport suspensions, and though not quite as refined, I have found the stiffness to be similar. I took a long test drive over railroad tracks, draw bridges and generally poor roads prior to purchase. Just my two cents.

 

[wallymn]

I voiced my opinion on this topic back in the original threads and do not wish to rehash the old arguments, but for the record, I am the owner of an early '09--built June '08--and have never found the ride to be washboard, stagecoach or fill-in-the-blank like. I came from two successive Audis with sport suspensions, and though not quite as refined, I have found the stiffness to be similar. I took a long test drive over railroad tracks, draw bridges and generally poor roads prior to purchase. Just my two cents.

Ditto above, I have an 08 build (2009 4.6) no suspension issues at all.
tire swap improved the handling (due to poor stock performance tires) but that isn't a reflection of the suspension handling of poor road conditions.

I will be trading in for a 2012 rSpec if it delivers the performance improvements I hope for.

 

[mk1]

I voiced my opinion on this topic back in the original threads and do not wish to rehash the old arguments, but for the record, I am the owner of an early '09--built June '08--and have never found the ride to be washboard, stagecoach or fill-in-the-blank like. I came from two successive Audis with sport suspensions, and though not quite as refined, I have found the stiffness to be similar. I took a long test drive over railroad tracks, draw bridges and generally poor roads prior to purchase. Just my two cents.

Concur - while it can be a little jittery it really handles no different than any other sports tuned car I've owned. I see you are in MA - where are you located?

 

[scottdk]

Ditto above, I have an 08 build (2009 4.6) no suspension issues at all.
tire swap improved the handling (due to poor stock performance tires) but that isn't a reflection of the suspension handling of poor road conditions.

I will be trading in for a 2012 rSpec if it delivers the performance improvements I hope for.

Wally, how many miles do you have on your car now? You break 100k?

 

[jdposhkus]

Concur - while it can be a little jittery it really handles no different than any other sports tuned car I've owned. I see you are in MA - where are you located?

01501 in the House.
MA-Holes representing.
Mini-GTG??

 

[neptune]

For those of you who think this is normal for a sports sedan, I beg to differ. I was really excited to test drive a 2011 Genesis after owning a BMW 5 series for 3 years and an LS430 for 9 years. The ride and handling was unsettling to say the least. As long as you were on flat asphalt at highway speeds, the car rode like an Lexus. Once I turned onto suburban concrete with expansion joints the fun began! The Genesis turned into a "bucking bronco". It felt like the rear end was suspended in the air for a microsecond and then made a jarring landing on the next strip of pavement. My wife made several comments to the salesman who acknowledged the harsh ride. He suggested a Sonata might have a more "refined" ride. We made a dash for the Toyota dealership and found the Avalon and Camry to have a much better ride and drive. I still drive my BMW 5 series to work everyday, and it is a sports sedan, without a "harsh ride".

 

[Vince2]

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"For those of you who think this is normal for a sports sedan, I beg to differ. I was really excited to test drive a 2011 Genesis after owning a BMW 5 series for 3 years and an LS430 for 9 years. The ride and handling was unsettling to say the least. As long as you were on flat asphalt at highway speeds, the car rode like an Lexus. Once I turned onto suburban concrete with expansion joints the fun began! The Genesis turned into a "bucking bronco". It felt like the rear end was suspended in the air for a microsecond and then made a jarring landing on the next strip of pavement. My wife made several comments to the salesman who acknowledged the harsh ride. He suggested a Sonata might have a more "refined" ride. We made a dash for the Toyota dealership and found the Avalon and Camry to have a much better ride and drive. I still drive my BMW 5 series to work everyday, and it is a sports sedan, without a "harsh ride". "


YEP! That's why Hyundai "re-tuned" the suspension for the 2012. I owned the 2010 Genesis and I was never happy with the ride. I was so unhappy that I started looking to free my self of the vehicle a few months after I got it. I tolerated the vehicle for one year. I was really suprised that Hyundai didn't offer a fix or if that's too harsh for some then a change for those unhappy with the ride. I test drove the 2012 and bought it two days later. If Hyundai hadn't softened the ride I would have traded my 2010 for a non Hyundai and never returned.

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[Seattle Genesis]

So Vince. Still happy with the 2012? You got a V6? Any updates on the car since you got it?

 

[Vince2]

Am I still happy with my 2012? HELLS YES!!!! I've said far to often here on the forums that a Genesis with a good suspension is my ideal car...I'm driving my ideal car! Still some sting left from the 2010 (it was just too friggin harsh! It was!). But the good thing about the experience of owning the '10 was that I found the Genesis Owners forum. The power of 3.6 is more than enough, the brakes which are really good in the '10 are even better, I think Hyundai added a tad more padding to the seats or maybe the leather is a better grade because they are more comfortable. It is as if the car has grown up. That's probably the result of Hyundai using the input of focus groups. I enjoy driving this car more every day. I haven't even mentioned the 7.1 Lexicon! Love this car. Period

 

[Vince2]

Umm thefront bumper extends a little farther down than the previous years...careful around parking curbs and what not. I got a scrape on the front bumper right on the bottom edge...$150 repair (and that's the friendly price from my travelling dent man)

 

[barrympf1]

I recently leased a 2011 4.6 Genesis Sedan. I was very disappointed with the harsh ride. I subsequently switched out the Dunlop Tires for Michelin Pilot MRM4's. This greatly improved the ride. I then had Nitrogen put in the tires at a pressure of 33lbs. The two changes together has made the ride not only pleasant, but handling characteristics are still great. Much less expensive alternative than replacing the suspension system.

Barrympf1

 

[tarche]

Vince2,

Did they work with you on your trade since it was Genny for Genny or did you just cut your losses and accept the pain? I just hit the one-year mark with mine and while I'm not as disappointed as I was in the first three months I still fantasize about trading it in for something with a smoother ride.

Congrats and best of luck with your 2012.

 

[peter_302]

As for my wife and I, we put 50,000 + miles a year on a car with busimess and have come to realize that a car that rides and has firm seats like the Genesis keeps our backs from hurting and we are less tired after driving long distances.

I'm glad that you mentioned the "tired" factor after a long drive. The sure-footedness and excellent tracking of my Genesis sedan are both very noticeable after a long drive, as I have far less tenseness in my neck and back and less mental fatigue. The thing about a floaty-boaty ride is that it demands more driver concentration/corrections and hardly instills a feeling of confidence (less feel of the road, and that uncertainty adds to driver tension and fatigue on a long trip).

It's a compromise. Loving my Genny so far.[/QUOTE]


I agree with you. Recently I consider replace tires with my Genny due to compare with MB S350. I found that MB has 1871 width with 255/45/R18 tires and Genny has 1890 width with 235/50/R18, so maybe it's the issue why my Genny has less fell of the road. I think it could improve ride quality due to wider tires reduce body rock from left to right on rough road. But I'm not sure my 18 wheel whether could match the wider tires.

 

[Vince2]

tarche there will be pain anytime you trade in a one year old vehicle...I was given 27K for my one year old premium 3.8 and I used the Costco program and the returning costumer/loyalty bonus...so that in the end (and without fishing out the paperwork again) I paid about 1500 less than invoice. If that fits the "working with me" then yes I guess they did. But here is the deal: I really, really begin to resent/dislike the previous ride. It was just too f*&(*) stiff! The 2012 has made all the difference. I enjoy this present car more every day...we should have gotten this ride the first time around. Oh well that's life.

 

[jimsavage]

I only have 500 miles on my new car. When I drive on some side streets the ride is rougher than my old car and my old car has sport suspension, however, the highway ride is very smooth.

Do you think the suspension and everything is still stiff from being new? How many miles does it take to break everything in? Does the Genesis sedan have sport suspension contributing to a little rougher ride? I will have to wait awhile before I change to smoother riding tires. Thanks for all your advice!

you feel every bump every pothole, every pothole repair every bridge entrance and exit i now hate bridges just like you were on a wagon
every bump in the road is a jolt to your body
that is the only issue i have with my 2010 genesis and i now have 49,500 miles on every kind of road in 40 states it just does not get better ever
so much for the luxury car i wanted, and don't believe it's the tires, thats a joke and $1000.00 later for new tires, i could'nt wait to change the original ones
but the rest of the car is fantastic

 

[jimsavage]

I only have 500 miles on my new car. When I drive on some side streets the ride is rougher than my old car and my old car has sport suspension, however, the highway ride is very smooth.

Do you think the suspension and everything is still stiff from being new? How many miles does it take to break everything in? Does the Genesis sedan have sport suspension contributing to a little rougher ride? I will have to wait awhile before I change to smoother riding tires. Thanks for all your advice!

you feel every bump every pothole, every pothole repair every bridge entrance and exit i now hate bridges just like you were on a wagon
every bump in the road is a jolt to your body
that is the only issue i have with my 2010 genesis and i now have 49,500 miles on every kind of road in 40 states it just does not get better ever
so much for the luxury car i wanted, and don't believe it's the tires, thats a joke and $1000.00 later for new tires, i could'nt wait to change the original ones
but the rest of the car is fantastic

 

[Soldier76]

My 2011 genny 4.6 wit tech package rides excellent, well the dealership put nitrogen in all the car tires on the lot. That might make a bit of difference also, but this car is a dream compared to my 2009 w/o tech, even though my 2009 really didn't give me any problems though. I had my 09 genny for 2 1/2 half years, so it was really hard letting go an almost perfect machine that I liked more and more each day.