Now I know why people said the ride is different.

[NYCGPS]

I test drove a used 2009 Genesis with 11000 on odo V6 fully loaded a week ago, a brand new fresh off the boat 2012 V6 with Premium Package just yesterday, and a 2011 V8 loaded model today. I get an idea of what people are talking about now (about the ride quality)

2009 ---- most unstable of all, it's true. I mean I can stand it because I drive sports car all my life and I'm used bumpy roads (Should I just call it garbage roads?) but yea this is the most unstable of all(for a supposed to be upscale sedan)

2011 ---- it's an improvement over the 2009, but for some reason the road noise its worst than the 2009 I test drove. It's not "as bumpy" as the 2009 used I test drove. but I can still feel it. Might have something to do with it's "Dunflop" tires, they're good at performance and that's about it.

2012 ---- ok, this is what the Genesis should have been in 2009. It's much more stable compare to the older one. it has some ES350 feel --- NOT as plushy/soft as ES350. but it's getting close. they changed the tires to Energy Saver A/S, that might help something.

Just to give people an idea what to expect (especially the 2012 model) for the ride quality.

 

[Car Fan]

I test drove a used 2009 Genesis with 11000 on odo V6 fully loaded a week ago, a brand new fresh off the boat 2012 V6 with Premium Package just yesterday, and a 2011 V8 loaded model today. I get an idea of what people are talking about now (about the ride quality)

2009 ---- most unstable of all, it's true. I mean I can stand it because I drive sports car all my life and I'm used bumpy roads (Should I just call it garbage roads?) but yea this is the most unstable of all(for a supposed to be upscale sedan)

2011 ---- it's an improvement over the 2009, but for some reason the road noise its worst than the 2009 I test drove. It's not "as bumpy" as the 2009 used I test drove. but I can still feel it. Might have something to do with it's "Dunflop" tires, they're good at performance and that's about it.

2012 ---- ok, this is what the Genesis should have been in 2009. It's much more stable compare to the older one. it has some ES350 feel --- NOT as plushy/soft as ES350. but it's getting close. they changed the tires to Energy Saver A/S, that might help something.

Just to give people an idea what to expect (especially the 2012 model) for the ride quality.

I've had my 2012 just under a month and I've managed to put nearly 800 miles in that time. My conclusion may surprise you - the ride on bad or poor roads is a noticeable improvement. But on other roads I feel way more disconnected than I did with the early build 2009. That ride felt more supple and upscale on 90 % of the roads near me. The 2012 which handles poor roads quite well feels less upscale on good roads. I'll keep driving and provide updates over time.

 

[Vince2]

It seems that you can be either "sporty" or comfortable...I have a very similar feel for the difference in the ride of the later model Genesis. The "taut" ride of my 2010 was just too tight for me. I changed the tires to a Michelin tire known for a smooth, quiet ride. Yep it did ride smoother and big YEP it felt less conected. I was even less sporty than just a tire change and I opted for the 2012 after a test drive...more comfortable and yes less sporty. I actually enjoyed my 2010 driven over smooth roads but the occasional long ride was just not comfortable enough. If you enjoy "taut", and, even more descriptive, fast responding suspensions then there are deals to be had on "new" older Genesis still sitting on the lots.