2008 Cadillac CTS DI V6 vs. 2009 Hyundai Genesis V6: Smackdown

@1487 You said: "I do love how styling wasn't mentioned."

Clearly stated in the test: "We also gave the bold-looking CTS the edge in exterior styling, with three of us ranking it above the pleasantly forgettable Hyundai. If the decision in this fight came down to handling ability, engine performance, or the ability to turn the heads of passers-by, the CTS would walk away with the title."

P.S. I think the Genesis interior is better, and i also have been in both cars. Since we're speaking matter of factly apparently :)

The results are what I expected. The Genesis is smoother and more refined and the CTS is sportier and more aggressive.

Of the two, I would buy the CTS because I value the more aggressive feel over the luxury and the smoother ride.

I like the style of the CTS better too.

Can't argue with this comparo, the CTS holds nothing but probably handling over the Genesis...

The Genesis to me is instantly recognizable.

The CTS is better looking, has better steering, and is American. That's enough for me.

If this was a comparo between the CTS and the Genesis V8 I might have to take a much close inspection.

The Genesis is about as instantly recognizable as the Camry next door...

Now that the Obama Administration is running GM- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29946290/?gt1=43001 , I'm sure that any flaws in the CTS will be corrected immediately...

^sad isn't it?

And how anyone could be surprised by their verdict is beyond me. They've sung praises about the Genesis from day one but niggled at the CTS's flaws.

I'm impressed Hyundai's come this far, but I'd still rather own the Cadillac. It has character, and I'd rather have that than a bland, if competent, car.

Actually, I'd rather have a G8 GT than either one.

Genesis seems to be more of a Lexus competitor, the CTS more of a BMW and Mercedes competitor. Each one is perfectly good for a certain consumer.

I rather prefer the Genesis. I like the CTS, it's the best looking sedan GM has ever made. But I like the simple understated look of the Genesis, especially the grill, which is much better looking than the base CTS.

CTS with it's sharp angles & dripping in chrome is too much 'Bling-Bling'. Is there a market for it? Sure. But in the field I am in, subtle style is appreciated when dealing with clients rather than in-your-face chrome.

CTS & Genesis cater to 2 separate demographics. Both are equally good vehicles.

Even I, a person who will cross shop a Lotus Elise and a Hummer H3T would not cross shop these two cars.

@wobbly,

"Both are equally good vehicles."

That's certainly not our conclusion in the comparison test. The CTS handles better; the Genesis does everything else better. I don't think that adds up to "equally good," with due respect to the CTS, a very good car on its own merits.

-S.B. True

oh, and @people who wouldn't cross-shop 'em,

Really?

RWD luxury sedans. V6-powered. About 300 hp. Same ballpark on pricing. Why wouldn't you cross-shop them? Because the Genesis wasn't tuned on the Nurburgring?

If the question is, "What's the best RWD V6-powered mid-to-full-size luxury sedan for around $40 grand" -- a reasonable question to ask, I think, for shoppers in this segment -- you've got to drive these two cars.

You know, price points and layout were similar in this test, however I feel as if they're comparing apples to oranges. Almost like comparing a Lexus LS460 to a BMW 550i sport. The Genesis does get my attention pretty well when I see one on the road, moreso than even a Merc S-class. But I would not cross shop it with a CTS (which also gets my attention pretty often). I'd probably cross shop a Genesis with a Chrysler 300 or Lincoln MKS, where I'd cross shop a CTS with a C-class Benz or 3-series. Interesting seeing how the two stack up in your fleet as mid-priced sedans, but I believe you failed to take into account what these sedans were designed for in the first place.

I would go with Hyundai. As a Hyundai owner I see what progress they are making. The Genesis is a fantastic sedan. You get less with the Caddy in my opinion. I think that older men would buy the Caddy and younger men would buy the more "sporty" Genesis. All in all the Genesis is a great package. Consumer Reports loves this car.

Interesting comparison and an impressive win for Hyundai - they have put together a very appealing "no excuses" vehicle in the Genesis and deserve a round of applause for what they have accomplished.

CTS is a nice car. Great handling car? No. Compared to a Genesis though, the CTS has a more buttoned-down feel.

Wow, Edmunds keeps losing credibility everyday with articles like this.

Better interior in the Hyundai? You've got to be kidding. First off the styling of the dash, center console, and door panels is vastly superior in the CTS. The Genesis interior design is very plain and boring looking. Materials quality? I don't see French stitching in the Hyundai dash, center console, and doors like the CTS is.

And since when did handling and steering feel not matter? Only when you're not testing a BMW?? What about braking performance? Not a word.

How much did Hyundai pay you guys anyway? Edmunds is becoming like Consumer Reports.

No mention either of warranty coverage, dealer service experience, etc. Compare the average Cadillac service to the average Hyundai service (same as you get with an Elantra). You do get quite a bit more with a luxury brand, and that's part of the $6k premium.

I think you guys have been sniffing too many Korean plastic fumes.

" I think that older men would buy the Caddy and younger men would buy the more "sporty" Genesis. "

Ha! Please tell me you were kidding. The Genesis is about as sporty as a toaster, and has absolutely ZERO appeal to young men. The Genesis will fight to win over the hearts of 70-80 year old grandparents who are driving Lexus ES350s now.

"All in all the Genesis is a great package. Consumer Reports loves this car. "

Of course, because it operates like an appliance, like a toaster. Something Consumer Reports understands. Just like Toyota and Lexus - transforming the automobile into boring appliances.

There are very few cars that Consumer Reports recommends that I actually like (none maybe?).

"... I'd cross shop a CTS with a C-class Benz or 3-series."

Why do most want to compare a CTS with a 3 series? The CTS is nearly identical in size with a 5 series.

Stingray - I'm guessing you haven't driven a Genesis or driven in one yet. The "base" v6 provides a pretty sweet ride; I'm guessing alot of family men in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s will be attracted to it's overall combination. The main difference, against the CTS, is that it offers serious rear seat room and a much bigger trunk.

I wouldn't say it's sporty in V6 form, but it's not floaty or disconnected either. It's probably like the CTS in FE1 form, or maybe between FE1 and FE2 suspensions.

I imagine the V8, with 100 more HP, feels alot more sporting as well. Kinda like the CTS with DI engine feels more sporting than the Base CTS.

Joe

It appears IL cant just praise the Genesis without stipulating that its supposedly superior to the CTS in every way except handling. The two cars are about even in interior materials. The CTS has a better design. To my knowledge the Genesis doesnt even have real wood trim available. CTS handles better and looks better. The Genesis has the advantage in space and value but it has advantages on EVERY competing luxury car in those categories. Style is a huge factor in luxury car purchases so you cant just dismiss the CTS' advantage in that category. The Genesis is attractive but VERY generic.

"P.S. I think the Genesis interior is better, and i also have been in both cars. Since we're speaking matter of factly apparently :)"

Based on what? The CTS has the more avant garde interior styling. Both cars have soft touch materials. CTS has real wood trim and pop up nav with crisp graphics. Both have soft leather inside. CTS has better gauges. How is the Genesis better on the inside? I think the Genesis dull interior styling is one of its biggest (and few) drawbacks.

I don't understand why people only compare the Genesis' looks to Lexus and BMW. When I look at it, I see a lot of Buick in it.

Now the Feds will back up GM warranties:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123841609048669495.html
I feel better already. The fate of Government Motors is secure...

Quick side note...
Why is it when you research Luxury vehicles on Edmuns.com, the Hyundai is not an option?
Something to think about.

My money would probably go to the Caddy as it has the edge in handling. I haven't been in either car, so I can't really comment about interior look/feel. I will, however, say that I am amused by some of the observations that are being made in such a matter-of-fact manner, particularly with regard to styling - an almost complete subjective matter. For instance, I'll agree that I prefer the look of the CTS interior and exterior to that of the Hyundai, but I wouldn't say that the styling is "superior." By the way, what constitutes "superior" styling? Ok, I understand that there is a difference between a DB9 and a Versa, but the difference between these two is simply down to a matter of taste. Same goes for things like the nav and gauges. How is one better than the other? Most nav displays look pretty similar, and the instruments in both cars seem to be crisp and modern. I'm not sure that it's possible to make such a black-and-white distinction between the two.

@sabastian,

Thanks for the injection of sanity. Personally I enjoy the CTS's swoopy center-stack design, but I hate how it swoops right into my right knee -- a dealbreaker if I were shopping in this segment. The Genesis interior is an S-Class ripoff, and a pretty good one. Anyway, your point is well-taken: in this case, where you've got two pretty nicely executed interiors, styling superiority is in the eye of the beholder.

Regarding interior materials, the french stitching in the CTS is nice, but here's a major demerit that knocked it down in the scoring: the center stack is trimmed exclusively in cheap-looking and -feeling silver-painted plastic. Not even an attempt to make it look like brushed aluminum (a la the new Mazda MX-5, for example) -- just plastic with silver paint, like you might find in a Cobalt or Malibu. In a car that starts above $38k, I would like some real aluminum, please.

As for the Genesis, it has real brushed aluminum on both the center console and center stack.

-JS

Now that's a low blow my esteemed colleague. The CTS is far far far superior to the Cobalt or Malibu -- not even close. It is indeed plastic with silver paint, but I find it to be pretty classy. I didn't find that particular area to be better or worse than the Genesis. My bigger concern was that the Genesis had higher quality materials elsewhere in the cabin than the CTS. The trim around the rear airvents and the lower dash for instance.

However, the CTS remains one of the strongest in the class in its mix of materials quality and overall design. Only the Genesis is noticeably better. Design wise, I find them to be equally successful at catering to their intended aesthetic (subdued and classy versus trendy and classy), but its that slight advantage in quality that gives the Hyundai the edge.

-James Riswick

Sir Riswick,

A distinction with a difference: the Genesis's silver plastic HVAC *buttons* are surrounded by brushed aluminum trim. There's also brushed aluminum trim on the center console.

I do agree Hyundai could have done a better job of setting off the buttons from the aluminum trim. They're the same color, and in the daylight that's not ideal for ease of use.

But the fact remains: Genesis has brushed aluminum trim, CTS does not. It's one of those luxurious touches that puts the Genesis a cut above.

-JS

SBT - Looking at the pictures in the comparo, I'm not seeing a huge difference in how the center stack effects your knees. Maybe it's how the pictures were taken, I don't know.

I'm not screaming, just curious to the differences. They both looked pretty cramped, and your legs (or whomevers they are) look pretty well upright.

@smilez,

The CTS has a lower seating position, so longer-legged people will find that their legs want to splay out to the side. Thing is, your right leg can't splay out, because the center stack swoops toward it. So you end up resting your knee and shin against the swooping center stack, which (unlike the 350Z, for example) is not padded. Result: consistent discomfort. Not an issue in Genesis due to (1) more chair-like driving position, (2) less swoopy center stack, and (3) soft material on the side of the center stack.

If you look at the CTS interior shot, you'll see the driver's right knee resting on the center stack. It wants to go farther right; it can't. That's Riswick's leg, and he's longer-legged, so it's a good illustration. Shorter folks won't have a problem.

Gracias.

I have driven both cars and have to say, it would be a hard decision IF I had to choose between only these 2 cars. I have driven with a clutch most of my adult life and prefer shifting for myself. Given this requirement, have a 4-door sedan with RWD is very limited in this segment. By this requirement alone, I am limited to BMWs, Audis (AWD),Infinite (G37s) and Pontiac G8-GXP. The CTS has the right looks, but you can only get a manual with the base V6 or if you have the $$$$ for the new CTS-v (which I would pick this over say an BMW M5). HOWEVER, if I had to pick an automatic, I would probably lean more towards the Hyundai.

"Materials quality? I don't see French stitching in the Hyundai dash, center console, and doors like the CTS is."

Stingray, French stitching has nothing to do with materials quality as its just a design element. Both cars offer great material quality and the Genesis uses real leather on the dash with the premium package or whatever its called. The Caddy uses (high quality) vinyl for its dash accross the board. Really doesnt matter to me, just thought Id point that out.

As for the overal interior design, Id have to give to the CTS as its bolder, sportier and more exciting while the Genesis interior is more soothing, understated and relaxed. I like both but prefer the CTS.

If I had to choose between the CTS and the Genesis Id have to go with the CTS (FE3/6MT) as its driving dynamics cater to my driving style much better.

Genesis vs. CTS-
I think we all know which one we'd be willing to pay 40k for (hint: it's not the Hyundai). Don't get me wrong, its a great car, best in class. But it's more practical. The CTS is the car you WANT to drive. Originally, they would have been priced the same, but I'm glad Caddy hiked the price. The CTS is worth it.

@ albook:

The CTS is the car YOU want to drive and is flawed thinking to think everybody thinks like you. I have an appreciation for all things Bavarian but a vehicle that has won N.America Car of the Year, Canadian AJAC car of the year, Cars.com Car of the Year etc. is the car I want (hint: it's not the Cadillac)..

I am seriously the last person who would have ever considered purchasing a Hyundai but I would seriously consider buying a Genesis Sedan. The CTS a great car but I would take the Genesis over the CTS personally because it suits my needs better..

Genesis for me. V6 or V8 doesn't matter, nor does the manual option. Its a luxury car, I'd rather let my friends drive it while I sit in the back listening to the excellent sound system, enjoying the soft leather seats and laughing at those who think this car isn't good enough. Then passing the same guys down the road with their heads buried under the hood, trying to figure out why their more expensive car broke down and when they finally get it working and get in their cars only to realise they had grease on their expensive suits, which in turn leaves stains on on the leather of their more expensive car, which won't even clean properly.

I suppose thats my way of saying I really like the Genesis.

Hyundai... at least its not going bankrupt in another 60 days.

Can anyone answer the question about real wood in the Hyundai? SBT says the fact that the Hyundai has real aluminum (never heard that before) is a factor that makes it seem more upmarket. Wouldn't real wood in the CTS get the Caddy a few points? Real metal trim is rare in cars under $40k and you wont find it in the TL or any Lexus model.

As for gauges, the Genesis is clearly behind in that regard. A close up shot was posted a few weeks back and the gauges look like they belong in an Elantra. I also don't like the steering wheel design.

Hondaacura,

Few cars in this price range have REAL leather on the dash. The Genesis and CTS both have "leather wrapped" dashes available but I doubt either is is from an animal. The Genesis has two read advantages over the CTS: space and price.

personally, i'm not spending more than $20k on a Hyundai, no matter how great (and it is a great car). eventually "Hyundai" will probably sound just as good as "Toyota" or "Honda," but i grew up with it being almost a dirty word (as in, "you drive a Hyundai!"). no offense meant to owners, just my personal conclusion because i'm in the market and doing research ...

second, the Genesis gets lost in the parking lot; exactly the reason i didn't buy an Accord or Camry 5 years ago. for myself, i think the CTS is a winner for *distictive* styling (i don't think you can mistaken a CTS for anything else, other than maybe another Caddy like the STS) and good handling.

for me, there are even too many G35/G37's and 3-series on the road for me to want to plunk down my $35-$40k for, even tough they are probably more solid, better handling, etc etc.

Well as long as the Hyundai doesn,t squeak and rattle as bad as the Caddy, Hyundai win hands down.

@stingray454

I'm curious; what cars do you like that "Consumer Reports" doesn't recommend for a reason other lack of reliability data or below average reliability?

hondacura -

"Stingray, French stitching has nothing to do with materials quality as its just a design element."

That's debatable - while French stitching doesn't serve a functional purpose, it is an additional process and material used in constructing the interior. French stitching is very labor intensive (most of the CTS' dash is made by hand), and much more expensive. You typically don't see French stitching even at the $40k price point - it's usually in much more expensive cars. I'm just saying it's a nice interior design and materials element that comprises some of the $6k base price difference, which Edmunds chose to ignore, along with steering, handling, braking, etc.

"Both cars offer great material quality and the Genesis uses real leather on the dash with the premium package or whatever its called. "

They were comparing base to base. I believe the CTS has an optional leather dash too. There are numerous options available on the CTS that are not available on the Genesis (for a cost of course). Real African Sappaele wood, for example, which, if you've seen this stuff in person, it is a stunning looking exotic wood. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes.

"By dg0472 on March 31, 2009 11:28 AM
@stingray454

I'm curious; what cars do you like that "Consumer Reports" doesn't recommend for a reason other lack of reliability data or below average reliability?"

I haven't read Consumer Reports in years, but I saw a pattern with them a long time ago in the cars they recommend: cars that most resemble appliances. I like appliances in my kitchen. I don't like to drive appliances. To me, driving is far more than getting from point A to point B. Consumer Reports doesn't understand that concept at all.

I like performance cars. CR doesn't understand performance cars. To CR, a performance car is like putting nitrous on a refrigerator - what for?? CR's idea of a performance car is a Miata - anything more than that is too much power (scary even!), and a waste of fuel economy in their eyes.

I've also noticed massive flaws in their data, which no one has been able to adequately explain to me. For example, two rebadged models that get vastly different "predicted reliability" ratings. A Ford and Mercury product for example - many models get very different ratings, yet all Mercury models are rebadged Fords now, with only minor trim differences. Same mechanicals, built on the same production line by the same people with the same parts. There is no way there could be significant differences in reliability on the same car!

"By alex38 on March 30, 2009 7:43 PM
I have an appreciation for all things Bavarian but a vehicle that has won N.America Car of the Year, Canadian AJAC car of the year, Cars.com Car of the Year etc. is the car I want (hint: it's not the Cadillac).."

Are you kidding me with that comment? N. American Car of the Year award is a recent award started a few years ago by auto journalists in North America. It's a completely subjective award based on popular vote, and for some bizzare reason, has gained a lot of popularity since the Malibu won it last year. Before that, few people ever heard of the award.

Canadian AJAC? Never heard of it. Cars.com? I didn't know they had an award - most people don't either. Again, not much credibility to any of these awards.

Motor Trend has had a car of the year award probably longer than anyone. I've owned many of their COY winners over the years, and haven't been disappointed with any of them. Car and Driver's 10-Best list is another highly regarded award that has been around for a long time.

Here's a news flash for you: The Cadillac CTS was Motor Trend's Car of the Year last year, and it has been on Car and Driver's 10-Best list since the new model came out last year, 2 years in a row now.

The Genesis did not win Motor Trend's COY (the Nissan GT-R won this year), and it didn't make Car & Driver's 10-best list either.

So the CTS won A-list awards, while the Genesis won B-list awards.

"Motor Trend has had a car of the year award probably longer than anyone. I've owned many of their COY winners over the years, and haven't been disappointed with any of them."

Did you have the privilege of owning any of the groundbreaking COY winners such as the
Chevrolet Vega?
Ford Mustang II?
Plymouth Volare?
Dodge Omni?
Chevrolet Citation?
Renault Alliance?
Lincoln Town Car?
Chrysler Cirrus?
Chrysler PT Cruiser?

raodburner:

This may be a shock to you but virtually ant COTY winner from the 70s and 80s seems like a joke by today's standards. I notice you omitted winners such as the the 300C, prius, C5 vette and GTR. Are those bad cars too? To my eyes most cars from the 70s were terrible, even the imports that may have won COTY awards.

"This may be a shock to you but virtually ant[sic] COTY winner from the 70s and 80s seems like a joke by today's standards."

Just for the record, some of the COTY winners in the 90s were also less than stellar automotive achievements; in addition to the 1995 Cirrus, other winners included the 1991 Caprice, the 1992 Seville, and the 1997 Malibu.

"I notice you omitted winners such as the the 300C, prius[sic], C5 vette[sic] and GTR. Are those bad cars too? To my eyes most cars from the 70s were terrible, even the imports that may have won COTY awards."

I'm not saying that good carshaven't wonthe award(the Prius doesn't count as a car; its a mobility appliance for eco-weenies). My point is that the Motor Trend COTY award has been given to some incredibly mediocre automobiles, and as a result its credibility is significantly diminished.

@stingray454

OK, just as long as we can establish you're babbling with little real knowledge.

Just for the record for the rest, while the Miata is Top Pick for Fun to Drive, there are plenty of much higher-powered Recommended cars on CR's list, such as the 911, Boxster, and 350Z.

Oh, and also I'd note that MT's COTY pits just what's new against each other each year. And MT has flatly admitted the Genesis came in 2nd against the GT-R, so not sure how big a diffence that is with the CTS. The CTS certainly didn't go up against any monsters like the GT-R.

It sounds like Hyundai has built a fine luxury car with the Genesis. The brand has come a long way since its introduction to the US. Judging from the comments, it might be time for Hyundai to spin off a luxury segment similar to what Honda, Toyota, and Nissan did to try to put some space between their more pedestrian cars and their upscale ones.

I just purchased an '09 DI AWD CTS about three weeks ago with the Level 1 Luxury Package and sunroof. It only has about 1,700 miles so far, but these do include a 750 mile day from Santa Barbara to Berkeley and back. So far it has been a quick, comfortable, and luxurious ride. To be honest, I haven't noticed any "cheapness" to the interior, silver paint or not - but I'll head out to the parking lot to take a look. I think that it looks and feels to be a solid and car with superior fit and finish. My one issue so far is that it is lacking in interior storage space.

I never considered the Genesis as an alternative to the CTS, and frankly, I probably never would. It might be less expensive and offer similar levels of appointment, but the car just doesn't "speak" to me. At this price level, I think a car should. IMO, it offers bland styling that, unless you are familiar with the Genesis, quickly gets lost in a see of similarly styled cars. One look at the CTS and it is immediately recognized as a Cadillac, and I like that.

One more Joe's opinion:

I had exactly the same experience as S. B. True with my right leg against the console. I even remarked to the Caddy salesman that I was surprised no published accounts had mentioned this problem, mumbled apologetically that it was a beautifully styled interior (which it is -- to my eye, much more distinguished-looking than the Genesis), but that the console-to-right-knee thing was -- yep -- "a deal-breaker."

For the record, the Genesis dash does have real leather, but the Genesis has fake wood. Visibly fake wood. It's easily the worst aspect of the car's otherwise excellent visual presentation, inside or out. I'd pay extra for the real stuff, but you can't.