Covering 1,427.7 miles at an average consumption of 21.9 miles per gallon, the Genesis treated us right between Socal and Norcal and back this week. Fuel economy jumped to 23.1 mpg on the more open stretches of the 5 freeway. And remember, that's with the rack fully loaded.
The only real problem I had were the sticky "XM" and "FM/AM" buttons on the nav/audio controller which Brent mentioned a few weeks back. They still work, but their feel is awful. Otherwise, as I've said before, this car's navigation system and Bluetooth interface are both fantastic -- among the best made today.
It's also a comfortable machine. Unlike the Mazda 6 (yes, a very different car), I can put down five hours in this thing no problem.
It might not have the cargo space of the Ford Flex (duh), but it's a heck of a lot better for a drive like this where ripping across Mojave desert in July is a requirement. We also rolled through our share of mountain-road miles. The Genesis offers intuitive control feel and is light enough on its feet to not embarrass itself in the mountains. But it's still smooth as butter and quiet on the freeway. An impressive balance, really. And with a kid in the back seat, a bike on the roof and an easily nauseated wife riding shotgun, it's easy for chaos to ensue.
But it never did.
Ask anyone who's travelled with an infant and they'll tell you that there's nothing more valuable than having the right vehicle. Ample space, amenities (like good navigation and ice-cold A/C) and ride comfort are invaluable.
We hit 10,000 miles on this trip as I was thinking about stopping for gas. Didn't do it for another 82 miles when the Genesis convinced me it was time.
Josh Jacquot, Senior road test editor @ 10,551 miles.
dougtheeng says:
11:38 AM, 07/14/09
Sticky buttons = bad bad bad....prepare for some cost there.
tjpark01 says:
11:44 AM, 07/14/09
Best full size RWD sedan for 35k. How can a once laughable car company make a car like this and the big 3 with all their rich history, fold like superman on laundry day?
bodyblue says:
11:56 AM, 07/14/09
It is a handsome car....far nicer looking than the Acuras (unless you like Transformer/Darth Vader styling)
bankerdanny says:
12:24 PM, 07/14/09
+1 at tjpark. The Hyundai comeback is far and away more impressive than the Chrysler recovery in the 80's.
steve222 says:
12:51 PM, 07/14/09
I see a lot of these on the load in NJ now. It has that luxury car road presence, I think it is got to do with chromes and RWD proportions. Anyway, I like it.
lenoroc says:
01:01 PM, 07/14/09
I still can't get over the way that front grill looks.
jeffal says:
01:16 PM, 07/14/09
Visit genesisowners dot com to read about the problems owners are having...
zoomzoom22 says:
03:35 PM, 07/14/09
I saw one of these on the road today, and I was very impressed. It was BIG, but it had awesome road presence and certainly looked upscale. Good job, Hyundai.
+1 on tjpark01's comment and bankerdanny's comment. Chrylser sucks, GM kinda sucks, and Ford is just, well, Ford.
zoomzoom22 says:
03:38 PM, 07/14/09
Oh, and I might just live under a rock, but $3.29 for gas? Holy crap! I bought gas for $2.19 today. The national average isn't back over three bucks, is it?
g8gtnorth says:
06:49 PM, 07/14/09
tjpark01, see, I disagree with that. Good, yes. Best, I don't see how.
Then again, these all just opinions.
It's all about what you're looking for. If you want the cruiser with moves, this dog won't hunt. I drove one recently, was impressed, but I'd still rather go through the hastle of importing another G8.
fuhteng says:
08:47 PM, 07/14/09
Hi g8gtnorth. I do think it is the best, so long as you don't want or need fun while you're driving. I think this is the king of the 35k RWD Appliance-mobiles. Good for Hoondai. That being said, what are they doing making a $50k car? WTF?
j2j says:
11:23 AM, 07/16/09
W/ regard to driving dynamics - the Genesis is akin to the Lexus GS or E Class - not exactly BMW 5 Series level of fun, but much better than an ES or MKZ.
As for fuel economy - just wait 'til the Genesis powerplants get DI, ISG, etc.