January 7, 2009
Perhaps underscording the Korean carmaker's dramatic comeback, the Hyundai Genesis has outscored four competitors to become Consumer Reports' (CR) top-rated vehicle in the competitive "Upscale Sedan" category.
The Genesis, which achieved an "Excellent" overall road test score, now outranks 12 vehicles from Lexus, Acura, Lincoln and others including the Lexus ES 350.
The Genesis' performance in CR's battery of tests solidifies the automaker's reputation as a builder of high-quality vehicles in several diverse automotive segments. Previously, Consumer Reports' named two Hyundais, the Elantra and Santa Fe, as "Top Pick" vehicles in the small sedan and midsize SUV categories respectively.
"The Hyundai Genesis rivals high-end luxury sedans but costs considerably less," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "Its luxurious and spacious interior and quietness far transcend its relatively modest price."
The Genesis was tested against four other new or redesigned upscale sedans — the Acura TL, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8 and Lincoln MKS-for the February issue of Consumer Reports'. Prices ranged from $33,660 for the Pontiac to $40,880 for the Lincoln.
Two other vehicles in the test group also earned Excellent overall road test scores, the TL and Maxima. The G8 and MKS achieved Very Good overall scores.
The eight other vehicles in the Upscale Sedans category including the ES 350, Toyota Avalon, Buick Lucerne and Saab 9-5, were all tested previously.
In addition to the five upscale sedans tested, CR also purchased and tested the Jaguar XF luxury sedan. Though it obtained a "Very Good" overall score, it still ranked near the bottom of the group of 12 luxury sedans that the magazine has rated.
But the redesigned Honda Pilot has slipped from being one of Consumer Reports' top-rated three-row SUVs to midpack. It now ranks eleventh out of seventeen midsized, three-row SUVs that have been tested by CR.
The February issue of Consumer Reports also contains a report on the conversion of a hybrid Toyota Prius to a plug-in hybrid. The magazine chose a Hymotion L5 conversion kit sold by A123 Systems, which the company claims can yield more than 100 mpg. Fuel economy in CR's converted Prius jumped from 42 to 67 mpg overall for the first 35 miles of driving.
At almost $11,000, the plug-in conversion clearly won't save consumers money overall. However, the technology itself proved viable.
CR only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on its annual Car Reliability Survey and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
CR doesn't have reliability data yet on the Genesis, MKS, Maxima, G8 and XF.
