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Hyundai Genesis vs Toyota Avalon

Sal Collaziano

Genesis Motors Forum
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Mar 25, 2008
Messages
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Location
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Genesis Model Year
2015
Genesis Model Type
2G Genesis Sedan (2015-2016)
Please use this discussion to state the advantages and disadvantages between the Hyundai Genesis and Toyota Avalon.

The Toyota Avalon is a BIG, roomy car.. It's very soft-riding (probably softer so than the Hyundai Genesis) - and make lack in the power department (mainly vs the V8 Tau). Looks are subjective, however.. I like the look of the Avalon - MAYBE even moreso than the Genesis.. It's all a matter of taste - but I think the Avalon has a classy, luxurious look (especially since the mid-life refresh).

It's been said that Toyota has laid plans for the new model to rest for now. In other words, the "new" Avalon has been delayed. I think they should think twice because of the Genesis - which will ABSOLUTELY steal lots of sales from the aging Avalon.....
 
I just traded my 2005 Avalon Limited for a Genesis V6 Tech Package. I am generally pleased - the Genesis beats the Avalon, but the Toyota has some advantages. Keep in mind that a fully loaded Avalon is only a couple thousand under the Genesis.

Avalon features I wish the Genesis had: driver's seat extender, ventilated passenger seat (although Genesis' is much better), more sophisticated proximity key system (open any door, no button to push), much more interior storage room - starting with console. Finally, the Avalon has a back seat approaching limousine specs - if I was transporting adults regularly, I would strongly consider that car.

Genesis strengths in comparison: more comfortable seats, far superior Nav system (an almost fatal flaw in the Avalon), far superior sound, the dual parking assist systems, bigger trunk, more fun to drive.

Final thoughts: I wish the ride was somewhere in between the floating Avalon and the busier ride of the Genesis. While both cars are generic in styling inside and out (which frankly suits me) the Genesis looks like a Cadillac compared to the Avalon's Buick look and feel. It was the latest J.D. Power reliability ranking, along with testimonials from friends, that got me to consider Hyundai. But in the ultimate analysis, I am a techie into comfort, so the Genesis definately is the better car in my opinion.
 
Welcome aboard, BillyGator! Thank you for signing up. And congratulations on your new Hyundai Genesis! So you traded in an Avalon, huh? Great comparison.. So you're another one to add to the list - of people who feel the Genesis ride is a bit stiff. I think it's safe to say that it is official (according to the members of GenesisOwners.com) - the ride is stiffer than it needs to be... Of course, Hyundai wanted to impress the magazines - which worked out in their favor...

As for the back seat.. I guess that's a story of give and take. It appears the Hyundai Genesis has more trunk room - while the Toyota Avalon has more rear seat room (leg room, correct?).
 
I am in the same camp. I traded my Avalon for a V8 tech package last weekend.

The Avalon is a great car and the key system including the illumination when you approach the car is a nice touch that I am missing.

On all other accounts I really like the Genesis better. Smoother power. The transmission and cruise control was a bit jumpy on the Avalon. The electronics package was not even close. The steering on the Genesis is a lot tighter under all circumstances and I am fine with the ride.

My wife commented that she thinks the car is more sporty..

Cheers

Thomas
 
Hyundai has a winner with the Genesis. Toyota's had a long time to make the Avalon what it is.. Hyundai comes along and with one strike, defeats it. I've heard rumors that the Avalon was going out of production. If it does, the Hyundai Genesis was the final nail in the coffin. If the rumors are not true, than look out! Toyota will likely bring the next Avalon up to Lexus LS430 status...
 
I debated between the 2 for a good long time. In the end, the sportiness, performance, and general look of the Genesis won out, even though it was a bit pricier.

Avalon is a great people mover and comfortable ride. The Genesis is exciting and almost the same size.
 
To me the avalon is just a boring looking car. It is very well made and the ride quality is excellent but to me the Genesis beats it in every category, especially looks
 
They're both very nice, luxurious cars - but the Hyundai Genesis is more sporty looking AND performing...
 
Likely to buy a Genesis this week.

I am a long time Toyota buyer/owner so jumping to a Hyundai is a big stretch, however I have been pretty impressed so far.

I test drove a loaded v6 Genesis about a week ago and it does have a more sporty suspension feel, which I prefer over the floaty feel of the Avalon. I will be driving one today again and will try to see if I can recognize the concerns some have voiced about the suspension. Probably not a problem for me since I currently drive a 03 4Runner heavily modified for 4wheeling (talk about stiff suspension!).

I actually found the Genesis seats to be more comfortable on my initial comparison, so again, I will try to see what others say about the Avalon.

The Avalon wins on pricing, but not by a lot. The Genesis definitely wins on styling imho. The Avalon is really boring looking.

Generally can't beat Toyota quality. This is probably the biggest issue with me. Can I depend on the Genesis to hold up? I guess I'll find out if I decide to purchase.

The wife will also be evaluating the two cars today. That could add a whole new dimension to the equation!
 
Welcome aboard, DesertGen. Thank you for signing up. I think Hyundai and Toyota quality are very similar at this point in time. Toyota quality has recently left something to desire - while Hyundai quality has improved. If there's any difference at all, my opinion is that it would be negligible. I am not biased toward either company.
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The Avalon competes with Buick. The Gen competes with BMW, Lexus, MB, Infiniti!

Yeah, he is mistaken. Toyota Avalon goes with the Hyundai Azera.

Just because the Avalon competes more closely with the Azera doesn't mean people aren't going to cross shop it with the Genesis......

This discussion is not about whether or not Genesis competes with the Avalon. Please do not post in this discussion unless you're doing so in regards to a comparison between the two vehicles.

Thank you.

Sorry, I thought this section was about the Hyundai Genesis versus the competitors in its class. My mistake.
This particular discussion is about nothing more than the Hyundai Genesis and the Toyota Avalon. It is not about the competitors in the Genesis' class. Thank you for seeing your mistake.
 
Well, after two weeks of analysis, comparison and test driving I have chosen the Genesis over the avalon. I am a 20 year Toyota owner, but the Genesis is so much more car for the money that the Avalon simply faded into the background. For what it is worth, until recently I would never have imagined not buying Toyota. However our 2005 Sienna has had a number of major problems and the fit and finish on the Avalon was just plain sloppy for a 40k car.

Maybe I will own Hyundai's for the next 20 years!
 
Toyota quality has suffered over the past few years. It's a shame.. But, at least Hyundai is there to take their place! :p
 
I have been driving a Ford Expedition for the last ten years -- purchased to haul around four kids. The oldest two are driving now and I was itching to get out of SUV-ville. However, I still have some long-legged passengers sometimes, so back seat and trunk space was a big concern. I am disinclined to buy American, especially after the automakers demands for my tax money, so that narrowed the field considerably. I was pretty much convinced I wanted an Avalon. We own a couple Lexus ('07 IS350 and '99 ES300) and I would have loved to have another, but to get the space I would have to shell out big bucks for an LS, which as keeper of the privy purse I was unwilling to do. My husband had been gushing over how good-looking the Genesis was so we took a look at that too. The feel of the Avalon reminded me a lot of the ES300, stiffish steering ('course I was used to lots of play in the Exp.) - it was pleasant enough to drive (I'm not an autophile, so my descriptions are lacking :) and had a very impressive amount of room in the back. However the Genesis felt so smooth, responsive and QUIET. Well, that was back in Nov. I agonized for a couple months, comparing the two cars on paper, every which way. A loaded Avalon Ltd and a 3.8 with tech package do not have a whole lot of differences in features and either was a huge step up from my previous ride ... I was concerned about the brand new model, but I'm reassured by Hyundai's better rep for reliability lately and their warrantee. But in the end I couldn't resist the Genesis ride. The husband talked me into the tech package, which I could have lived without, but I must confess I am enjoying. The salesman seemed shocked that I was comparing the Genesis and Avalon (I guess as opposed to BMW, etc.) but they are quite close in price and features. I do like the Gen is much better looking ...
 
I think it's safe to say that it is official (according to the members of GenesisOwners.com) - the ride is stiffer than it needs to be...
Did you get the permission of gentecv8 to say that?
 
Hopefully you will not live to regreat your purchase as I have. At this point after bouncing all over the highways with the slightest bump and porposing 50% of the time I'd trade some doo dads for a decent ride any day.
 
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I traded my 08 camry XLE V6 w/o Nav and heated seats for a V8 Genesis w/o tech. To me an Avalon is just a souped up Camry anyway. I hated what toyota has done to the transmission which was horrible to me the Year and 2 months I've owned it.
 
Anybodywant to trade a new Avalon for my V6 Genesis (only 5000 miles) ?
 
It is an interesting comparision. I would not have put them in the same class except for similar pricing. The Avalon as well as the Camry were never on my radar. I think it is probably a good car but is not as sporty looking or handling as the V6 Genesis. It seems to be more sedate than the Genesis, more like an Asian Buick LeSabre. The comparision of the V8 Genesis at this point is maybe a little ambitious. I really think these cars draw two different buyers and are not likely generally cross shopped. Given the Genesis pricing and market placing I think it may be more often cross shopped with the Infiniti G, Lexus IS, M-B C class, and BMW 3. In that arena it is more than competitive in terms of price and equipment and beating them all badly on roominess. I don't think the Avalon competes in that arena even though is is pretty competitive in terms of price and equipment. It seems to me to be more of an automotive appliance than a drivers car. Just my .02.
 
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