Comfort/Involvement Index: 2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Sedan

Variety: ***

Controls: *

Drivetrain: **

Handling: *

Character:

Involvement Notes: The 3.8-liter engine gets you moving quickly once the eight-speed trans finds the right gear. Soft suspension and numb, lightweight steering compromise sporting intentions. Decidedly more luxury sedan than sports sedan. There’s more “rear-wheel-drive” feeling here than is allowed to come through in most large luxury sedans though. You’ve got to push harder in the 3.8 than you would in the beastly 5.0-liter V-8 car to find it, but that rear end is willing to play if you’re willing to keep your foot down.

Visibility: *

Space/Seating: ***

Ride/Handling: ***

Acoustics: ****

Controls: ***

Comfort Notes: Comfort-oriented suspension offers a nice ride, but with a small amount of float over bumps at highway speeds. The transmission is smooth when not hustled. The interior features eye-pleasing materials, and a good amount of tech items. As will most cars this size, there’s plenty of room for passengers, front and rear. Of course all this ride quality and space comes at a huge discount relative to the prices of the standard German and Japanese luxury rides.