Active Lifestyle Vehicle Awards
Carspondent is the home for the popular ALV awards program sponsored by Tire Rack. In conjunction with Active.com, our automotive experts are constantly reviewing vehicles that fit your active lifestyles. Keep your comments coming!
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2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8
Hyundai’s premium sport sedan gives other luxury brands a run for the money
By Nina Russin
I’m sitting behind the wheel of the new Hyundai Genesis sedan, pinching myself. Although the Korean automaker has significantly improved its build quality since entering the U.S. market in the early 1990s, this time, they’ve hit one out of the park.
I feel as if I’m driving a sixty-thousand dollar Lexus. Base price on the test car is about half that: $32,250 to be exact.
2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8
The rear-wheel drive Genesis comes with a choice of two engines: a 290-horsepower V6, or 375-horsepower V8.
Both powertrains feature a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift option: the six-cylinder utilizes an Aisin unit, while the eight-cylinder has a beefier ZF box..
The V6 is about half a second slower than the V8 in zero-to-sixty acceleration. But 6.2 seconds is nothing to sneeze at.
Since curb weight on the six-cylinder car is two-hundred fifty pounds less than the eight cylinder, fuel economy is significantly better: about 27 miles-per-gallon on the highway, compared to 25 for the bigger engine. The V6 runs just fine on regular fuel, while engineers recommend premium for the eight cylinder.
Seamless ride and handling
As suggested up front, the Genesis has ride and handling characteristics that rival much pricier luxury cars. Peak torque for the six-cylinder engine comes on at 4500 rpm: low enough to make full power available during an average merge into high-speed traffic.
The six-speed automatic transmission boosts fuel economy, and essentially eliminates shift shock.
A five-link independent front and rear suspension gives the Genesis a compliant, though not overly soft ride.
Anti-roll bars keep the chassis flat in the corners. I took a couple of cloverleaf ramps at speed, just to be sure.
Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering provides plenty of assist at low speeds: a thirty-six foot turning radius makes it easy to pull the occasional U-turn. Yet on-center feel on the highway is excellent. Emergency lane changes are not a problem.
The side mirrors are quite large, but don’t obstruct the driver’s forward view when cornering to the left. Indicator markers on the side mirrors alert driver’s in neighboring lanes when the driver signals.
Visibility to the sides and rear is excellent, with minimal blind spots.
Engineers did an excellent job of isolating the cabin from road noise. On a similar note, there’s a conspicuous lack of wind noise around the windshield and side mirrors.
Front and rear disc brakes include four-channel antilock braking, to help the driver maintain directional control on wet or snowy roads.
Elegant interior
True to its heritage, Hyundai included many of the comfort features buyers look for as standard equipment: leather trim, heated front seats, satellite radio with iPod and MP3 connectivity, and a Bluetooth phone system.
A premium package on the test car upgrades the standard seventeen-inch wheels to eighteen inch wheels, adds a power sunroof, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and surround-sound audio system. Two-position memory is also part of the upgrade, allowing multiple drivers to share the car.
Overhead reading lamps for both rows of passengers come in handy after dark. Keyless entry and start allows the driver to turn on the ignition using a button on the dash, and keep the key fob in his pocket.
Redundant audio and trip meter controls on the steering wheel minimize driver distraction.
A clean-looking center stack includes audio and dual-zone temperature controls. The seat heater buttons are on either side of the gate shifter, while the hood and fuel cap release are conveniently located on the driver’s side door.
A lockable glovebox is a handy place to stash valuables at the trailhead. Two twelve-volt power points allow multiple passengers to recharge electronic devices on the go.
The second-row seats have an exceptional amount of legroom in the outboard positions. A tunnel through the floor makes the center position impractical for anything but a child safety seat.
A fold-down armrest in back includes two cupholders. Behind it, a small door opens to create a pass through for skis and other long cargo.
The trunk is spacious enough for luggage, groceries and average-sized cargo. Lack of a wider pass-through makes putting a bike inside all but impossible.
Standard safety
The Genesis received five-star safety ratings for federal frontal, side and rollover collision tests. Standard safety features include front, side and side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control with traction control.
Hyundai’s ten year/100,000 mile warranty is the industry leader. It includes five years of unlimited roadside assistance.
Twelve-month vehicle return program
At the beginning of January, Hyundai announced that it has teamed up with Walkaway USA to offer customers a twelve-month vehicle return option on any car financed or leased through its dealerships. The program gives new car buyers additional protection from debt in these uncertain economic times.
Hyundai produces the Genesis at its assembly plant in Ulsan, Korea.
Likes: A well-equipped, reasonably priced sport sedan with segment-leading safety, and excellent ride and handling.
Dislikes: None
Quick facts:
Make: Hyundai
Model: Genesis 3.8
Year: 2009
Base price: $32,250*
As tested: $36,000
Horsepower: 290 Hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 264 lbs.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle-friendly: No
Towing: No
Off-road: No
Fuel economy: 18/27 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $750 delivery charge. -
2009 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ
Seven-passenger crossover vehicle appeals to active families
By Nina Russin
Chevrolet’s newest crossover vehicle is perfect for families who need the passenger space and cargo capability of a minivan, but won’t drive a car that looks like one. The Traverse seats up to eight passengers when equipped with a second-row bench seat.
2009 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ
Second and third-row seats fold flat to create a long load floor for carrying large cargo. With all three rows in place, there’s enough room in back for groceries or a weekend’s worth of luggage. Standard roof rails make it easy to stash additional cargo up top.
A standard V6 engine has a flat torque curve for towing. The Traverse can haul up to 5200 pounds. A six-speed automatic transmission maximizes fuel economy: about 24 miles-per-gallon on the highway.
Curb weight is 4720 pounds: not surprising for a well-equipped seven-passenger car. Its weight makes for soft acceleration off the line, and gives the Traverse poorer gas mileage than smaller cars in the segment.
The test car is the upscale LTZ model that retails for $39,075. Standard features include twenty-inch alloy wheels, heated and cooled front seats, tri-zone climate control, a power liftgate, sunroof, a Bose audio system with satellite radio, navigation and a rear-view camera backup system.
The interior is thick with storage bins, cup and bottle holders and power points: in other words, all the comforts of home. Option packages add a second-row center console positioned between two captain’s chairs, a rear sunroof and engine block heater. MSRP on the test car is $41,585.
Innovative side mirror design minimizes blind spots
Its long wheelbase and thick rear pillar create large areas to the side and rear of the Traverse that would ordinarily fall outside the driver’s sight range. Knowing that, designers added wide-angle inserts to the side mirrors that minimize blind spots, and give the driver better visibility across several lanes of traffic.
A standard rear backup camera displays a wide-angle view in back of the car whenever the driver shifts into reverse. It’s an invaluable feature to families with small children who might walk behind the car where the driver can’t see them.
The six-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission provide adequate power for most driving situations. I noticed a slight lag in throttle response when I passed other vehicles.
But power is excellent in the twenty-to-fifty mile-per-hour range. Merging into highway traffic off an entrance ramp is a non-issue.
Variable-effort steering has more assist at low speeds for maneuvering around parking lots, while providing good on-center response at speed. There is noticeable steering wheel play at slower speeds: up to about forty miles-per-hour. It shouldn’t be a problem unless the driver needs to make a sudden evasive maneuver that requires going off the shoulder of the road.
A fully independent suspension provides a compliant ride for all three rows of passengers. Cornering is softer than a sport sedan, but the car doesn’t roll excessively. I was impressed by how flat the chassis stayed when taking a cloverleaf ramp at speed.
Engineers did an excellent job of isolating the passenger cabin from wind and road noise. The only exception is a pleasant belch from the dual exhaust pipes when the driver opens up the throttle.
Versatile interior for families on the goAlthough the LTZ grade is on the pricier end of vehicles in its segment, buyers should be pleased by the high level of standard comfort and convenience features. Captain’s chairs in the first and second rows are extremely comfortable. Smaller drivers shouldn’t have a problem adjusting the driver’s seat for good forward visibility.
Standard two-position memory makes it easy for multiple drivers to share the car
A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel enables small drivers to maintain a safe distance from the front airbag. Dual-zone climate and audio controls on the center stack are easy to reach from either front seating position.
The navigation screen doubles as an information display for audio settings and the rear-view camera. A digital readout in the gauge cluster includes the trip meter and ambient temperature.
Redundant audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel minimize driver distraction.
All three rows of passengers get dual overhead reading lamps, and have access to twelve-volt power points. A 115-volt inverter behind the front-row center console allows passengers to plug in video games.
Second-row passengers can adjust fan and temperature settings using controls on the back of the center console. Four ceiling vents keep all three rows of occupants comfortable during temperature extremes.
Both center consoles have storage bins. The armrest on the front console slides fore and aft for the driver’s comfort.
A deep bin under the armrest is large enough for a small pack. The locking glovebox is also quite large: a woman’s purse will fit inside it.
Second-row seats have adequate legroom for most adults: tall men may feel cramped. A lever on the side of the seat flips up the seat cushion and moves the seat forward to ease access to the third row. It allows third-row passengers to enter the car without having to climb over the rear wheel arch.
Equally impressive is the head and legroom in the back row of seats. As a five-foot, six-inch adult, I was quite comfortable.
Large, configurable cargo areaBoth second and third-row seats fold flat by pulling straps to the sides or backs of the seats. There is a gap between the seats with both rows folded down: it allows the seatbacks to fold flat without removing the headrests. The down side is that handlebars and bike pedals can get stuck on the way in and out of the cargo area.
A power liftgate allows drivers to load up the back of the car with cargo and not struggle with a latch release.
A small under-floor storage area is ideal for stashing valuables out of sight at the trailhead.
Standard safety
The Traverse LTZ comes standard with front, side and side curtain airbags, four-channel antilock brakes, traction and stability control. Standard OnStar automatically notifies police and emergency medical personnel if the airbags deploy.
All models come with a five-year/100,000 mile warranty. Chevrolet builds the Traverse at its Spring Hill, Tennessee assembly plant.
Likes: Extremely well-designed interior with a high level of standard comfort, convenience and safety features. The side mirror inserts and rear-view camera display do an excellent job of minimizing blind spots to the sides and back of the car.
Dislikes: Steering wheel play at low speeds, slight throttle lag during hard acceleration.
Quick facts:
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Traverse LTZ FWD
Year: 2009
Base price: $39,075
As tested: $41,585
Horsepower: 288 Hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 270 lbs.-ft. @ 3400 rpm
0-60 mph: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Towing: Yes
Off-road: No
Fuel economy: 17/24 mpg city/highway