2017 Genesis G90

Overview

Although it doesn’t yet have the clout of well-established European brands, Hyundai’s upscale Genesis spinoff division is off to a strong start with its G90 flagship. This full-size sedan is elegant and plush. Genesis has smartly eschewed sporting pretensions and instead focused on the G90’s cosseting nature. Smooth V-6 and V-8 powertrains prioritize refinement over excitement. The G90’s interior is richly appointed, and its exterior design is sophisticated but not ostentatious. The G90’s most compelling feature, however, is its sensational value proposition. If you can handle the not-quite-there-yet image, the G90 offers a lot of luxury for much less money than the established high-end brands.

What's New for 2017?

The G90 is an all-new model for 2017. It officially launches Hyundai’s luxury brand as a stand-alone entity, along with the mid-size G80 sedan and, soon, the compact G70 sedan.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The G90's base turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 with 365 horsepower is an overachiever, matching the acceleration of the 420-hp 5.0-liter V-8 from zero to 60 mph in our testing. Both powertrains pair with a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission and offer either rear- or all-wheel drive. Neither engine provides blistering acceleration, but both are so quiet and refined that you won’t mind. We don’t see any reason to pay extra for the less efficient V-8, unless you prefer its more relaxed, old-school character and distinctive sound. On the road, quietness and cushiness reign supreme, so the Genesis can feel a bit sloppy as you push the pace through a road’s curvy bits. The G90’s soft and pillowy ride has some benefits, though. It smooths out rough roads and imparts a serene, planted feel on the highway. The trade-off is a fair amount of body roll in corners, but precise and light steering keeps the heavy G90 from feeling like a total boat.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The G90’s interior won’t dazzle you with exotic materials and gimmicky features. Instead, the cabin imparts a feeling of purposeful luxury, with impeccable build quality, simple and attractive finishes, and ergonomically friendly controls. It feels upscale, and for the price it’s nothing short of terrific. Trimmed in nappa leather, suede, wood, and brushed metal, the G90’s interior has a rich feel, even if its design is understated. Genesis embarrasses higher-priced competitors by making features such as heated and cooled front seats, a head-up display, and a power rear sunshade standard equipment rather than costly options. The G90 has a class-competitive trunk, but it’s not a standout in interior storage space. It doesn't have folding rear seats, but there is a pass-through behind the rear center armrest for carrying long, narrow items like skis.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The G90 benefits from well-organized, easy-to-use controls but suffers from a lack of smartphone-integration features that are found in most competitors. The G90’s standard 12.3-inch touchscreen is crisp and clear, and its central control knob combines with hard buttons and knobs on the dashboard to make navigating the various menus a cinch. Unfortunately, the Genesis is not as well connected to the outside world as other luxury sedans, since it does not offer—even as options—Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Genesis G90’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.