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- Highs Outstanding value, quiet and cosseting ride, smooth powertrains.
- Lows Overly relaxed handling, lack of connectivity features, not as flashy as the competition.
- Verdict A true luxury sedan—minus the brand image—for thousands less.
Overview
The 2019 Genesis G90 has comfort-first driving dynamics that won't raise the pulse of serious drivers, but it provides a plush ride; long journeys are rejuvenating rather than tedious. Even the G90's least expensive model—it's hard to call it "base"—is fitted with handsome materials and provides a comprehensive list of equipment that some other brands offer as optional extras. The well-appointed but restrained interior complements exterior styling that is handsome and upscale but avoids overtly flashy details. The harmonious G90 is a low-key luxury sedan that's high on value.
What's New for 2019?
While the 2019 G90 carries over unchanged, Genesis has revealed that the refreshed 2020 version will have flashier exterior styling and enhanced interior features.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Of the two engines that Genesis offers in the G90, we prefer the twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6. Compared with the optional 5.0-liter V-8, it's nearly as powerful, provides virtually the same performance, and is more fuel efficient. It includes standard luxury features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation, three-zone automatic climate control, and adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. All-wheel drive adds $2500 to the bottom line.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Likes: Both engines are quiet and refined, comfy and plush ride quality.
Dislikes: Neither powertrain delivers blistering acceleration, sloppy handling when you push the pace.
The base turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 setup 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. 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. Although the G90 doesn't accelerate as rapidly as its competitors, neither the V-6 nor the V-8 engine will leave you wanting more power.
Quietness and cushiness reign supreme, and the Genesis can feel a bit sloppy as you push the pace through a road's curvy bits. Its soft and pillowy ride evokes thoughts of Buicks from the 1970s, but not necessarily in a bad way. 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. Its brake pedal is not as firm as we'd prefer, but it's not overly mushy, either.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Some of today's modern luxury barges achieve impressive efficiency, but the G90's fuel-economy numbers are average. The optional V-8 is especially thirsty, but in our testing the V-6 overachieved its EPA numbers. We saw 27 mpg on our 200-mile test route; that's 10 percent better than its EPA highway number, but it falls well short of the real-world highway fuel efficiency demonstrated by the Cadillac CT6 and the BMW 7-series.
Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo
Likes: Cabin imparts a feeling of purposeful luxury, impeccable build quality, intuitive infotainment controls.
Dislikes: No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, no folding rear seat.
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-operated rear sunshade standard equipment rather than costly options. As befits a full-size luxury sedan, the G90's plush rear seat is a lovely place. There's plenty of room to stretch out, despite what its dimensions may suggest.
The 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.
Neither the Genesis nor any of its competitors offer folding rear seats, so the capacious trunk is all the cargo space you're going to get. There is a pass-through behind the rear center armrest for carrying long, narrow items such as skis. Its center console is among the largest in its class, but its door pockets are small. A handy compartment in front of the shifter is nicely sized for holding a smartphone.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
While it has never been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the G90 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Every version comes standard with lots of driver-assistance technology. Competitors from Mercedes-Benz and BMW require you to pay thousands of dollars extra to get these features. Key safety equipment includes:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Not only does Genesis provide the longest warranty coverage in its class, it also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance and other perks such as a complimentary service where dealership staff will pick up the G90 and take it in for service on your behalf.
- Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
