2021 Genesis G90 Review

Name: 2021 Genesis G90 Review
Brand: Genesis
Price: 42233 USD

Genesis G90 5.0 Ultimate Sedan Exterior Shown

+60

Large luxury sedans usually aren't known for their outstanding value, but the Genesis G90 plays by its own rules. The G90 packs more features than sedans that can cost tens of thousands of dollars more. It's not as sporty or opulent as its pricier competition, but if you just want a cruiser that transports four in supreme comfort, the G90 might be right for you.

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Genesis G90 model years

2017

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2021 Genesis G90 Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

All versions come fully loaded
Delivers exceptional level of luxury for far less money than competitors
Refined suspension smooths out the roughest roads
Lavish rear seat accommodations on V8 models

Cons

Limited driving excitement
Subpar fuel economy
Lacks the cachet of European rivals

What's new

New suspension setting tailored for rear passenger comfort
Infotainment system now capable of over-the-air updates
Part of the first G90 generation introduced for 2017

Overview

Some flagship luxury sedans might treat "value" like a four-letter word, but it's the guiding principle for the 2022 Genesis G90. Pairing the features and interior space of a large sedan with the price of a midsize, the G90 offers luxury buyers tremendous bang for the buck. If the perceived prestige of a German badge isn't terribly important to you, the G90 will provide pretty much everything you want from a large luxury sedan at a fraction of the price.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Genesis G90 3.3T Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$276/mo

$219/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

That isn't to say the G90 is the be-all, end-all of the class, however. Rivals are generally more engaging to drive and offer a greater breadth of customization. While you can get an LED-accented panoramic sunroof on the BMW 7 Series or fragrance that wafts through the air vents in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the G90 really just gives you the choice between two trims and exterior paint. But it's an excellent pick if you want the hallmarks of a large luxury sedan and don't want to pay six figures for the privilege. For a full breakdown of the G90's hits and misses, check out our Expert Rating below.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the G90 drive? The V8-powered G90 posts solid performance numbers, but it isn't satisfying to drive in the way its German rivals are. In Edmunds' testing, our rear-wheel-drive G90 test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. That's a tad slow for the class, especially considering our car had the more powerful engine. It also doesn't feel all that powerful accelerating on the highway because the transmission can be leisurely to respond when you want a downshift.

Steering effort is luxury-light. Genesis dialed out pretty much all road feedback in exchange for more insulated comfort. That's OK in this case since the G90 isn't made to be hustled. It's not as responsive as the German competition, but it isn't terrible either for such a comfort-oriented land yacht. All around, the G90 is an easy-riding car that does what you expect.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the G90? As with all large luxury sedans, the G90 is eminently comfortable for four people. The leather is soft and supple, and the cushioning is rich and luxurious. Opting for the V8 also adds power-adjustable outboard rear seats, so even those passengers can adjust their seatback tilt, seat bottom position and lumbar support.

The G90's ride is soft and cushy, but not so much that there's bounciness that could lead to your passengers feeling queasy. And still, some sharper bumps do get passed through the cabin, and going over speed bumps causes a porpoising motion that reminds you this is a big, heavy car.

The standard tri-zone climate control works well, and all outboard seats have three-level heating and ventilation. The G90 also does an excellent job of isolating occupants from outside noise.

Interior

9.0/10

How’s the interior? The G90's interior is vast. The door openings are large and easily entered. There's plenty of legroom, headroom and shoulder room for everyone in the outboard seats. The rear middle is the only exception. It's narrower than the other seats, and the rear hump on the floor gets in the way of the middle passenger's legs.

Visibility from the driver's seat is good all round, and the standard 360-degree camera makes parking a cinch. The driver's seat is highly configurable and includes adjustments to side bolstering, thigh extension and upper back recline. As for the G90's controls, most are easy to figure out and use. You can interface with the infotainment system through the touchscreen or the controller knob. The on-screen menus are straightforward.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? Considering its emphasis on value, it's no surprise the G90 comes with a full suite of safety features. There are clearly marked physical buttons for most of them, so you can turn them on and off easily. Also standard is a 17-speaker audio system. It's not as immersive as the ultra-high-end systems found in some rival sedans, but it sounds clear and punchy. Nobody except hardcore audiophiles will be disappointed.

We were slightly let down by the number of power ports. There's only a wireless charging pad up front, plus two USB ports split between front and rear passengers. To get more charging capability, you'll have to use an adapter in one of the G90's three 12-volt outlets spread throughout the cabin. The voice control software is quite good, and the navigation system picked up every curveball we threw at it.

Storage

7.0/10

How’s the storage? The G90's trunk space, at 15.7 cubic feet, is slightly smaller than average. On the upside, the tall opening makes it easy to load items in. You can also stand behind the bumper for a few seconds to trigger the automatic trunk-opening feature.

Storage within the cabin is disappointing. The door pockets are short and narrow, and the bin up front that houses the wireless charging pad is small. Plugging a phone into the USB port there creates a tangled mess of wires.

The large door openings and a tremendous amount of rear space make it easy to fit a child safety seat into the back. But the car seat anchor points are kind of buried in the seat cushions, so you'll have to hunt around a bit to find them.

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates that the V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive G90 gets 19 mpg combined (16 city/24 highway). The turbocharged V6 gets just 1 mpg better in every metric. This is more a condemnation of the V6's fuel economy than praise for the V8 since both are thirstier than rivals. Since competitors no longer use naturally aspirated V8s, the closest widely adopted alternative is a turbo V6. For example, the Mercedes S 450 is rated at 22 mpg combined, while the BMW 740i is rated at 24 mpg.

Value

8.5/10

Is the G90 a good value? If you've never gotten into the cabin of one of its more expensive German competitors, you probably will find no issue with the G90's interior. Open-pore wood and aluminum accents look great, and high-quality leather covers almost every surface.

However, the overall design and breadth of customization are a little underwhelming compared to an S-Class or 7 Series, which feature additional luxury touches such as configurable ambient lighting and exotic trim options. But those features add a lot of cost, and this fully loaded G90 costs about $25,000 less than a similarly equipped rival.

The Genesis G90 comes with a great warranty. It offers five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. Genesis also gives you free maintenance for the first three years/36,000 miles.

Wildcard

7.0/10

The Genesis G90 isn't the kind of car that you pine away for when you aren't driving it. Performance metrics are average across the board, and while it remains composed around a set of switchbacks, there's no real enjoyment in pushing it hard. Styling elements are cribbed from other manufacturers — the grille looks like it was stolen from an Acura and the headlights are similar to a Volvo's — but they mesh to make the car less anonymous than older G90s. Plus, rear passengers will love the accommodations.

Which G90 does Edmunds recommend?

There's not much to decide when getting a G90 other than the engine and exterior color. The V6 is just as quick as the V8, so you're not losing out much by going with the 3.3T Premium. The only reason to get the 5.0 Ultimate is if you want the extra rear seat adjustments and ventilation.

2021 Genesis G90 models

The 2021 Genesis G90 is a large luxury sedan that is offered in two models distinguished by engine type. The G90 3.3T Premium comes with a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 (365 horsepower, 376 lb-ft of torque), while the 5.0 Ultimate steps up to a 5.0-liter V8 engine (420 hp, 383 lb-ft). Both are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. Genesis' HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is available as an option.

3.3T Premium
The 3.3T Premium comes loaded to the gills with features that include:

19-inch alloy wheels
Adaptive suspension dampers
Sunroof
Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
Faux suede headliner
Ambient interior lighting
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Power side and rear sunshades
Heated steering wheel
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated rear sets
12.3-inch touchscreen
17-speaker Lexicon audio system
Wireless charging pad

Every G90 is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, such as:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Genesis and the car in front)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Blind-spot camera (displays an image of the vehicle's blind spot in the instrument panel when you activate a turn signal)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the G90 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)

5.0 Ultimate
Besides the V8 engine, the 5.0 Ultimate adds:

Rear-seat entertainment system
Ventilated, reclining rear seats with lumbar adjustment and memory settings

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Genesis G90.

5 (82%)

4 (6%)

3 (3%)

2 (0%)

1 (9%)

4.5

33 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

UPDATE ON MY 2021 GENESIS G90 V6 SEDAN

abacomike, 04/02/2021

2021 Genesis G90 3.3T Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

My 2021 Genesis G90 currently has 17,650 miles on the odometer after owning the car for 31 months. Continues to drive and handle as well as it did the first day I brought it home from the dealership. I have not brought the car in for any warranty work nor has it been in need of anything except for oil/filter changes since my last update. I did have to put new tires on front and back …

Moving from the A8 to the G90

Larry, 06/16/2019

2019 Genesis G90 Ultimate 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)

Drove a fully loaded Audi A8 for the past 3 years and decided to check out the G90. Had it about a month so far and very happy with it. All the toys of the A8 and quieter, smoother ride. Doesn't have the brand recognition yet but seems to have everything else at a lot less money!

Excellent work, Genesis!

LTHAtlanta, 05/10/2020

2020 Genesis G90 5.0 Ultimate 4dr Sedan AWD (5.0L 8cyl 8A)

Just got a Porto Red 2020 G90 V8 and love it! Have previously owned a 2011 Genesis V8, a 2015 Equus V8, a 2017 G90 V6 Turbo and a 2019 G70 V6 Turbo. They’ve all been fine cars and performed extremely well but, except for the G70, the styling has been conservative to the point of being almost anonymous. NO MORE! The G90 now has a strong, distinctive visual personality that I really like. …

The South Korean Mercedes S class sedan

Russ M, 04/30/2020

2019 Genesis G90 Ultimate 4dr Sedan AWD (5.0L 8cyl 8A)

After almost 4 years of ownership, I do not even have 24 thousand miles on the odometer, but my view of the car is that it is still a terrific bargain. The car I purchased at the end of February 2020 was/is a brand new 2019 Genesis Ultimate G-90 V-8 all wheel drive sedan. I have previously owned two new Lexus LS Sedans (before buying a new LX 570 in 2015 and another new one in 2021 … after trading in the 2015). The G-90 is every bit as good as the Lexus LS sedans. And I didn’t like what Lexus did to the NEW LS sedan, by taking away the V-8 and making the styling so swoopy and ugly. The G-90 Ultimate V-8 AWD is a handsome and competent machine with an excellent ride, outstanding road feel and its fit and finish are impressive. And it is a bargain compared to what Mercedes and Lexus want for a comparable machine, that I think is even BETTER than the Lexus. With a 124 inch wheel base, the ride is limousine smooth with a competent suspension. On our Southern Virginia back roads, my wife complains that I drive it like my Corvette, because it takes the curves and hills and high crowned roads at high speed with aplomb. The eight speed transmission is silky smooth and the 5 liter 420 horsepower fuel injected V-8 makes passing on 2 lane back country roads a snap. The cars being passed must wonder what that blurry Bentley-like car was because it went by so fast, they had no clue as to its make. The interior is incredibly comfortable and I can load up the trunk with many hundreds of pounds of cargo and the engine, tranny and suspension barely notice. This all wheel drive V-8 powered silky smooth machine is a bargain at $50,000 less than a Benz S-class................just like the original Lexus LS sedans in the early and mid 2000’s before Lexus ruined them and upped the price. Snag a low mileage V-8 one because the turbo V-6 engine they are putting in the new Genesis cars is an embarassment compared to the V-8. The all wheel drive works wonderfully in slippery conditions at low and high speed........these cars are a joy and a steal. Everywhere I go and park, I return to find someone gawking at the car and inevitably asking me what it is and how much I like it. This car is a keeper. Along with the Lexus LX 570, the V-8 G-90 AWD Ultimate is a road car with manners that handles road imperfections with aplomb and carves through sharp hilly curves as if it was a train on railroad tracks. BUY IT. Comfort, excellent handling, smooth and powerful acceleration and amazingly good gas mileage. And the Service has been great at my local dealer. If I didn’t already have a G-90 AWD V-8, I would go looking for a 2022 today. EVERYTHING I said in the original review still pertains. We have taken this car on many long road trips and it performs almost as well as my Corvette ragtop, yet the ride is so silky smooth and comfortable that my wife with a just replaced knee can ride home from the hospital in it comfortably in the back seat as if she was in a stretched limo. The right rear seat has a 22 position adjustment with heat and cooling. 2022 was the last year for the naturally aspirated 420 horsepower 5 liter V-8, so if you can snag a newer low mileage G-90 Ultimate AWD, hurry up before they are gone. The 2023 and later models are V-6 ONLY and the price tag has gone up by almost $30,000. HURRY UP before the 2022’s with the V-8 are gone ! You will not regret it. UPDATE in November of 2023: still a great touring sedan with impeccable road manners and an athletic suspension with an agile and responsive drivetrain. If you can find a used G-90 Ultimate all wheel drive with the 5.0 420horsepower V-8, BUY IT. That wimpy V-6 with turbos is no match for this car.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Genesis G90, so we've included reviews for other years of the G90 since its last redesign.

See all 33 reviews of the Genesis G90

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2021 G90 Highlights

Trim:

3.3T Premium

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$72,950
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$276/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the G90 models:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Automatically applies the brakes if it senses an imminent collision.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist: Warns you if there's a car in your blind spot or if a car is approaching from the side while you're backing up.
Lane Keeping Assist: Issues a warning and gently steers you back on course if you start drifting out of your lane.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Genesis G90 Review

2021 Genesis G90 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Genesis G90 3.3T Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which G90 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Genesis G90 models

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Genesis G90.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

UPDATE ON MY 2021 GENESIS G90 V6 SEDAN

Moving from the A8 to the G90

Excellent work, Genesis!

The South Korean Mercedes S class sedan

2021 G90 Highlights

Safety

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2021 Genesis G90 Review

2021 Genesis G90 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Genesis G90 3.3T Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which G90 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Genesis G90 models

Most helpful consumer reviews

UPDATE ON MY 2021 GENESIS G90 V6 SEDAN

Moving from the A8 to the G90

Excellent work, Genesis!

The South Korean Mercedes S class sedan

2021 G90 Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2021 Genesis G90 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Genesis

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Genesis G90 3.3T Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}