2019 Genesis G90 Review

Don’t let the news fool you. Sedans are not dead. For those who need a nice RWD sedan, the search should start with Genesis. South Korea’s most prolific automaker has been Hyundai. Their quality and warranty are first-rate, which has allowed them to be a player in the premium sedan market.

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The Genesis brand was a bold move to capitalize on the success of their popular midsize sedan. It launched in 2017 with two models. The G80 is simply a re-badged Hyundai Genesis, and the G90 was formerly known as the Hyundai Equus.

We have had several flavors of the G80 and its predecessors, but our time with the big car has been limited. That is why we jumped at the opportunity to spend a week with the latest G90.

The base model engine is a 365 hp twin turbo V6. It is a proven design that offers decent power in the RWD models. If you need traction for all climates, the G90 is available with Htrac AWD. This capable system quickly reacts to slippery roads, and it isn’t limited to the V6. Yes, you can have the 420 hp V8 sending 383 lb-ft of torque to all wheels.

When compared to German supercars and the upcoming Cadillac CT6-V, the Genesis G90 is a bargain. A V8 model with AWD carries a sticker price of $75,345. Almost every option is standard equipment. No silly drivers or entertainment packages to confuse the window sticker, so the competition could learn a few things here.

Driving the Genesis is a breeze. The transmission and the AWD system eat a significant amount of torque, but the sedan is not slow by any means. The chassis is designed to be very smooth in a straight line. So trying to push it around in the corners is not exactly confident. If you want predictable understeer and feedback from the steering wheel, a Cadillac V series or an AMG is more for you.

The 8-speed automatic is lazy and smooth, probably due to the 4,717 lbs above it. Having such a heavy body allows the G90 to hug the road while running the quarter-mile in 13.8 seconds. Exterior styling is rather bland, and it can easily be confused with an older Lexus GS. Inside the seats and interior layout are top-notch. Navigating the infotainment system is easy and intuitive, and the controls are placed in the right spots.

If you want a big V8 sedan that won’t break the bank, $75,000 isn’t a bad deal. But if you want performance and handling you might want to hit the corners to see if it is right for you. We hope this helps you make an informed decision, so stay with us for more great reviews.