2021 Genesis G90 Review
Overview
As the flagship of the nascent Genesis luxury brand, the 2021 G90 sedan delivers a cossetting ride and limo-like cabin but does so at a price that undercuts established rivals by thousands of dollars. A twin-turbocharged V-6 is standard and buyers can opt for a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, but I found that performance is about the same no matter which one is under the G90's hood. Both are smooth and quiet, which helps create a serene cabin environment when cruising. The G90's front and rear seats are plush, spacious, and comfortable, and the cabin boasts plenty of standard luxury and convenience features. The primary area where the G90 doesn't match rivals such as the 2021 BMW 7-series and the Mercedes-Benz S-class is in the tech department, but most users will still find its standard infotainment and driver-assistance features intuitive and helpful.
What's New for 2021?
Coming off a thorough facelift for the 2020 model year, the 2021 G90 receives only slight changes. A new Rear Comfort driving mode improves the ride for rear seat passengers. The dashboard and door panels swap genuine leather for the fake stuff used previously. The G90's infotainment system is now capable of over-the-air updates and improved voice recognition. The only exterior difference is a new design for the 19-inch wheels.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Normally I love a big V-8 in a luxury car, but in this case I'd stick with the twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6 and save the money. The 3.3T, as it's known, is gutsy and nearly as quick as the 5.0-liter V-8. All-wheel drive is optional should you need it, but it adds $2500 to the bottom line.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
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. Both power-trains pair with a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission and offer either rear- or all-wheel drive. I 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.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
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. 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.
Infotainment and Connectivity
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. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are both standard, as is a wireless smartphone charging pad and a 17-speaker Lexicon stereo system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
While it has never been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the time of writing this post, 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
- Power-train warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
Rear picture taken from Stardust Limited Edition.
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