Used 2021 Genesis G90

The 2021 Genesis G90 is the full-size flagship sedan from Hyundai’s luxury operation. Just as the parent company carved its place in the market by providing well-equipped cars at budget prices, Genesis is doing much the same thing at the premium end of the automotive spectrum.

What it lacks in prestige, it makes up for in plain financial sense. Take a German rival like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series, then hit the options list to bring the feature level up to the G90’s and the difference in bottom lines will be dramatic.

Yet the G90 still enjoys excellent build quality, top-notch cabin materials, plenty of advanced driver aids, and a refined ride. Against basic versions of the top rivals, this is a smart choice.

The designs and ingenious gadgetry of the main players still make them more attractive, but Genesis is becoming a force among luxury cars. The 2021 Genesis G90 is fueled by strong value, an unsurpassed 10-year powertrain warranty, and an exterior that paints a convincing picture of affluence.

Working on the premise that no one buys a large luxury sedan because they want a sporty drive (unless it’s a BMW 7 Series), then there’s no criticism of the Genesis G90 for having a comfortable ride quality. Not too soft or car-sick-inducing, but as forgiving as a grandparent.

In a moment of mischief, the driver might click through the driving modes and select Sport — such as when a fast, sweeping freeway onramp comes up — and feel a small thrill of satisfaction as the suspension tightens, the throttle becomes more responsive and the transmission holds a lower gear for longer.

But the G90 is more about maintaining freeway speeds for hours at a time and still arriving at journey’s end with minimum fatigue, thanks to a tranquil and accommodating cabin.

Just because Genesis is still a relative newcomer to the luxury car game, the cabins are still put together with the same kind of skill and fine materials found in more well-known and appreciably more expensive rivals.

Soft and supple Nappa leather adorns the seats and armrests. Wood trim comes from actual trees. And the stainless steel speaker grilles are complemented by metal-effect switches and buttons.

If there’s one complaint, it’s that the basic layout, ergonomics, and infotainment display are like the equivalents in mass-market Hyundai vehicles.

Last year’s styling revisions brought a larger grille, new headlights and taillights, and lines running along the flanks. There’s a hint of Bentley in there, as well as the Lincoln Continental (which was probably unintended). Each beholder will have their own take, but most will agree that the G90 is now less understated.

One of the few changes for 2021 is a new multi-spoke alloy wheel design.

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES
The proliferation of advanced safety features can only be a good thing. Forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian/cyclist detection and automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control with a stop/go function, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, safe exit assistance, driver fatigue monitoring, and a vivid 360-degree camera system are all standard in the 2021 G90.

REAR SEAT
For those whose idea of a pleasurable drive is to spend it all in the back, the Genesis G90 5.0 Ultimate trim level brings independent powered adjustment of the two outboard seats, with memory settings and ventilation. Choose the right-hand spot, and the front seat can also buzz forward for extravagant legroom.

The entry-level 2021 Genesis G90 3.3T Premium has every essential ingredient in the luxury flagship sedan recipe.

That includes the aforementioned advanced safety features and fine leather upholstery, plus heated/ventilated/power-adjustable front seats (22-way for the driver, 16-way for the passenger) with memory settings (now pre-configurable with the Personalized Remote Start feature), heated rear seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, multi-color ambient LED cabin lighting, a head-up display, wireless charging, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, satellite radio, smartphone integration, 17-speaker/900-watt Lexicon surround-sound system (the other car company to use Lexicon is Rolls-Royce, so it’s pretty darn good), powered shades for the rear window and the rear side windows, 360-degree camera system, and free service valet.

And this is the “basic” version, remember.

Buyers may order any version of their new Genesis G90 with all-wheel drive, regardless of engine.

The G90 5.0 Ultimate is the version to go for if the 3.3T is not quite lavish enough. This includes those adjustable rear seats with powered head restraints and memory settings, a rear-seat entertainment system with a pair of 10.3-inch high-resolution screens, plus a muscular 5.0-liter V8 engine.

Many items that are optional in rival cars, especially German, are standard in the 2021 G90.

The G90 runs with either a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 or a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8. Although the V8’s 420 horsepower is substantially greater than the V6’s 365, their torque figures are closer: 383 to 376 lb-ft. And torque (which affects the rate of acceleration) is more easily perceived and more welcome in day-to-day driving. So the main reason for choosing the V8 is probably for all the extra equipment accompanying it.

Both engines require premium fuel and quite a bit of it; 24 mpg on the highway is not as good as the BMW 740i or Cadillac CT6. All versions use an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard, or all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option.

3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6
365 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
376 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (RWD & AWD)

5.0-liter V8
420 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
383 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 mpg (RWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD)