Used 2022 Genesis G90

The 2022 Genesis G90 full-size luxury sedan seems too good to be true. So much standard equipment and plushness in a spacious car that’s way more affordable than any rival. Where’s the catch?

Here’s the thing, though, the G90 is truly that good. There’s no catch unless the lack of prestige compared with, say, Mercedes-Benz is a sticking point. Nor does it engage the driver as much as a BMW 7 Series. To which a lot of potential buyers might ask: “Who cares?”

Someone looking at a new G90 wants the full luxury experience — including a service valet along with fine materials and excellent build quality — but doesn’t feel the need to pay any more than is necessary.

The G90 has been around since 2017, and at first, it didn’t feel quite fully baked as a credible alternative to the usual luxury choices. Various improvements since then have seen the G90 stay in the oven a bit longer, so to speak.

A new standard feature in the 2022 G90 with the V6 engine is intelligent coasting. When conditions are deemed ideal, it will disengage the transmission automatically to save a little fuel, for about 0.75 of a mile. If the G90 gets within 65 feet of another vehicle, or the driver uses a turn signal and/or changes lanes, everything goes back to normal.

The G90 isn’t short on power with either engine, but it lacks involvement if that matters.

For many, it won’t. For the few who might want more fun, they can always get a midsize BMW 5 Series. Instead, the G90 emphasizes tranquility and comfort, allowing the driver to complete long trips with a minimum of fatigue.

Luxury cues are everywhere in the G90’s cabin. Like fine Nappa leather seating surfaces with quilted stitching, real wood trim, deep-pile carpeting, and an analog clock in the dashboard. Comfort levels are high. Noise levels are low, thanks in part to double-glazed windows — standard, of course.

Occupant space is ample both front and back, although 37.8 inches of rear legroom is still small for the class. With the extra-plush seating in the V8 version, the rear passenger who isn’t behind the driver has a button to send that corresponding front seat as far forward as possible, maximizing stretching-out space.

A trunk area of 15.7 cubic feet does compare well with the competition.

Like the interior, the looks lean toward traditional luxury. Unlike the established marques, there isn’t the confidence yet to be more innovative. The grille is a little bit Acura, the headlights are a little bit Volvo. That’s OK. There may well be better design ideas to come from Genesis, but the 2022 G90 will suffice in the meantime.

Buyers can choose from a couple of alloy wheel designs without spending extra. Regarding paint choices, Makalu Gray comes in, while Himalayan Gray, Adriatic Blue, and Gold Coast Silver go out.

SEATING
The driver’s seat is 22-way power-adjustable, the front passenger’s is 16-way. They’re designed for optimum comfort and support, gaining approval from an organization of German back and spine specialists (AGR). A Smart Posture function for the driver is new this year and recommends the ideal position while adjusting the side mirrors and head-up display at the same time. The rear seats in the V8 model are similarly cosseting and German-specialist-approved.

LEXICON AUDIO
This 17-speaker/900-watt surround-sound system is yet another standard feature in the 2022 G90. Lexicon is a highly respected name in recording studios, specifically for lush reverbs that make an instrument or voice sound like they’re in a cathedral or a concert hall. Its in-car audio systems have also been used by Rolls-Royce.

We could fill the rest of this review with the rundown of standard equipment in the 3.3T Premium. So we’ll hit a few highlights with the implication that all the typical luxury car features are present and correct.

There’s full LED exterior lighting with self-leveling headlights, self-dimming side mirrors with puddle lamps, power-closing doors, heated/ventilated/multi-way adjustable front seats, power-adjustable steering column, Nappa leather seating surfaces, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, and hands-free trunk lid operation.

All the usual driver assistance features are on board (see the Safety Technology section below for more information), plus things like Safe Exit Assist (new this year), head-up display, 360-degree camera system with a zoom in/out function, and navigation-based smart cruise control.

The infotainment system includes wireless charging, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, voice recognition, satellite radio, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

To bring more equipment into a new Genesis G90, consider the V8-powered 5.0L Ultimate model. Apart from the bigger engine, additions here focus on the rear passenger area. The outboard seats are multi-way adjustable with heating and ventilation, power-reclining, and with memory settings. There’s also a rear-seat entertainment system with two 10.3-inch screens.

The main options are all-wheel drive and premium paint. A few things are missing, though. The G90 does not offer massaging seats front or back, and despite helpful things like parking sensors and automatic emergency braking in reverse (which is new this year), a self-parking feature is absent.

At its entry level, the 2022 G90 is propelled by a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 developing 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. The engine in the plushest version of the G90 is a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 generating 420 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines connect to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is one of the few options. Premium gasoline is recommended, and neither engine is that sparing with it.

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)