2023 Genesis G90 Test Drive Review

Full disclosure: I love the big, luxury sedan segment. Early in my car-obsessed days I was exposed, through no fortune of my own, to the wonders of several of these vehicles. I was blown away. I can still remember just how cushy the ride was, how quiet the interiors were and just how smooth everything seemed. Years later, I still love it. It’s a tough segment to break into, though, especially with the decades of refinement that the top competitors have under their belt. So how would an uber-luxury sedan from Korea fare? 

Enter the new 2023 Genesis G90. We’ve been impressed with the other Genesis models that have come through our hands, but we were not prepared for the next-level efforts of the G90. It’s truly exceptional and has catapulted itself to the front of the German and Japanese lines it competes with. There’s nary an inch that hasn’t been thought through. With remarkable attention to detail, wizard-like engineering and superb quality and materials, the G90 is the car you never knew you needed. We want one. You’ll want one. Once you’ve experienced it, there’s no going back. And did we mention it undercuts its competitors by $10-$30,000, even fully loaded? Insert heart eyes emoji here. 

Curious about the Genesis G90? Find it on KSL Cars. 

Price and Value 

There are no trim levels for the G90 — you just buy it. You do have the choice of adding an e-supercharger to the turbocharged V6, which adds some other nice features like self-closing doors (you know, like in a Rolls Royce) and some awesome paint choices. But other than those options, the G90 is what it is: a loaded luxury sedan shooting for the stars. 

The MSRP range for the 2023 Genesis G90 is $88,400-$98,700. The $10,000 bump comes from the addition of the aforementioned e-supercharger which increases power to 409 horsepower and adds easy close power doors, power reclining rear seats with massage function, a Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system and other totally necessary niceties.

Our tester was the loaded-up version, complete with the $1,500 Matte Makula Gray paint, and we think it’s the way to go. You won’t be able to live without those self-closing doors and rear, reclining seats, as my insanely spoiled seven-year-old constantly reminds me. Even as priced, our tester came in just over $101,000 — more than $32,000 less than one of its competitors we tested last year. Still expensive? Yes. But in this segment, as Genesis always does, it’s an exceptional value, especially considering the warranty. 

Genesis offers 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. It’s one of the best warranties in the business and provides great peace of mind. If the reclining lounge seat or the built-in air freshener/fragrance spritzer fails, you’ll be covered for years to come, so there’s never a danger of losing your life of luxury. See Genesis G90 Listings

Performance 

While the industry has skewed “sporty” in recent years, Genesis forgoes that approach here in favor of a wholehearted embrace of plush, comfortable and smooth luxury. It’s refreshing. It’s a spa on wheels. It’s a car that is supremely pleasant to drive but even nicer to ride in. I would live in this car. 

Engine

Choosing the e-supercharged engine brings you a turbocharged and hybridized V6 that produces 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. It’s good power, but if we’re nitpicking, we could go for about 75 more horses under the hood. As is, it’s perfectly acceptable, but it’s also not terribly impressive when you put your foot down. That said, the power is delivered so smoothly, even serenely, most buyers probably won’t long for some extra thrust as we do.

Fuel Efficiency 

We drove the G90 a lot during our time with it, almost 500 miles. On our daily 52-mile round trip commute, we averaged nearly 29 mpg — much better than the EPA estimated 24 mpg highway rating. Overall we averaged about 23 mpg in our combined driving. Not amazing, but a minor sacrifice in an otherwise very impressive luxury experience.

Drivetrain

Nothing fancy here, just a tried and true 8-speed automatic transmission that’s been tuned to be impossibly smooth. The G90 also comes equipped with all-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering and adaptable air suspension, which all contribute to its securely planted feeling. There’s even a chauffeur mode that keeps the rear suspension extra plush to avoid disturbing your passengers after a hard day’s work (or a hard soccer practice). 

Acceleration and Handling 

This is a huge, heavy sedan and it really hustles in its acceleration. Car and Driver clocked it from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Handling is likewise excellent. Steering is light and easy but never feels sloppy. You always feel in control and the four-wheel steering makes the G90 feel much smaller than it is. The brakes are also a strong point, always able to slow this big boy down as quickly as it needs to. The G90 has a relaxed nature to it, and it’s never hyperactive, flustered or in a hurry. 

Interior Comfort and Convenience 

As much as we loved driving the G90, it’s the interior that truly shines. We meant what we said when it's like a spa on wheels. Everything in the interior contributes to your relaxation, comfort and peace. Can our doctors write us a prescription? The G90 is good for our health. 

Just a few of the special features in this car include a fragrance diffuser, a UV sanitizer box, massaging front and rear seats, a stereo that’s been modeled after Boston Symphony Hall, crushed carbon fiber dash and door inlays, soft nappa leather, active noise cancellation, power-operated rear sunshades, reclining rear seats, a Mood Curator and so much more. 

It’s not an overstatement to say this is one of the most comfortable cars we’ve ever been in, and each seat feels like an isolated luxury pod set apart from the noise and confusion of the world. Case in point, I put two of my co-workers in the back after lunch. They fell asleep within minutes. What better endorsement do you need? Check out Genesis G90 Listings

All the materials, systems and touchpoints are high-grade and easy to use. There are some very minor points that feel closer to a Hyundai product than a $100,000 car, but they’re certainly not deal breakers.

If there is a weak point, it’s in the infotainment and digital gauge cluster. Both of these look and feel like they’re out of a $40,000 sedan — especially with the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Their appearance, and lack of those specific features, feel like a missed opportunity to tie the interior off with a bow. Give the system those features, dress up their appearance a bit to stand out from the Genesis parts bin and you’ve achieved perfection. 

Exterior Appearance and Functionality 

The new G90 is a presence on the road. It’s a large vehicle, and its proportions and formal styling come off quite beautifully. It’s not in your face, but it is distinctive. Genesis has done an excellent job combining modern, stylish touches with a timeless and classic design. We can’t imagine a year where this G90 won’t look good.

Our tester was finished in Makula Gray matte paint, and we think it’s worth every dollar. Everyone who saw it loved its unique appearance. Other luxurious colors include Maui Black, Uyuni White, Verbier White Matte, Makula Gray, Savile Silver, Hallasan Green, Vik Black and Capri Blue. 

The e-supercharged G90 comes equipped with large, snowflake-designed 21-inch wheels. While we thought they might impede the ride, our assumptions were dismissed as foolishness. The Genesis engineers already thought of that. 

One of our favorite features of the G90’s exterior was the lights. The twin-bar head and tail light motif are unique and attractive, and wrap around the sides of the car. Very cool. Both employ some of the slimmest LED strips we’ve seen, and they look amazing. The headlights are especially distinctive, with 22 little squares comprising the illuminating beams for the road ahead. Browse G90 Listings

Aside from those luxurious touches, the G90 has a plethora of cameras to aid with parking, safety and visibility. Heck, there are even cameras that watch the road ahead so the suspension can proactively adapt to various road conditions. Amazing. 

Safety 

As with the rest of the vehicle, Genesis’s safety features and safety engineering are top-tier — enough to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, its highest award. The G90 rolls like a bank vault and will protect you like one, too. 

Features 

The list of its safety features is long, but includes: 

• Forward collision avoidance assist

• Highway driving assist 

• Lane-keeping assist and lane-following assist

• Blind spot monitoring and collision avoidance assist

• Surround view monitor

• Safe exit assist

Awards and Ratings 

The new G90 just came out and it’s already swept up a number of awards. Some of these include the 2023 Motor Trend Car of the Year, the Cars.com 2023 Luxury Car of the Year, the Red Dot Design Award for product design and several iF Design Awards. 

Final Impression 

Simply put: the 2023 Genesis G90 is one of the top luxury cars on the market, regardless of price. It’s beautifully crafted and designed, with every detail thought out. It’s an exceptional value, too, with a truly impressive warranty. It feels every bit like its $102,000 price tag — and so much more. It plays off the classics while becoming its own thing entirely. The G90 is a special car, and highly desirable for anyone looking for a serene, comfortable, top-tier luxury driving experience. 

It’s time to give Genesis serious consideration. Once again we are leaving one of their vehicles wishing it would stay in our driveway forever. We have yet to be disappointed by the brand, and the G90 elevates the Korean automaker to heavenly heights.  

Find your Genesis G90 on KSL Cars today. 

FAQs 

Is the Genesis G90 fun to drive? 

Absolutely. Not in the sports car sense, but in a way that most drivers have never experienced before. It’s like being on a private jet, and the comfort and features are guaranteed to blow you and your passengers away. Can this be written off as a medical expense? It’s the mood booster we need in our lives. 

Is the Genesis G90 good for families? 

With all the buttons and screens in the backseat, probably not. However — if your child can contain themselves, there is more than enough space for a family of four here, including gear. Be warned, if your kids spend any time in the backseat, even on a test drive, they won’t ever let you forget about how those seats are heated, ventilated and able to recline. They’ll feel like royalty and never settle for anything else. You’ve been warned. 

KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.

About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, automotive journalist, and social media manager. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press where he serves on the Board of Directors. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com