Genesis is Hyundai's luxury brand that started as a sedan nameplate for the South Korean automaker. A decade into being a standalone brand, Genesis is all grown up, and its new G90 sedan shows it.
I drove the Genesis G90 3.5 Prestige Black all-wheel-drive for a week to see whether it lives up to its Car and Driver Editors’ Choice and Red Dot Design awards.
The Genesis G90 3.5 Prestige Black all-wheel-drive model I tested is the top trim of the full-size luxury sedan, and it starts at a little under $106,000. Entry-level Genesis G90 sedan models start at just under $93,000.
I have tested other sedans like the Mazda3, and also smaller SUVs such as the Mazda CX-5, the Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid, and the fully electric Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota bZ,
and Lexus RZ. I have also tested the luxury two-row Genesis GV80 Coupe SUV.
Here's what I learned after a week behind the wheel of Genesis's luxury sedan.
What to know about the 2026 Genesis G90
The Genesis G90 stands out for its sleek exterior, luxurious interior features, and smooth handling on roads and highways. The vehicle is available in six colors, including the Uyuni white model I tested, which consistently drew attention during my week behind the wheel.
During testing, the Genesis' interior and cargo area felt spacious for daily driving needs. I loved the front-row massagers with adjustable speeds that could set the pressure to three different levels.
I also enjoyed the G90's wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. Its 12.3-inch infotainment screen seemed perfect for a moderately-sized sedan.
I drove the G90 over 100 miles in my week of testing, putting it through its paces on flat interstate highways, suburban streets, and roads with winding hills and tight corners. It handled each terrain with ease.
How does the 2026 Genesis G90 drive?
The Genesis G90 accelerated quickly, even on very steep hills, and handled tight curves on two-lane roads well. It felt powerful when needed and nimble when agility was required.
The G90 gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, according to Genesis. The model I tested showed about 350 miles of range on a full tank.
The G90 is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a 48-volt E-Supercharger. Genesis said the model I tested produces 409 horsepower and 405 pounds per foot of torque. All G90 trims are available in an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The top-level trim G90 model I tested came with 21‑inch alloy wheels and leather seats that can be heated and cooled. It also had a Bang & Olufsen 3D premium audio system with 23 speakers.
Will the 2026 Genesis G90 fit your lifestyle?
The Genesis G90 model I tested is over 207 inches long, more than 76 inches wide, without considering the mirrors, and over 58 inches tall.
It also came with built-in navigation, several Google services, and the Genesis Connected Services application, which lets drivers start the car and adjust temperatures from their phones. The G90 also has a rear-seat entertainment system with a touchscreen that lets back-seat passengers watch movies and TV shows, listen to music, or play games without distracting the driver.
The G90 is also equipped with safety features such as auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and lane-keep assist.
The vehicle I tested offered nearly 11 cubic feet of trunk space, which I found sufficient for luggage and grocery hauls. The vehicle's rear seats can also be folded to create additional cargo space.
The G90 can comfortably fit up to five passengers. The model I tested offered 39 inches of headroom and more 42 inches of legroom for front-row passengers. Rear passengers get 38 inches of headroom and nearly 38 inches of legroom.
Is the 2026 Genesis G90 worth it?
The 2026 Genesis G90 costs a lot more than the average price of a new car, which was $50,562 in September, according toCox Automotive's Kelley Blue Book. But even with a starting sticker price that's little under $93,000, it's lower than the average price of a typical high-end luxury, which was $125,575 in September, according to Cox.
The G90 pricing ranges from the entry-level 3.5T that starts at $92,7000 to the top trim 3.5T E-SC Prestige Black that retails for $105,750.
I enjoyed the G90 I tested. The car was fun to drive, and I loved exploring its luxurious features. The white G90 drew positive comments from onlookers who told me they thought it looked good. I also appreciated the G90's efficiency as I drove past gas stations that were charging over $4 a gallon.
If I were shopping for a luxury car today, I'd likely choose the entry-level G90 3.5T all-wheel-drive model over more expensive versions of the vehicle because it's the only trim that retails for less than $100,000.
The G90 competes in the full-size luxury sedan segment with models such as theBMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Lincoln Continental, and Cadillac CT6.
Who should buy the Genesis G90?
The 2026 Genesis G90 has a very high sticker price that may move it out of most car shoppers' budgets. But it is a compelling option for buyers seeking a full-size luxury car with sturdy handling, distinctive styling, and modern features.
But even with the high price, it's a great vehicle for anyone looking to get a full-sized luxury car that can afford it.
Keith Laing is an automotive reporter on the National Trending Desk at USA TODAY. Contact Keith at klaing@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Genesis G90 is one of the most luxurious cars out now. I tested it
