Genesis G90 gets undated look, more standard features for 2020

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 26, 2020) Even though it is only about 3 years old, the Genesis G90 gets a new look for 2020 plus a redesigned 12.3-inch display monitor that incorporates touchscreen controls and more standard features befitting what the company calls its flagship model sedan.

The extra makeover is so extensive, according to the automaker, that except for the roof and doors, every exterior body panel on the new model has been replaced or changed, starting with a new bolder, mesh grille up front that flies in the face of criticism that the previous models were too bland.

It comes in two well-stocked trims with the G90 Premium and G90 Ultimate each unabashedly taking on the best the large, luxury sedans of the class have to offer.

The G90 Premium, which served as my test vehicle, comes with a twin-turbo, 3.3-liter V6 engine while the Ultimate gets a 5.8-liter V8. Rear-wheel drive is standard on both with all-wheel configuration as an option.

The engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual gar selection. The V6 has EPA fuel ratings of 17 miles-per-gallon city, 25 highway highway in both RWD and AWD configuration. The V8 is only slightly thirstier with figures of 16/24 RWD and 15/23 AWD.

The V8 gives the Ultimate the advantage in horsepower over the Premium model’s V6 420 hp to 365 hp, but the difference in torque, which provides get-up-and-go throttle responses, is less. The V8 is rated at 383 pound-feet to the V6’s 376.



Those used to looking to Europe for automotive opulence just might find themselves a new option with the Genesis G90 and save a few bucks as well. Though the base MSRP doesn’t look like a huge bargain on the face of it, the G90 includes a long list of standard niceties that you don’t get on its competitors without adding options that run the final total up.

That standard equipment list for the G90 Premium adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2020 as well as including Nappa leather seating surfaces, a microfiber suede headliner, 12-way adjustable driver’s and 10-way passenger seat, ventilated front seats and heated rear, 3-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptable cruise control (dubbed Smart), heads-up display, HD navigation for the 12.3-inch display, wireless charging pad, sunroof, hands-free trunk opener, 17-speaker premium sound system, and LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights.

There is the usual array of safety features like blind spot warning and lane-keeping assist and new for 2020 are Lane Following Assist (LFA), Rear Cross-traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (that can now help detect bicycles and vehicles in front of the vehicle), Safe Exit Assist (SEA) to alert driver and passengers with alerts when an object is approaching an opening door, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA).

The company says that HDA assists the driver to maintain the center of a lane on marked interstate highways and keep a safe distance from a vehicle in front. It can act in conjunction with Highway Auto Speed Slowdown, which adjusts vehicle speed to match posted signs.



As noted, there is no real need for options on the Premium, but the Ultimate edition adds a rear-seat entertainment system and ventilated rear seats. The only real decisions left for buyer is to pick are RWD or AWD and the exterior and exterior colors.

G90 Premium models carry an MSRP of $72,200 for RWD not including the $995 destination charge. The Ultimate checks in at $75,700. AWD adds another $2,500 to each.

What I liked about the 2020 Genesis G90 Premium: The ride is very smooth, quiet and comfortable, and the twin-turbo V6 has plenty of punch. Infotainment features are very user-friendly and offer buttons as well as a console knob and the touchscreen to operate the various applications. A long list of standard features relieves you of the chore of having to pick through options.

What I did’t like about the 2020 Genesis G90 Premium: It’s a bit on the thirsty side. Not sure I care for the mesh grille.

Would I buy the 2020 Genesis G90 Premium? I love all the Genesis sedans, but probably would opt for the G70 or perhaps the G80 over the G90 if I were shopping. My reasoning has more to do with size than anything else. But if a bigger luxury sedan is what you want, certainly the G90 is a great choice.