2020 Genesis G90 Review

The G90 is the flagship model for Genesis and has received a few updates for 2020. But its largest, and definitely most noticeable, changes are on the outside.

Nearly every body panel on the 2020 Genesis G90 has been replaced, with the exception of the roof and doors. The most prominent feature up front is Genesis' new supersize grille, which to us looks like a Superman shield without the "S." If you thought the previous G90's front-end look was too anodyne, this one should be right up your alley.

The G-Matrix pattern, which is what Genesis calls that prominent diamond design, is replicated in other areas of the vehicle, from the daytime running lights to the wheels and even the interior stitching. The headlights now have a quad-lamp design, with LED daytime running lights running horizontally through it.

The Genesis logo badge has been swapped on the rear trunklid, in favor of the brand's name spelled out across the back. The taillights are no longer two separate units. Instead they're a single piece that wraps around the back. There are also new 19-inch dish-style wheels, which have sound-absorption technology designed to reduce cabin noise.

The 2020 G90 carries over the same engines, which means customers will have their choice of either a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 (365 horsepower, 376 lb-ft of torque) or a 5.0-liter V8 (425 hp, 383 lb-ft). Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive as an option.

Genesis has also enhanced some of the G90's advanced safety features. It improved lane-centering functionality for the lane keeping assist system and bicycle detection for the forward collision warning system, just to name a couple.

The refreshed 2020 G90 feels the way you'd want a big luxury sedan to drive: very comfortable on highways and planted at all times. Genesis made a great move by staying with 19-inch wheels since the taller tire sidewalls provide better ride comfort. Driver and passengers feel isolated from road imperfections. It's very quiet inside with nary a hint of wind noise and just minuscule tire noise.

It's generally easy to get up to speed and merge or pass slow vehicles. The turbo V6 feels more potent than the V8 since it produces more low-rpm torque. The 5.0-liter V8 is strong but there's more immediacy in the V6. Even so, there's an annoying delay from when you floor it to when the G90 actually shoots forward.

Drive around some turns and you'll get a sense of how large and heavy the G90 is. In Comfort mode, there is some mild floatiness to the ride, but that is to be expected. Once you select Sport mode, you feel the driver seat's side bolsters pinch in, the suspension firm up, and the gas pedal become more responsive. The G90 is not athletic like the BMW 7 Series but it's competent enough given the intended audience.

Inside, things remain mostly the same with a few notable exceptions. The 12.3-inch screen for the infotainment system has a redesigned touchscreen that is quicker and offers new functionality, such as a split-screen setup. Previously we lauded the level of luxury and features offered in the G90 but felt that the materials lacked distinction and feel. Genesis took that to heart and updated the interior materials and trim so that it now more closely competes with BMW and Lexus. The buttons, switchgear and trim pieces have improved materials — open-pore wood grain trim is one example.

The seats are broad and very cushy — they also give you ample support. The rear seats have a good range of adjustment and the executive seat on the passenger rear has a good amount of recline.