The Genesis G90 represents the pinnacle of luxury for the Genesis brand, offering a compelling alternative to established European and Japanese rivals. Choosing the right model year is crucial to ensuring a satisfying ownership experience, balancing luxury, features, reliability, and value. This guide will delve into the best and worst years for the Genesis G90, providing you with the insights needed to make an informed decision.
Genesis G90 Model Year Comparison
| Model Year | Notable Features & Pros | Potential Issues & Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-2019 (First Generation) | Pros: Lower price point, available V8 engine, comfortable ride, comprehensive standard features, elegant styling. Cons: Infotainment system outdated compared to rivals, some reported electrical glitches, V8 fuel economy. | Minor software bugs, occasional reports of electronic component failures, V8 fuel consumption can be a concern for some. |
| 2020-2022 (Facelifted First Generation) | Pros: Updated exterior and interior styling, improved infotainment system, enhanced safety features, quieter cabin. Cons: Still uses older platform, limited driver engagement, some reports of air suspension issues. | Air suspension failures (though less frequent than other luxury brands), infotainment system still not the most intuitive, resale value can be lower than competitors. |
| 2023-Present (Second Generation) | Pros: Completely redesigned with cutting-edge technology, significantly improved interior and exterior design, advanced driver-assistance systems, available e-Supercharger, vastly improved ride and handling. Cons: Higher price point, potentially more complex technology that could lead to future issues, no V8 option. | Potential for early adoption glitches with new technology, higher maintenance costs associated with advanced features, some may miss the V8 engine sound and feel. |
Detailed Explanations
2017-2019 (First Generation): These models offer a great entry point into the Genesis G90 lineup, particularly for those seeking value. The V8 engine option provides ample power and a luxurious driving experience. However, the infotainment system is less advanced compared to newer models and competitors, and some owners have reported minor electrical issues. The lower price point and availability of the V8 make these years appealing to some buyers.
2020-2022 (Facelifted First Generation): The facelifted first-generation G90 brought significant improvements in styling, both inside and out. The infotainment system was updated, though still not the most intuitive. Enhanced safety features were also added. While improvements were made, the car still utilized the older platform, and some owners reported issues with the air suspension, although these were less frequent than in other luxury brands. This generation is a solid choice for those wanting a more modern look without the higher price of the second generation.
2023-Present (Second Generation): The second-generation G90 represents a complete redesign and a significant leap forward in terms of technology, design, and performance. The interior is exceptionally luxurious, and the exterior boasts a striking new design. The available e-Supercharger enhances the driving experience. However, the higher price point and the potential for early adoption glitches with the new technology are considerations. This generation is for buyers seeking the latest features and a truly modern luxury experience.
Lower Price Point (2017-2019): The first generation G90 models, particularly those from 2017-2019, typically have a lower purchase price compared to newer models. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who still desire a luxurious vehicle.
Available V8 Engine (2017-2019): These early models offered a powerful V8 engine option, delivering a robust and responsive driving experience. This is a key selling point for those who prefer the traditional feel and sound of a V8.
Comfortable Ride (All Years): The Genesis G90 is known for its comfortable and smooth ride quality across all model years. The suspension is designed to absorb bumps and provide a relaxed driving experience.
Comprehensive Standard Features (All Years): Even the earliest models of the G90 came equipped with a wide range of standard features, including leather upholstery, advanced safety systems, and a premium audio system. This provides excellent value for the price.
Elegant Styling (All Years): The Genesis G90 has consistently featured elegant and sophisticated styling, making it a visually appealing vehicle. The design has evolved over the years, but the core aesthetic remains luxurious and refined.
Infotainment System Outdated Compared to Rivals (2017-2019): The infotainment system in the first generation G90 models was not as advanced or user-friendly as those found in competing luxury vehicles. This is a notable drawback for tech-savvy buyers.
Some Reported Electrical Glitches (2017-2019): Some owners of the 2017-2019 G90 models have reported experiencing minor electrical glitches, such as issues with the infotainment system or lighting. While not widespread, this is a potential concern to be aware of.
V8 Fuel Economy (2017-2019): The V8 engine option in the first generation G90 delivers strong performance, but it also comes with lower fuel economy compared to the V6 engine. This is a factor to consider for those who prioritize fuel efficiency.
Updated Exterior and Interior Styling (2020-2022): The facelifted first-generation G90 models received significant updates to their exterior and interior styling, giving them a more modern and refined appearance.
Improved Infotainment System (2020-2022): The infotainment system in the 2020-2022 G90 models was updated, offering improved functionality and user-friendliness compared to the earlier models.
Enhanced Safety Features (2020-2022): The facelifted models also benefited from enhanced safety features, including advanced driver-assistance systems, providing added peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
Quieter Cabin (2020-2022): The 2020-2022 G90 models featured improved sound insulation, resulting in a quieter and more comfortable cabin environment.
Still Uses Older Platform (2020-2022): Despite the updates, the 2020-2022 G90 models still utilized the older platform, which limited the extent of improvements that could be made to the car's handling and performance.
Limited Driver Engagement (2020-2022): The G90 is primarily focused on comfort and luxury, and as a result, it offers limited driver engagement compared to some other luxury sedans.
Some Reports of Air Suspension Issues (2020-2022): While less frequent than in some other luxury brands, some owners of the 2020-2022 G90 models reported issues with the air suspension system.
Air Suspension Failures (2020-2022): Air suspension failures, though not widespread, can be costly to repair and can affect the ride quality and handling of the vehicle.
Infotainment System Still Not the Most Intuitive (2020-2022): Despite improvements, the infotainment system in the 2020-2022 G90 models was still not considered the most intuitive or user-friendly compared to some competitors.
Resale Value Can Be Lower Than Competitors (2020-2022): The resale value of the Genesis G90 can be lower than that of some competing luxury sedans, which is a factor to consider for those who plan to sell the car in the future.
Completely Redesigned with Cutting-Edge Technology (2023-Present): The second-generation G90 models represent a complete redesign, featuring cutting-edge technology and advanced features.
Significantly Improved Interior and Exterior Design (2023-Present): The interior and exterior design of the second-generation G90 models are significantly improved, offering a more modern and luxurious aesthetic.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (2023-Present): The second-generation G90 models come equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, providing enhanced safety and convenience.
Available e-Supercharger (2023-Present): The available e-Supercharger enhances the performance and responsiveness of the engine, delivering a more engaging driving experience.
Vastly Improved Ride and Handling (2023-Present): The second-generation G90 models offer vastly improved ride and handling compared to the previous generation, providing a more comfortable and controlled driving experience.
Higher Price Point (2023-Present): The second-generation G90 models come with a higher price point compared to the previous generation, reflecting the significant improvements and advanced features.
Potentially More Complex Technology That Could Lead to Future Issues (2023-Present): The advanced technology in the second-generation G90 models could potentially lead to future issues, as complex systems are often more prone to problems.
No V8 Option (2023-Present): The second-generation G90 models do not offer a V8 engine option, which may disappoint some buyers who prefer the traditional feel and sound of a V8.
Potential for Early Adoption Glitches with New Technology (2023-Present): As with any new technology, there is a potential for early adoption glitches in the second-generation G90 models.
Higher Maintenance Costs Associated with Advanced Features (2023-Present): The advanced features in the second-generation G90 models may result in higher maintenance costs, as specialized technicians and parts may be required.
Some May Miss the V8 Engine Sound and Feel (2023-Present): Some buyers may miss the sound and feel of the V8 engine that was available in the first-generation G90 models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which G90 year offers the best value for money? The 2017-2019 models offer a good balance of luxury features and affordability, making them a solid choice for value-conscious buyers.
Are there any known reliability issues with the G90? Some owners have reported minor electrical glitches in the earlier models and occasional air suspension issues in the facelifted first-generation models.
Is the second-generation G90 worth the extra cost? If you prioritize the latest technology, a significantly improved interior and exterior design, and enhanced performance, then the second-generation G90 is worth the investment.
Does the G90 offer good fuel economy? The V6 engine offers reasonable fuel economy for a luxury sedan, but the V8 engine in the earlier models consumes more fuel.
What are the key differences between the first and second-generation G90? The second-generation G90 is a complete redesign with cutting-edge technology, a significantly improved interior and exterior design, and vastly improved ride and handling, while the first generation prioritizes value and a more traditional luxury experience.
Does the G90 have good safety ratings? Yes, the Genesis G90 consistently receives high safety ratings from reputable organizations.
Is the G90 a comfortable car to drive? Yes, the G90 is known for its comfortable ride and luxurious interior, making it a great choice for long drives.
How is the G90's infotainment system? The infotainment system in the first-generation models is less advanced than rivals, but it was improved in the facelifted models and is significantly enhanced in the second-generation G90.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best year for the Genesis G90 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If budget is a primary concern, the 2017-2019 models offer excellent value, while the 2023-Present models provide the latest technology and a truly modern luxury experience.