I drove the final trim of Genesis’ flagship sedan, or in other words, the best iteration of the South Korean brand’s premium car. It made me change the way I look at luxury vehicles in 2026.
The 2026 Genesis G90 is a full-size sedan that comes with a powerful base engine, a refined exterior, and an interior so luxurious that it made me want to ride in it more than drive it.
It’s quick for its size, opulent, and its body style keeps a low profile instead of attracting instant attention. Here’s what USA TODAY Cars thought of the 2026 Genesis G90 after driving the flagship luxury sedan for a week.
What Makes the 2026 Genesis G90 Stand Out?
The first thing I noticed about the G90’s design was how simple its exterior looks. It may not seem like a $92K car at first glance, but the sedan’s cabin is nothing short of transformational for fans of luxury cars.
There’s plenty of fun to be had with its mighty V6 engine options, but the real beauty of the G90 is its rear seat. It stands out from rivals because its interior feels more like the VIP section of an exclusive club than a back row.
How Does the 2026 Genesis G90 Drive?
Performance, Handling and Efficiency
Genesis’ full-size sedan accelerates quickly and feels easily maneuverable for its size. It handles like a midsize car on the road and its engine grumble is pleasant. The G90 delivers smooth power and it has a comfortable ride thanks to an adaptive air suspension.
The 2026 Genesis G90 uses a standard 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 to produce a mighty 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. I tested the Prestige Black trim, which comes with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and an electric supercharger that produces 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.
Will the 2026 Genesis G90 Fit Your Lifestyle?
Cargo, Space and Practicality
The G90 will fit your lifestyle if you’re looking for an ultra-luxury car with one of the best modern interiors that money can buy. It’s designed for drivers who enjoy the finer things and want an ownership experience similar to what a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7-Series can deliver. If you aren’t looking for a top-of-the-line luxury car, the G90 may not suit your budget or needs.
Genesis’ full-size sedan is 207.7 inches long, 76 inches wide (without mirrors), and 58.7 inches tall. The base model has 12.0 cubic feet of cargo space and upper trims have 10.6 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s an incredibly roomy car and its cargo space is average.
Is the Genesis G90 Worth It?
Pricing, Value and Competition
The 2026 Genesis G90 starts at $92,700. It comes in three trims, including the Prestige Black final trim that we tested.
2026 Genesis G90 trims:
- 3.5T AWD: $92,700
- 3.5 E-SC MHEV AWD: $103,000
- 3.5 E-SC Prestige Black AWD: $105,750
The G90 may seem pricey, but it’s actually much more affordable than some of its main segment rivals. It competes against models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class ($119,500) and BMW 7 Series ($99,300).
Mercedes makes the most powerful luxury car of the three models. BMW’s model is better-suited for driving enthusiasts due to sharp handling and engaging driving dynamics. When it comes to comfort, value and affordability, the Genesis G90 beats the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
Who Should Buy the 2026 Genesis G90?
The G90 is made for luxury car shoppers who want the best of what the Genesis brand has to offer in terms of comfort (ultra-premium Nappa leather seats) and technology. Driving and riding in the G90’s cabin is an immersive experience thanks to ambient lighting and premium materials.
If you want to regularly provide a premium limousine-like ride for passengers, this Genesis luxury car is worth considering. It’s helping the brand compete with legacy luxury German automakers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW and taking it to new heights.
If I had $100K budgeted for a new luxury car, the G90 would be at the top of my list because its exterior is ordinary, yet its interior is unlike anything we’ve tested in 2026.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network.
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