Genesis G90: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Genesis G90 choice comes down to three priorities. For the lowest stated fuel consumption, consider the second-generation 3.5 T-GDI RWD, rated at 10.7 l/100 km combined. For the quickest measured acceleration, choose the second-generation 3.5 V6 MHEV AT AWD with 410 hp: it reaches 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds.
The Genesis G90 choice comes down to three priorities. For the lowest stated fuel consumption, consider the second-generation 3.5 T-GDI RWD, rated at 10.7 l/100 km combined. For the quickest measured acceleration, choose the second-generation 3.5 V6 MHEV AT AWD with 410 hp: it reaches 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. If you specifically want a V8, the first-generation 5.0 AT offers outputs from 413 to 425 hp, with both RWD and AWD represented in the catalogue. Every listed G90 is a Sedan with a Gasoline engine and an 8-speed Automatic transmission.
Genesis G90 generations and version changes
The catalogue contains three production entries but two underlying generations. The first-generation Sedan ran from June 2016 through May 2019 with nine listed versions. Its restyling ran from November 2018 through November 2021, also with nine versions. The restyling remains part of the first generation rather than forming a separate generation.
The second-generation Sedan began in December 2021 and has five listed versions. It replaces the earlier 3.3 AT, 3.8 AT and 5.0 AT selection with 3.5 T-GDI and 3.5 V6 MHEV AT versions. Compared with the first generation, its highest stated output rises from 425 to 415 hp only if comparing like-for-like catalogue maxima? No: the first-generation maximum remains higher by 10 hp, while the second-generation maximum torque rises from 520 to 560 Nm, a gain of 40 Nm. The quickest measured second-generation version is nevertheless faster to 100 km/h than any first-generation entry with a stated result.
Genesis G90 engine options and specs
Repeated names identify different regional or drivetrain specifications, so power and drive are essential when distinguishing them.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation: 3.3 AT | 370 hp | 510 Nm | 3342 cc | 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation: 3.3 AT | 370 hp | 510 Nm | 3342 cc | 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation: 3.8 AT | 309 hp | 391 Nm | 3778 cc | 92 | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation: 3.8 AT | 315 hp | 397 Nm | 3778 cc | 92 | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation: 3.8 AT | 315 hp | 397 Nm | 3778 cc | 92 | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation: 5.0 AT | 413 hp | 505 Nm | 5038 cc | 92 | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation: 5.0 AT | 420 hp | 520 Nm | 5038 cc | 92 | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation: 5.0 AT | 425 hp | 519 Nm | 5038 cc | 92 | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation: 5.0 AT | 413 hp | 505 Nm | 5038 cc | 92 | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation, restyling: 3.3 AT | 370 hp | 510 Nm | 3342 cc | 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation, restyling: 3.3 AT | 370 hp | 510 Nm | 3342 cc | 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation, restyling: 3.8 AT | 309 hp | 391 Nm | 3778 cc | 92 | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation, restyling: 3.8 AT | 315 hp | 397 Nm | 3778 cc | 92 | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation, restyling: 3.8 AT | 315 hp | 397 Nm | 3778 cc | 92 | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation, restyling: 5.0 AT | 413 hp | 505 Nm | 5038 cc | 92 | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation, restyling: 5.0 AT | 420 hp | 520 Nm | 5038 cc | 92 | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First generation, restyling: 5.0 AT | 413 hp | 505 Nm | 5038 cc | 92 | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First generation, restyling: 5.0 AT | 425 hp | 519 Nm | 5038 cc | 92 | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation: 3.5 T-GDI | 380 hp | 530 Nm | 3470 cc | 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation: 3.5 T-GDI | 380 hp | 530 Nm | 3470 cc | 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation: 3.5 V6 MHEV AT | 415 hp | 549 Nm | 3470 cc | 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation: 3.5 V6 MHEV AT | 410 hp | 560 Nm | 3470 cc | 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation: 3.5 V6 MHEV AT | 415 hp | 549 Nm | 3470 cc | 95 | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
The 3.3 AT produces approximately 111 hp per litre, versus about 82–83 hp per litre for the 3.8 AT and about 82–84 hp per litre for the 5.0 AT. The second-generation 3.5 T-GDI reaches approximately 110 hp per litre, while the 3.5 V6 MHEV AT produces approximately 118–120 hp per litre. On output density alone, the 3.5 V6 MHEV AT makes the strongest use of its displacement.
Genesis G90 performance, fuel economy and measured specs
Among first-generation versions with measured acceleration, the 5.0 AT with 413 hp and AWD is quickest at 5.7 seconds to 100 km/h; the 420 hp RWD 5.0 AT also records 5.7 seconds. The 3.3 AT AWD needs 6.2 seconds, while the 3.8 AT with 309 hp and AWD takes 6.9 seconds. Other 3.8 AT RWD and AWD results are not measured. Some 5.0 AT AWD entries record 6.3 seconds rather than 5.7 seconds, so the exact power specification matters.
The first-generation top speed is 240 km/h where measured. It is not measured for the 370 hp 3.3 AT RWD, the 315 hp 3.8 AT RWD and AWD, and the 420 hp 5.0 AT RWD.
For the second generation, acceleration and top speed are not measured for both 3.5 T-GDI versions and for the 415 hp 3.5 V6 MHEV AT versions. The 410 hp 3.5 V6 MHEV AT AWD is the exception: 5.2 seconds to 100 km/h and 210 km/h. It is 0.5 seconds quicker to 100 km/h than the best stated first-generation result, although its measured top speed is 30 km/h lower.
Fuel economy gives the RWD second-generation models a clear advantage. The 380 hp 3.5 T-GDI RWD records 12.5 l/100 km in the city, 8.6 on the highway and 10.7 combined. Its AWD equivalent uses 13.5, 9.7 and 11.7 l/100 km respectively—exactly 1.0 l/100 km more combined.
The 415 hp 3.5 V6 MHEV AT RWD is rated at 12.8 l/100 km city, 8.9 highway and 10.9 combined. The 410 hp AWD version records 13.7, 9.7 and 11.8, while the 415 hp AWD version records 14.1, 10.0 and 12.2 l/100 km.
Among first-generation entries with complete consumption figures, combined use ranges from 11.6 l/100 km for the 309 hp 3.8 AT AWD to 12.8 l/100 km for one 315 hp 3.8 AT AWD specification. The 370 hp 3.3 AT RWD records 11.8 combined, compared with 12.0 for the AWD version. The 420 hp 5.0 AT RWD uses 12.4 combined; the 413 hp 5.0 AT AWD ranges from 12.1 to 12.3 depending on specification. Consumption for the 425 hp 5.0 AT AWD is not measured.
Genesis G90 weight, ground clearance, tank and wheel specs
First-generation kerb weight ranges from a measured 2100 kg for the 370 hp 3.3 AT RWD to 2345 kg for a 413 hp 5.0 AT AWD. Kerb weight is not measured for the 315 hp 3.8 AT RWD and AWD versions. Measured gross weight ranges from 2590 to 2720 kg, while gross weight is not measured for the 370 hp 3.3 AT RWD or either 315 hp 3.8 AT version.
All first-generation entries have 150 mm of ground clearance, an 83-litre tank and staggered 245/45 R19 front and 275/40 R19 rear wheel sizes. Both axles use Independent, spring suspension and ventilated disc brakes.
Second-generation kerb weights run from 2025 kg for the 380 hp 3.5 T-GDI RWD to 2355 kg for the 410 hp 3.5 V6 MHEV AT AWD. At approximately 5.3 kg per hp, the 3.5 T-GDI RWD has a better weight-to-power figure than the corresponding AWD model at 5.5 kg per hp. The 415 hp 3.5 V6 MHEV AT RWD is about 5.2 kg per hp; the 410 hp AWD version is about 5.7 kg per hp.
Only the 410 hp 3.5 V6 MHEV AT AWD has a measured second-generation gross weight, at 2810 kg. Gross weight for the other second-generation versions is not measured. Ground clearance and wheel sizes are not measured for every second-generation version. Tank capacity is 73 litres, which is 10 litres less than in the first generation.
Which Genesis G90 version should you choose?
Choose the second-generation 3.5 T-GDI RWD if consumption and lower measured weight matter most. Its 10.7 l/100 km combined figure is the lowest in the data, and its 2025 kg kerb weight is also the lowest measured value. Moving to the AWD 3.5 T-GDI adds 65 kg and 1.0 l/100 km to combined consumption without changing the stated 380 hp or 530 Nm.
Choose the 410 hp 3.5 V6 MHEV AT AWD if measured acceleration is the priority. Its 5.2-second result is the catalogue’s quickest, and its 560 Nm is the highest stated torque. The trade-offs are a 2355 kg kerb weight, 11.8 l/100 km combined consumption and a 210 km/h measured top speed.
Choose the 415 hp 3.5 V6 MHEV AT RWD for the strongest second-generation balance on paper. It has 5 hp more than the measured AWD version, weighs 180 kg less and uses 0.9 l/100 km less combined. However, its acceleration and top speed are not measured, so those advantages should not be converted into an assumed performance result.
For a first-generation car, the 370 hp 3.3 AT is the most compelling middle choice. Compared with the 309 hp 3.8 AT AWD, it adds 61 hp and 119 Nm while increasing measured combined consumption by only 0.4 l/100 km in AWD form. Buyers prioritising the V8 can select a 5.0 AT, but should check the precise output and drivetrain: the catalogue includes 413 hp, 420 hp and 425 hp specifications, with measured acceleration varying between 5.7 and 6.3 seconds where available.
There are no supplied figures for price, five-year depreciation, reliability or engine problems. Those subjects therefore cannot determine the recommendation from this dataset. Based strictly on the measured specifications, the 3.5 T-GDI RWD is the economy choice, the 410 hp 3.5 V6 MHEV AT AWD is the acceleration choice, and the 5.0 AT is the choice for buyers specifically seeking the first-generation V8 configuration.