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The 2023 Genesis G90 is a shot across the bow of the luxury sedan segment. Bulldozing a path toward the S-Class pinnacle, the opulent Korean four-door does nearly everything right. With gorgeous styling, premium comfort and infotainment, as well as a cabin fit for a king, what’s not to like? Unfortunately, there are five drawbacks to the otherwise astonishing G90.

1. The new V6 engines have poor fuel economy

Genesis has ditched the 5.0-liter V8 for a pair of twin-turbo V6 engines for this year. The 3.5-liter six-cylinder produces a welcome 375 horsepower, but its efficiency is much lower than others in the segment. The G90 has an EPA-rated fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Comparatively, the Lexus LS 500 will achieve at least three more mpg in highway driving conditions.

A higher-priced version of the G90 with a 48-volt E-supercharger is available to punch up output to 409 horsepower, but that also robs fuel economy. The government agency says efficiency drops to 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

2. It’s not particularly exciting to drive

The 2023 Genesis G90 has 5 drawbacks
2023 Genesis G90 | Genesis

Reviewers, including those at Edmunds, have complained little about the 2023 Genesis G90. However, they do complain that the luxury sedan could be more entertaining to drive. For instance, the Audi A8 may look rather unexciting but is more driver-focused than meets the eye. Compared to the Genesis, it’s rather a riot.

The chassis of the Korean full-size four-door was derived from the former Bentley executives Genesis hired. Subsequently, the G90 handles much like a Flying Spur but maybe less athletic. The 2023 Genesis G90 is arguably one of the smoothest riding sedans available today, but that doesn’t bode well for thrilling transportation for those who want it.

3. Chaotic low-speed driving dynamics

Despite the brilliance of the comfort-spec chassis, a problem exists at low speeds. The 2023 Genesis G90 has active rear steering to assist its 5,200-pound girth in tight spaces like crowded parking lots. The system will turn the G90’s rear wheels in the opposite direction, thus shrinking the turning radius.

The system is liked by many, but according to some reviewers, it isn’t calibrated to their liking. The “out-of-phase” system, Hagerty says, “made everyone who rode in this car sick.” No recalls or investigations have been opened to examine the dynamics. It could be personal preferences, but it may be something to watch out for.

4. Anxiety-prone driver safety features

The 2023 Genesis G90 has 5 drawbacks in an otherwise impressive car
2023 Genesis G90 interior | Genesis

The 2023 Genesis G90 has one of the most well-stocked standard safety suites available. Adaptive cruise control, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, lane-trace assist, and about a dozen others enhance the G90s capabilities. In fact, the system is so good Genesis doesn’t have any optional extras to present.

Although it’s an impressive system, it’s quite anxiety prone. If drivers command a slow and steady pace, it’s unlikely to be a problem. But once any aggressiveness is thrown at the G90, tests have shown a cacophony of beeps, seat belt pulls, and brake engagements.

5. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay require a USB cable connection

This is an issue with cars other than the new G90. Typically, it’s found in lower-priced midsize economy cars. However, the 2023 Genesis G90 is nothing of the sort. It seeks to challenge the top-end of the luxury sedan segment.

With a starting MSRP north of $88,000, the lack of a wireless connection for the audio functions is simply unacceptable. Given that Genesis is the newcomer to the opulent side of four-door cars, one would think they would have included what is now a common function.

How reliable is the 2023 Genesis G90?

Luxury cars aren’t known for their reliability. With their innovative features, oftentimes, new things break, which are usually expensive. According to U.S. News, J.D. Power awarded the 2020 Genesis G90 with an average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5. While its reliability score doesn’t seem too impressive, it proves better than most of its competitors.

Fortunately, Genesis provides a five-year, 60,000-mile limited warranty, and the powertrain coverage spans 10 years and 100,000 miles. Additionally, complimentary maintenance can be enjoyed for up to three years or 36,000 miles. There isn’t a single luxury sedan that holds a candle to the G90 in terms of manufacturer guarantees. And reliability alone makes up for most of its drawbacks—but maybe not the annoying wired audio functions.

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