Genesis shines but still unknown after all these years

Ten years ago, a decade after it was first considered, the Genesis G90, a luxury sedan, debuted in South Korea. It remains the manufacturer’s flagship vehicle and has been available in the United States since 2016.

The carmaker’s vehicles have collected many honors from respected automotive publications. But there’s still an identity issue and for a few reasons. “What’s a Genesis?” “Who makes them?” and “Where are they sold?” remain often asked questions.

The officially named Genesis Motor, LLC, is the luxury vehicle lineup of Hyundai Motor Company and is located in Ulsan, South Korea.

With its debut in the U.S., Genesis unveiled two vehicles, the previously mentioned G90 and the G80, the former Hyundai Genesis. The G70 followed in 2018.

Where consumers could purchase the vehicles further complicated the Genesis trio’s arrival. Genesis didn’t have a dealership network. Instead, the luxury sedans were sold in designated areas of Hyundai dealerships.

Much has happened since the carmaker’s humble start. An original plan for stand-alone Genesis dealership network didn’t originally work as planned. But it’s now succeeding, albeit slowly, with 218 locations in 39 states. Florida (34), California (19) and Texas (16) have the most Genesis dealerships. Seventeen states and territories, including Alaska, Maine, Montana, Vermont, Washington, D.C. and Wyoming, don’t have any Genesis locations.

By comparison, Hyundai has 851 dealerships nationwide. California (71), Texas (66) and Florida (51) are the carmaker’s most popular states.

In its overview of 2025 models, Consumer Reports, the non-profit consumer product testing company headquartered in New York, noted:

“Genesis, Hyundai Motor Group’s upscale brand, competes with well-established luxury automakers, but its vehicles often cost less than European equivalents. In Consumer Reports’ tests, Genesis models have impressed. Their ride and handling are balanced, fit and finish is excellent.”

Genesis unveiled its EV models with the 2023 Electrified G80. Available in four trims, the midsized sedan with all-wheel-drive offered and EPA-tested 282-mile range with its 87.2-kWh battery pack. Genesis notes the battery pack charges from 10 to 80 percent capacity in 22 minutes with 350-kW DC fast charger.

Some competing EVs, including the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S, attract more attention, and are more sport-oriented. But neither is as spacious or as handsome inside and outside as the G80. Its only shortcomings are a lack of cargo space and a hefty MSRP of $80,950.

With its 2024 models, including the G70 and G80, Hyundai largely left success alone with a few exceptions.

The G70 gained more performance with turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder replacing the 2023 model’s 2.0-liter turbo-four cylinder. The result: a 48-horsepower body to 300 horsepower. A performance braking system was added a minor design, features and technology improvements.

The G80s improvements included making all-wheel drive and additional technology features standard.

With its 2025 models, Genesis now offers nine vehicles, four sedans and five SUVs, including one sedan and one EV the carmaker calls “Electrified.” The GV80 3.5 with all-wheel drive in its Prestige trim continues to take the sedan deeper into the luxury SUV marketplace.

Several exterior design tweaks provide a more elegant appearance. The instrument cluster and infotainment have been combined into a 27-inch display.

The top-line 3.5T Prestige adds further luxury with an electronic limited-slip differential, Nappa leather seating, ventilated second-row seats and three-zone climate control and further versatility of comfort. Power rear side sunshades, power-soft-closing doors and active noise canceling vault the Genesis into a grand challenger for any of its well-heeled challengers. The 3.5T V6 Advance trim is the only offering with a third row.

The Genesis lineup is further appealing because with Hyundai and Kia it offers an industry-best, 10-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

So, what’s a Genesis? Who makes them? Where are they sold? It’s taken 10 years, but the answers are out waiting to be heard.

James Raia is a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento. He contributes business, lifestyle, sports and travel articles to several print and online publications. Email: [email protected].