Hyundai Genesis vs Kia K900

Have you ever seen a sports or action movie in which the protagonist makes a first attempt at a goal early in the movie, fails, then embarks on a training montage, only to succeed in the end? The lesson is that sometimes the first attempt isn’t the best, but if the desire is there, it will eventually lead to victory—but only after addressing one’s shortcomings. That is the 2015 Hyundai Genesis.

In 2007, Hyundai brought a concept for the Genesis to the New York International Auto Show and stunned onlookers, not for the car’s design (though it was attractive), but because of the car’s stated goal: Hyundai was getting into the luxury game. The Korean bargain brand? Building a luxury car? The automaker was building highly competent products, but it still came as a shock.

Fast-forward to 2014, and the shock has worn off. The Genesis was joined by the Equus, an even higher-end product. But in this time, the Genesis started to feel dated compared to its more aggressively styled siblings. By 2014 the Genesis was feeling almost anonymous. And that all changed for the 2015 model year.

By and large, the car-buying public carries around preconceived notions about automakers. Name a car or type of car and you’ll likely start to form assumptions about the vehicle itself and even its owners.

Kia has had a reputation for being bargain-oriented, but lately, it's a brand on the rise. Last year Kia released the Stinger, a head-turning, athletic performance sedan. Kia already had a strong portfolio of (yes, affordable) vehicles, but the Stinger was a statement vehicle, a demonstration of the brand's capabilities.

Considering Kia's progress, the continued lack of awareness with regard to its quality is disappointing. If you need any more convincing, look no further than its luxury flagship, the K900 sedan.

Introduced in 2012, the K900 is now in its second generation. It is a fantastic car and a handsome reward for any sedan shopper looking to drive a high-comfort, high-quality ride. But buyers in this space have some interesting choices. For one, the K900 rides on the same platform as its corporate cousin, the Genesis G90. It's also offered alongside the Cadenza, which is also a spacious luxury car—but has front-wheel drive. There appears to be some overlap here, which makes the K900 and its positioning so intriguing.

So, Kia’s out there making a name for itself, and the K900 showcases what the brand is fully capable of delivering. But the mere presence of the Genesis G90 underscores a question: Where does the K900 fit in the world of full-size luxury sedans?