Genesis G80 vs Kia K900

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?

If you’ve got your heart set on a mid-size luxury sedan, the pickings these days seem to be a little slim. And with the Germans dominating the class, those pickings can be quite pricey. However, there is a good-looking, feature-rich, well-priced option that you may have overlooked.

We’re talking about the 2025 Genesis G80. Fresh off a mid-cycle refresh, this sedan leans hard on design, technology and features, offering up a sophisticated drive with curb appeal for days. However, it does so at the expense of performance. Granted, that expense might not break the bank, but it’s something to consider if you value a spirited driving character.

Verdict: There is plenty to like about the 2025 Genesis G80 and it certainly represents good value, just don’t expect to be the quickest car in the class.