Kia K900 vs Genesis G90

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?

We wouldn’t blame you if you’ve never heard of the Genesis brand before. The luxury spin-off from Hyundai has only been producing cars since 2017, and in 2021, sold under 50,000 units. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have this car company on your radar. Genesis is doing a great job at pushing the design and features envelopes while maintaining some of the most competitive prices in the segment.

Case in point is the 2023 Genesis G90. This represents a major refresh for the sedan, and it’s chock full of more luxury features than the competition. You want massaging seats all the way around? Check. A rear reclining seat with a footrest? Yep, that’s there too. How about a killer Bang & Olufsen stereo system? You got it!