2025 Genesis G90 AWD vs RWD: Performance and Ride Quality Differences

Shopping for a luxury sedan that won’t let you down when Columbia’s weather takes a turn? The 2025 Genesis G90 has probably caught your eye, and for good reason. This flagship sedan has buyers talking, especially those who want top-tier comfort without the highest luxury price tag. We’ll give you in-depth information about the 2025 G90, and we’ll share how this model’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) setups compare to rear-wheel drive (RWD) in practical driving situations and conditions.

The 2025 Genesis G90 AWD

For 2025, the G90 trims are the 3.5T AWD and the 3.5T E-SC MHEV AWD. Both come with AWD; there is no RWD option for this model year. Your real decision involves choosing between two different AWD setups, each with its own unique characteristics.

U.S. News & World Report gave the G90 a 9.6/10 rating and named it No. 1 in Luxury Large Cars out of seven competitors. When you’re browsing luxury sedans in Columbia, the G90 undercuts German rivals on price while including standard equipment others charge extra for. The base 3.5T AWD starts at $89,700, while stepping up to the 3.5T E-SC MHEV AWD costs $100,000.

Performance Differences Between G90 AWD Trims

Since RWD isn’t an option, let’s talk about what actually matters: how these two AWD configurations stack up. The standard 3.5T AWD packs a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T E-SC MHEV AWD takes that same engine and adds a 48-volt mild hybrid system plus an electric supercharger, resulting in 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Both have a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

The E-SC takes 5.1 seconds to get to 60 mph. While there isn’t an official 0-to-60 sprint time for the base 3.5T, we expect that it’s a fraction of a second faster. The more powerful version adds weight and gearing tweaks that prioritize smoothness over outright acceleration. The E-SC’s 48-volt system and electric supercharger reduce turbo lag, making power delivery feel more immediate.

How Ride Comfort Varies Based on Drivetrain Choice

Comfort is where these two trims really start to differ from each other and from RWD vehicles.

The standard 3.5T AWD comes equipped with Electronically Controlled Suspension with Road Preview, a sophisticated system that uses forward-facing cameras to detect and mitigate bumps. It scans the road ahead and adjusts damping at each wheel, smoothing out imperfections before you even feel them.

The 3.5T E-SC MHEV AWD takes comfort a step further with a multichamber air suspension that automatically adjusts ride height and damping, creating an even silkier feel. And the rear-wheel steering makes this full-size sedan feel surprisingly nimble around town. It reduces the turning radius, making parking and city driving noticeably easier.

Choose the standard trim with adaptive dampers, or upgrade to the mild hybrid with air suspension; either way, you’re getting exceptional isolation from rough pavement. Long drives will feel effortless.

Genesis G90 AWD vs. RWD Handling in Wet and Slippery Conditions

The Genesis G90’s AWD system performs impressively in challenging weather, offering advantages over traditional RWD sedans. By sending power to all four wheels, it provides optimal traction and eliminates the jittery feel you sometimes get with RWD sedans.

Paired with the smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, the AWD system provides confident handling when roads turn slick. That alone puts the G90 a step ahead of traditional RWD luxury sedans. AWD simply performs better in snow and ice, where RWD cars tend to lose grip because there’s less weight over the driven wheels.

The G90’s intelligent system automatically shifts power between front and rear wheels based on real-time road conditions. Even better, the E-SC model’s rear-wheel steering complements AWD perfectly, providing excellent grip and surprising maneuverability for a large sedan.

Whether you’re dealing with Columbia’s sudden downpours or the occasional winter ice storm, the AWD setup inspires confidence and stability in a way that RWD alternatives can’t match. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2025 G90 its Top Safety Pick+ rating. And with your choice of standard suspension or adaptive air suspension, you’ll enjoy a composed, comfortable ride no matter what the weather brings

Genesis G90 Safety and Driver-Assistance Technology

While the intelligent AWD system automatically distributes power, a suite of safety features works to keep you in control. Standard driver-assistance and safety technologies include:

• Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering
• Surround-view cameras
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking (front and rear)
• Blind-spot collision avoidance
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Which G90 Offers a Smoother Daily Commute in Columbia?

Both versions of the G90 excel for daily driving, though there are slight fuel economy differences worth knowing about. The standard twin-turbo model achieves 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The E-SC version comes in a bit lower at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. In real-world mixed driving, expect to average around 21 mpg; this gives you a realistic idea of what to budget for fuel.

Where both models really shine is turning your commute into something you actually look forward to. You get:

• 42.3 inches of front legroom
• Heated and ventilated seats with massage function
• 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system
• Mood Curator ambient lighting
• Genesis Digital Key 2 smartphone integration

With luxury features in abundance, traffic around Columbia will feel less stressful, and longer trips to Atlanta or Charlotte won’t leave you exhausted.

Experience the 2025 Genesis G90 at Genesis of Columbia

The 2025 Genesis G90 AWD offers performance and luxury tailored to your lifestyle. The 3.5T gives you refined power and comfort, while the E-SC adds advanced suspension technology, extra performance, and rear-wheel steering for tight maneuverability.

Ready to feel the difference yourself? Our team can help you decide which AWD configuration fits your driving style best and discuss financing options that work within your budget. Contact us today or give us a call at 803-865-3055 to schedule your test-drive. Come discover why the G90 represents the perfect blend of luxury, performance, and all-weather capability for Columbia drivers who refuse to compromise.

Images by OEM