Renal cell carcinoma is a diverse group of diseases that can be distinguished by distinct histopathologic and genomic features. In this comprehensive review, we highlight recent advancements in our understanding of the genetic and microenvironmental hallmarks of kidney cancer. We begin with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common subtype of this disease. We review the chromosomal and genetic alterations that drive initiation and progression of ccRCC, which has recently been shown to follow multiple highly conserved evolutionary trajectories that in turn impact disease progression and prognosis. We also review the diverse genetic events that define the many recently recognized rare subtypes within non-clear cell RCC. Finally, we discuss our evolving understanding of the ccRCC microenvironment, which has been revolutionized by recent bulk and single-cell transcriptomic analyses, suggesting potential biomarkers for guiding systemic therapy in the management of advanced ccRCC.