2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, a hallmark of Korean automotive design. It diverged notably from the rest of the Genesis lineup, featuring the brand's signature two-line lighting that created an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. This effect was slightly less pronounced than on the larger GV80 due to the absence of turn signal repeaters on the front quarter panels. The GV70's styling was unique, with a shoulder line and accent lines around the side windows that set it apart from other Genesis models. The Sport and Sport Plus grades, equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, featured a sculpted hood aligning with the Genesis crest-shaped logo, dark chrome finishes, and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior, including the standard 21-inch alloy wheels.

The GV70 offered a wide range of customization options, with 12 exterior paint colours and nine different interiors, allowing for over 100 colour combinations. The cabin featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with genuine carbon fibre inserts available on the Sport trims. The interior boasted quilted leather seats and door panels on premium grades, with high-quality surfaces throughout, although some plastic elements were present in less frequently encountered areas. Overall, the GV70's design and interior quality were impressive, offering a unique and luxurious experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the model year, maintained a similar appearance to the standard RX 350, with only a badge on the liftgate distinguishing the RX 350h. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, and aggressive bumper designs. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not considered particularly attractive, with a blunt-nosed appearance and a wheelbase stretch that reduced the rear overhang, making it look smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, more minimalistic appearance, with fewer controls and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had an all-black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim. The RX Hybrid models offered a comfortable and luxurious experience, with a focus on contemporary textures and detailing.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the more powerful choice, producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 as a competitor to mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. The GV70's fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing slightly lower figures. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, prioritizing the rear axle for better traction. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing up to 100% of available torque to be sent to a single rear wheel. The GV70 offered various drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive performance, and an electronically controlled suspension system that balanced comfort and road feel.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain for the RX 350h, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. It was expected to average 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving, with real-world testing showing 7.4 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a more powerful hybrid system with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission and a Direct4 AWD system, with an estimated fuel consumption of 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system provided a sporty driving experience, while the RX 350h offered a quieter and more fuel-efficient ride. The RX Hybrid models delivered a balance of performance and efficiency, with the RX 500h offering a more engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 was designed with the driver in mind, featuring a tall centre console that separated the driver from the front passenger. The intuitive button and dial controls, including a dial-based gear selector, were within easy reach. The GV70's climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for inputs. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The rear passenger space was enhanced by a large panoramic sunroof and manual rear window sunshades. The GV70 offered 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, with the RX 350h Luxury trim offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The RX Hybrid models housed the battery packs under the rear seat, providing excellent leg support and legroom, although rear headroom was tight. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 1,308 litres with the seats folded, matching the standard RX 350. The RX Hybrid models provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with a focus on luxury and practicality.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen, offering high-resolution graphics and a split-screen layout for in-car functions and smartphone integration. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster and a fingerprint recognition system for keyless vehicle start. The GV70 also offered a nine-speaker audio system, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription to connected services plans for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant. The RX Hybrid models featured a head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel. The RX's infotainment system provided modern connectivity and convenience, although some usability issues were noted.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. The GV70 also featured a rear occupant alert system and the Genesis Highway Driving Assist system, which included lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. Safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems such as motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction. The RX Hybrid models also included Proactive Driving Assist and a new Traffic Jam Assist system. The RX's safety features provided comprehensive protection and assistance, although some usability issues were noted.