2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a striking blend of sedan-inspired design and SUV versatility. Its styling cues, borrowed from the G70 compact luxury sedan, were evident in the split-bar headlights and the elegant chrome line that curved from behind the rear window. This design element cleverly suggested a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing practicality. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, featuring top-notch materials and an impeccable fit and finish. The interior design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that seamlessly emerged from the dash. The GV70's dashboard was equipped with a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls on the centre console, offering a user-friendly interface.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX exuded a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and substantial ground clearance. The GX's front end was designed to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. Despite its imposing exterior, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink when viewed from the side, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its premium badge. Nevertheless, the GX offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to navigate technical driving situations.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between two powerful engines. The 2.5T model featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the 3.5T model boasted a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, providing a balanced blend of power and handling. The GV70's driving experience was refined, offering both comfort and sharp handling. The Electrified GV70, with its 77.4-kWh battery and dual electric motors, delivered 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. It offered a range of 383 kilometres and featured DC fast charging capabilities.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its robust V8 engine, a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre powerhouse producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. While it didn't excel on paper compared to more modern engines, the GX's V8 offered a satisfying linear power delivery. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was impressive, though its fuel economy was less so, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The GX's weight contributed to its rolling through corners, but its handling remained predictable and controllable. The GX featured a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, distributing power in a 40:60 front-to-rear split, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided a practical cargo space of 1,611 litres with the rear seats folded, and 818 litres with them in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The GV70's interior featured well-placed cupholders and a centre console with a retractable lid for added convenience. While the front seats offered ample comfort and adjustability, the rear seats were slightly tighter, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seating positions for additional legroom.

The 2023 Lexus GX excelled in providing cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. The GX's interior featured hard buttons for controls, a welcome choice for those who preferred tactile interfaces over touchscreens. The second row offered comfortable seating, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders, while the third row was best reserved for occasional use due to its limited space. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,832 litres with both the second and third rows down.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also featured a rotary dial for scrolling and selecting, though its proximity to the rotary shifter could lead to confusion. Additional tech features included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an available Lexicon 18-speaker audio system.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while updated in 2022, already felt dated compared to other Lexus models. Its 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was an improvement, offering SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind competitors. The GX's tech offerings included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a CD player, with off-road capabilities enhanced by a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, featured the Lexus Safety System+ with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Despite its older design, the GX incorporated modern safety technology to enhance driver confidence.