2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a striking blend of contemporary and classic design elements, drawing inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70. Its exterior featured split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that elegantly curved from behind the rear window, giving it a coupe-like SUV appearance without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, with top-notch materials and impeccable fit and finish. The design was both modern and timeless, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that seamlessly rose 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 tactile experience superior to touch capacitive controls found in some competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid maintained a more understated exterior, with the RX 350h and RX 350 appearing nearly identical save for a badge. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its bold Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. The RX's design was not traditionally beautiful, with a blunt nose and a wheelbase stretch that made it appear smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalist approach, with fewer switches and a new infotainment system that improved upon previous technology. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a sportier interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70's turbo-four provided ample power for most driving situations, while the V6 catered to performance enthusiasts with its extra grunt and throaty engine note. The GV70 balanced comfort and sharp handling, offering a refined driving experience. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery powering two electric motors, producing a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. It had a range of 383 kilometres and could fast charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a more efficient powertrain with the RX 350h, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system producing 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. It achieved 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving and accelerated to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in around 6 seconds but consumed 8.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control, enhancing its driving dynamics. However, accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system, and fuel economy fell short of estimates during testing.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with them in use, offering above-average capacity for its class. It featured a hands-free power liftgate, large cupholders in the centre console, and a retractable tray. Front-seat comfort was easily adjustable, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a comfortable interior with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control in the RX 350h Luxury trim. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The RX's battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support and legroom but compromised headroom. Cargo space increased to 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with it folded, surpassing the previous model but still trailing some competitors.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus, complemented by a rotary dial and buttons on the centre console. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system, with options for ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and an 18-speaker Lexicon audio system.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The system had some limitations, such as single-screen menu viewing and reflections on the display. The RX offered a head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads, but these were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and highway driving assist with lane-keeping assist. The 2.5T Advanced Plus added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system, while reverse automatic emergency braking was part of the Prestige grade. The Electrified GV70 included much of this equipment as standard and received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included a motorcycle detection system, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. It also offered Proactive Driving Assist, which maintained safe following distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. The RX had some irritations, such as the front cross-traffic alert system's reliance on the HUD, which was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses, and the reactive nature of the curve-speed reduction tech. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.