2024 Lexus TX vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a striking blend of elegance and sportiness, drawing inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70. Its design featured split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that gracefully 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 interior design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that seamlessly rose from the dash. The GV70's dash featured a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls on the centre console, offering a tactile experience superior to touch capacitive controls.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was enhanced by 22-inch wheels, particularly in the TX 350 Executive packages. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a subtler design. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium features like ambient interior lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery. Despite its dark interior, the TX 350's cabin exuded luxury, and its third-row seat was notably more accommodating than previous Lexus models, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet 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 pack, dual electric motors, and a combined output of 429 horsepower, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It had a range of 383 kilometres and supported DC fast charging.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with them in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. It featured a hands-free power liftgate, large cupholders in the centre console, and a retractable tray. While front-seat comfort was commendable, rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats for rear passenger comfort.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The TX's second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but it offered triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports for all rows. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, providing leg support and a good view. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus. Genesis provided a rotary dial and buttons for control, though the proximity of the rotary dial to the shifter could cause confusion. 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 2024 Lexus TX came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A Drive Connect subscription added cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was 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 Advance Plus added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system, while the Prestige grade included reverse automatic emergency braking. The Electrified GV70 came standard with much of this equipment. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist was also part of LSS+ 3.0, offering braking and steering assistance. The TX included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system, with options for parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.