2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophistication and elegance, with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, just shy of 5 metres in length, exuded a stately presence. In Canada, it came standard with 20-inch wheels, but the Prestige trim tester boasted 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy design. The matte Brunswick Green paint added an elegant touch, complemented by the dark green quilted leather seats inside. The interior featured a split dash with thin horizontal air vents, metal and matte wood trim, and a centre console with three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel was distinctively Genesis, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor quibble, the spacious and luxurious interior was a delightful space.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX made a bold statement with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, standing tall at 1,885 millimetres. The front end appeared ready to conquer the road, framed by large headlights. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units in Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its imposing front, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink along the sides, with a short 2,789 mm wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky language, with a hood that fell away from sight, aiding technical driving. Inside, the GX was marred by an abundance of plastic, betraying its luxury badge. However, it offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery, maintaining some luxury touches.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6. The smaller engine delivered 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo V6 in the tester produced 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, slower than some competitors. However, it excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension scanned the road for roughness, and active noise cancellation ensured a quiet commute.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, offering a linear rise in power and noise as the accelerator was depressed. The naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 produced 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not impressive on paper compared to Toyota's newer engines, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying sound and experience for some. The GX had a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, but its V8-level fuel economy was less appealing, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 12.3 on the highway, and 14.5 combined. The GX's weight affected its handling, but its roll was predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential distributed the 4WD system into a 40:60 front:rear split, adjusting based on wheel slip, enhancing user-friendliness in various conditions.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a plethora of features and luxury touches. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The tester featured ventilated front and rear seats with seven-way adjustability and an Ergo driver's seat with inflatable pockets to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third row was available, though legroom was limited to 76 centimetres. The GV80 offered Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, a digital key, tri-zone climate control, and a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system. The panoramic sunroof and suede headliner added to the luxury. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with seats folded. It had a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and a space for a phone ahead of the shifter. Cupholders were conveniently placed, and two USB-A ports were available, though USB-C ports were absent. The GX featured hard buttons, a blessing for those averse to touchscreens, though the abundance of buttons required familiarization. The centre console lid had adjustable sliding mechanisms for comfort, and the second row was comfortable with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. Legroom was adequate, and headroom was excellent. The third row was tight, suitable only for emergencies. The side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open, revealing a narrow 328 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,322 litres with the third row folded and 1,832 litres with both rows down.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The 3D effects seemed gimmicky, and the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach for touch use. The dial, though "clicky," was cumbersome for cycling through icons. The dial's top could detect handwriting for satellite radio and navigation. The menu structure was inconsistent, with a steep learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 offered wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the car to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside, a standout feature.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment technology, revamped for 2022, already appeared dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, sitting high on the dash with standard features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. Three years of Lexus Enform Remote were included, and the test car had a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a CD player. However, the touchscreen lagged, and graphics were not as crisp as competitors. The GX's strength lay in its off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System leveled the vehicle, and the test vehicle had optional off-road features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster, enhancing safety. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, with features like automatic lane changes and speed adjustments. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, though headlights and the LATCH system were rated Acceptable.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured the Lexus Safety System+ with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date, though it lacked some top-end features like lane-tracing assist and road-sign recognition.