2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, making it a stately midsize SUV just shy of 5 metres long. In Canada, it came standard with 20-inch wheels, but the Prestige trim tester featured 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design echoed the quad lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy style. The matte Brunswick Green paint job added an elegant touch, complemented by the dark green quilted leather seats inside. The interior boasted 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 distinct, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor quibble, the spacious and luxurious interior was a pleasant environment.

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, entered its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase than its predecessor, yet maintained the same overall length. It offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than some rivals. The reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines contributed to a smaller appearance, while the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar created a floating roof effect. The front featured a spindle-style grille with a modern mesh texture, leading into an elevated hood. The rear added a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's exterior was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous generation and the smaller NX. Inside, the RX offered a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The quality was high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather, genuine leather, and simulated suede, along with textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum trims.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable highway commute.

During a media event, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 was tested with two versions on a 30-kilometre loop. Both versions featured all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-four offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the outgoing V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. The RX 350 Executive displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the RX 350 F Sport 3 felt more secure, especially in Sport mode. The F Sport 3's adaptive suspension reduced unwanted motion, and both models had superior pedal feel and modulation. The RX 350 AWD was estimated to average 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres, with test results slightly higher.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with numerous luxury features. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The tester included ventilated front and rear seats with multiple adjustments and an Ergo driver’s seat to reduce fatigue. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel. A third row was optional, though legroom was limited. The GV80 offered a tri-zone climate control system, a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system, a suede headliner, and a panoramic sunroof. It boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with seats folded. Towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 models provided comfort, though the F Sport 3's sport seat bolsters were snug. The RX 350 Executive featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The Peppercorn interior, suede door panel accents, and black open pore wood trim added sophistication. The RX 350 F Sport 3 had Black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. Both models offered exceptional comfort, with roomy back seats and good leg support. However, taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX provided useful storage areas and improved cargo space, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,308 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting detection. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly, along with wireless charging, USB ports, and outlets. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, a unique feature.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and connected services plans. Drive Connect offered Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. User profiles could be set up, and music streaming was available. The system was an improvement over previous technology, though it lacked the ability to view multiple data panels simultaneously. Both test vehicles had a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and Digital Latch door handles. A colour head-up display was available, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

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, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to offer hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS, though headlights and the LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were newly available, though some features had limitations. LSS+ 3.0 was generally impressive, though the HUD was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses, and curve-speed reduction technology was not predictive.