2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 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 under 5 metres in length, presented a stately presence on the road. 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 extra touch of elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel was a unique touch, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor quibble, the interior was spacious and luxurious.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a more geometric styling, moving away from the softer, rounded corners of its predecessor. The spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The front end stood more vertically, giving the SUV a more aggressive look. The flat hood rose on the sides, aiding driver awareness off-road. The GX's profile was minimalistic, with a low window beltline for better visibility. The GX was available in a single trim with five packages, each offering unique features. Luxury models focused on opulence, while the Overtrail packages emphasized off-roading capabilities. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions. Though less luxurious than some competitors, the GX was a premium SUV ready for rugged use.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered two engine choices: 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 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, it excelled in highway driving. The power delivery was smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, made for a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, replaced its previous V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The torque was available low in the rev range, making it ideal for off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing confident gear shifts. Standard full-time four-wheel drive and a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for increased wheel articulation. The GX performed well on-road, with controlled handling and effective brakes, though its off-road capabilities were not fully tested due to weather conditions.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors as standard in Canada. The Ergo driver's seat provided comfort with its inflatable pockets to reduce fatigue. While a third row was available, it was best suited for children due to limited legroom. The GV80 featured a tri-zone climate control system and a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system. Cargo space was generous, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. The GV80 could tow up to 2,720 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 millimetres of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in certain packages, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 1,291 litres of total cargo capacity.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, though navigating through icons was cumbersome. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but neither was wireless. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a remote smart parking assist feature, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice assistant. Remote Connect provided remote locking, unlocking, and vehicle diagnostics. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features after the initial trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver 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 car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras and radar for hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway turns. While crash tests were pending, the new GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems inspired confidence in its safety offerings.