2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior, characterized by its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring just under 5 metres in length, exuded a stately presence. In Canada, the standard 20-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the GV80 maintained an elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. 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 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor drawback in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with upscale aesthetics. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those previously deterred by the brand's design. Our test model featured striking 22-inch wheels, enhancing its appearance. The TX came in various models, including the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. The interior, though dark with the Peppercorn colour scheme, provided a luxurious feel, albeit without a massage function for the front seats. The third-row seat was notably more accommodating than previous Lexus models, offering a comfortable space for adults.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with AWD 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 with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured 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 roughly 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 suspension provided a balance between road feel and comfort, 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 GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a wealth of features and luxury touches. Standard equipment in Canada included heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The Ergo driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing inflation and deflation pockets. While a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80 boasted a spacious cargo area, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was a robust 2,720 kilograms.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. Our TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The third-row seat was notably more accommodating for adults, with a stadium-style bottom cushion providing leg support. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down. However, the second-row legroom was limited, affecting comfort when accommodating third-row passengers.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a standard head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial control offered a tactile experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 also included remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional features available in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Drive Connect subscription added cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX also provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, along with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system in the Executive package.

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

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering assistance. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. LSS+ 3.0 proved effective, though the TX slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.