2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX was a vehicle that commanded attention with its massive spindle grille and a ground clearance of 206 millimetres, contributing to its overall height of 1,885 millimetres. The front end, with its imposing headlights, gave the GX a distinctive and aggressive look. Despite its luxury badge, the GX appeared engineered for off-road adventures, with short overhangs and a wheelbase of 2,789 millimetres. The design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to the blocky designs of other Toyota models, making it easier to navigate technical terrains. Inside, the GX was a mix of luxury and practicality, with heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, though the presence of plastic materials was a letdown for a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV80 exuded luxury with its choice of six exterior colours and stylish 22-inch wheels. The interior was adorned with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents, creating an opulent atmosphere. The GV80's flagship status was underscored by features like ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display. Despite its luxurious appearance, the GV80's Prestige Signature trim, exclusive to the U.S., didn't offer anything exceptional over the regular Prestige trim, which was available in Canada. The GV80 was unmistakably a luxury vehicle, with its design and features reflecting its premium positioning.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, but it lagged behind some competitors. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling, with a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its 4WD capabilities.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 producing 375 horsepower. The 3.5T model, with its upgraded brakes and adaptive damping suspension, provided a more engaging driving experience. Fuel economy for the 3.5T was estimated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, though real-world figures were higher. The GV80's all-wheel-drive system and five driving modes added versatility, while its towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms was slightly lower than the GX. The GV80 excelled in providing a luxurious yet communicative ride, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its all-season tires.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, with ample cubby space and a deep centre console bin. The decision to retain hard buttons over haptic-touch interfaces was a welcome choice for many, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and good legroom, but the third row was cramped and best suited for emergencies. Cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

In the 2024 Genesis GV80, only the 3.5T Prestige offered a third-row seat. The interior featured real or Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the seats were not as comfortable as expected, with the driver's cushion becoming uncomfortable on long trips. Second-row legroom was limited, but cargo space was generous, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. The GV80's cabin storage was commendable, adding to its practicality.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an improvement over its predecessor, with standard integrations like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain monitor, making it a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement required the use of a control dial. The system included navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration, with a user-friendly interface and pleasing graphics. The GV80 also featured a digital key system and a premium sound system, with a head-up display standard in Canada. The infotainment system was intuitive, with easy voice recognition and minimal glare on the display.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations, but it came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ and other safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX offered a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with its collision-avoidance tech providing a robust safety net.