2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was a blend of subtlety and performance. In Santa Barbara, California, the RX 350h Luxury model impressed with its understated elegance, featuring 21-inch alloy wheels and a sleek Iridium silver finish. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its bold Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, embodying a sportier persona. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not universally praised, with its front-heavy appearance and signature rear roof pillar design making it look smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX embraced minimalism with fewer controls and a modern infotainment system, complemented by luxurious materials like Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim in the RX 350h, and a sportier black interior with artificial suede in the RX 500h.

The 2024 Genesis GV70, meanwhile, was a standout in its segment, offering a sleek design that balanced SUV presence with luxury-car style. Its split headlights and large grille were signature Genesis elements, while the hatchback-like rear window profile and distinctive exhaust outlets added flair. The GV70's design was more refined than competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, which often appeared bulkier. Inside, the GV70 boasted a unique interior with quilted Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof, but it was the details that set it apart. The elliptical pod housing climate controls and the rotary infotainment controller added a futuristic touch, making the GV70's cabin one of the most distinctive in its class.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, with the RX 350h featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to average 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving, with acceleration to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder hybrid system, reaching 100 km/h in around 6 seconds. Despite its power, it consumed 8.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system enhanced its athleticism, making it a joy to drive, though its fuel economy fell short of expectations.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors producing 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 excelled in straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning was less sporty, feeling heavier and less agile through corners compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan. The Electrified GV70 offered adjustable regenerative braking and a range of 380 kilometres, though its ride quality was less refined than expected.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard heated and ventilated front seats. The hybrid's battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but reduced headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the seats folded, though it still lagged behind some competitors.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but more front-seat legroom than the BMW and Mercedes. Cargo space was 818 litres with the rear seats up and 1,611 litres with them folded, surpassing the Mercedes but falling short of the Audi. The Electrified GV70's battery pack minimally impacted interior space, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The GV70's stylish interior design came at the cost of small-item storage, though it included a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a new infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though connected services required a subscription after a trial period. The system included a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had some quirks, such as difficulty finding specific locations. The touchscreen's single-menu view and lack of a tuning knob were minor drawbacks, and the head-up display's touch-sensing control pads were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Genesis GV70's infotainment system, while simpler than those in the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, was user-friendly. It featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-inch head-up display. The rotary controller on the centre console offered a high-quality feel, and a fingerprint scanner allowed for personalized driver profiles. However, Genesis digital key functionality was not yet available for the GV70 in Canada.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, though some features, like the curve-speed reduction tech, were less refined. The RX Hybrid's safety systems generally operated with accuracy, though polarized sunglasses could interfere with visual indicators.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award, with gasoline models earning a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist. The more advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered a safe exit assist function and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.