2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than its competitors. The RX appeared smaller due to reduced rear overhang, softer design lines, and a floating roof effect created by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's styling was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. The Intelligent Assistant technology, available for three years on some models, enhanced usability. High-quality materials were evident, with NuLuxe artificial leather standard and genuine leather available. The RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h models offered various trims, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid was anticipated but not immediately available.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between the 2.5T and 3.5T models, with the latter exclusive to the Prestige trim. Canadian pricing ranged from $76,000 to $92,500, inclusive of five years of scheduled maintenance and at-home concierge service. The GV80 3.5T test vehicle featured the top-shelf Prestige Signature trim, unavailable in Canada. The Prestige trim offered six exterior colours and 22-inch wheel designs, with interior details like diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored its luxury status. The GV80 exuded luxury, though the Prestige Signature trim was not deemed exceptional.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system was standard in Canada. The turbo-four offered better torque and fuel economy than the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more secure with its adaptive damping suspension. Both models had 21-inch wheels and 235/50 all-season tires. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a fuel economy estimate of 9.9 L/100 km, though real-world results were slightly higher.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.5T model had a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The GV80 offered five driving modes and 20.5 cm of ground clearance, with a towing capacity of 2,720 kg. The 3.5T model included upgraded brakes and adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience. The GV80 3.5T was luxurious yet communicative, with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 tires. The steering wheel design was comfortable for long drives, though a more conventional design was expected in 2025.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 models offered comfort, with the F Sport 3 package providing sport seat bolsters for better support. The RX 350 Executive featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, luxury seat designs, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport 3 had NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim. Both models provided exceptional comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered improved cargo space, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige offered a third-row seat, with real or Nappa leather depending on the trim. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The Prestige trim added rear seat ventilation and power-operated window shades. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and rear seat legroom was limited. The GV80 offered commendable storage space, with 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Drive Connect plan offered Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. User profiles saved settings and preferences, and streaming services were available. The Mark Levinson premium sound system required tone adjustments for optimal sound. The RX also offered a colour head-up display, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a control dial on the centre console. The standard package included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice-recognition system was easy to use, and the display was intuitive with minimal glare. The GV80 offered a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a Bang & Olufsen upgrade expected in 2025. A head-up display was standard in Canada, showing blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Lexus RX included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were available, though some features had limitations. The system was impressive but not flawless, with issues related to polarized sunglasses and curve-speed reduction technology.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds in the digital instrument panel, while the HUD showed blind-spot warnings. The Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed the GV80 to park itself using the remote key fob. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact tests earned four stars.