2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was a testament to luxury, offering a choice between the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6 models. In Canada, both engines were available with the Advanced trim, while the Prestige trim was exclusive to the V6. Prices ranged from $76,000 to $92,500, with Genesis providing an all-inclusive, no-haggle pricing model that included five years of scheduled maintenance and at-home concierge service. The GV80 3.5T test vehicle arrived in the top-shelf U.S. trim, Prestige Signature, which was not available in Canada. The Prestige trim offered six exterior colours and a variety of 22-inch wheel designs, with interior details like diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored the GV80’s luxury status. Despite the absence of the Prestige Signature trim in Canada, the regular Prestige trim was recommended for its luxury offerings.

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, embracing a geometric styling that replaced the softer, rounded corners of the previous model. The trademark spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The new front end stood more vertically, giving the GX a more aggressive look. The flat hood rose on the sides, aiding drivers in maintaining positional awareness off-road. The GX’s profile was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. Lexus offered the GX in a single trim level with five packages: Premium, Overtrail, Luxury, Overtrail+, and Executive. The Luxury models focused on opulence with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail packages emphasized off-roading with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road features. The GX was less luxurious than some competitors but was built for durability and hard use.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 provided five driving modes and 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance, with a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kilograms. The 3.5T model included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, delivering a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires. The steering wheel featured a two-spoke design, which was set to be replaced by a three-spoke design in 2025.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road capability. The GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes and minimal body roll. Off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, but the GX demonstrated its potential for rugged terrain.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige was the only model offering a third-row seat. The interior featured real or Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 988 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded.

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 was tight, suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with the third row folded. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 1,291 litres of total cargo capacity.

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 Prestige trim added a Lexicon premium sound system and a head-up display. The digital key system allowed smartphone access to the vehicle.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect subscription service offered an intelligent voice assistant, while Remote Connect provided remote access features. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. Subscription costs applied after initial trial periods.

The Genesis GV80 came with numerous 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, though frontal-impact ratings were four stars.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety, with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard across all models. It included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The GX had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its modern architecture and ADAS features inspired confidence.