2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented itself as a luxury SUV with 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 all-inclusive, no-haggle pricing 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. Inside, diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents exuded luxury, complemented by ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display for infotainment. The GV80 was unmistakably a luxury vehicle, and the Prestige trim was recommended over the unavailable Prestige Signature trim.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, convincingly served as a luxury SUV with a more upscale appearance. The TX 350 Executive packages included 22-inch wheels that enhanced the SUV's presence. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs off-putting. The TX came in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and dealer fees. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. The Ultra Luxury package added upgraded ambient lighting and premium leather upholstery. The interior, though luxurious, felt too dark with the Peppercorn interior and black-grained trim, even with the panoramic sunroof. The TX 350's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: the 2.5T turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine 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: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow. It had a ground clearance of 20.5 centimetres and could tow up to 2,720 kilograms. The 3.5T model included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, offering a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from the P265/40R22 all-season tires. The steering wheel had a two-spoke design, comfortable for long drives, but would be replaced by a three-spoke design in 2025.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to the torque. The TX 350's official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were balanced, with a firm suspension providing a sense of the road surface while ensuring comfort. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on the highway. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige was the only model offering a third-row seat. Depending on the trim, the GV80 featured real or Nappa leather, with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, triple-zone climate control, and a power hands-free liftgate. The Prestige trim added rear seat ventilation and power-operated side window shades. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, with the driver’s cushion becoming unbearable. Second-row legroom was limited, but storage space was commendable, with 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 2,378 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. In Canada, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain’s chairs available in the Executive 6-Passenger package. The front seats lacked a massage function but were supportive. The second-row seat was less welcoming, but the TX provided a habitable third-row seat for adults. Sliding the second-row seat forward improved third-row comfort but reduced second-row legroom. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, and cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,746 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement encouraged using the centre console's control dial. The standard package included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Prestige trim had a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a 3D appearance. The GV80 also offered a digital key system, a Lexicon premium sound system, and a head-up display in Canada. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a pleasing graphical interface and effective voice recognition.

The 2024 Lexus TX included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with a head-up display and surround-view camera in the Executive packages. The head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

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 Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed video feeds in the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the frontal-impact test earned four stars for driver and passenger positions.

The Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist provided braking and steering assistance but was not transparent in operation. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system offered hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. LSS+ 3.0 was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.