2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented itself as a luxury SUV with a choice between two engines: the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6. 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 offering 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-tier 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, the GV80 featured diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents, along with ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display, reinforcing its status as a flagship Genesis SUV.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was priced at $90,000 and featured an exclusive Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was considered unremarkable, with a large front grille and a dramatic rear haunch swell. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power outputs and fuel efficiencies. All models came with standard AWD in Canada, and the RX 500h featured sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and performance brakes. The RX's interior was contemporary, with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of baffling and brilliant. The RX avoided the single curved display trend, maintaining a distinct interior design.

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 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV80 3.5T provided a more satisfying performance, though it was thirsty on the road, with observed fuel consumption of 13.7 L/100 km compared to the estimated 10.5 L/100 km. The GV80 featured five driving modes 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 its all-season tires.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying power outputs. The RX 350h was the least powerful with 246 hp, while the RX 450h+ PHEV offered 304 hp and an electric-only range of 60 kilometres. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. However, it was less fuel-efficient, averaging 13.5 L/100 km during testing. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, Direct4 AWD system, and performance brakes. Despite its power, the RX 500h's drivetrain hesitated at times, and its adaptive suspension produced unnatural sensations, making it less rewarding to drive.

The 2024 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, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and second-row legroom was limited. The GV80 offered 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the automatic climate system's fan was loud. The panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat, which offered power-reclining, heated, and ventilated options. The RX provided ample room for adults and practical interior storage. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,308 litres with the second row folded, though the cargo cover could be cumbersome when loading large items.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its placement encouraged the use of a control dial. The standard infotainment package included navigation, SiriusXM, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 also offered a digital key system and a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display standard in Canada.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a conversational digital voice assistant and a cloud-based navigation system. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting, and the system experienced occasional glitches. The optional Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came with numerous ADAS and safety features, 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 it earned four stars in the frontal-impact test.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also offered Proactive Driving Assist and a surround-view camera. The RX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS gave it a Poor rating in the moderate overlap frontal-impact test.