2025 Genesis GV80 vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was a testament to sophisticated design, offering two engine options and four trims in Canada. The top Prestige trim, featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged engine, stood out with its refined aesthetics. Genesis maintained its signature two horizontal bar headlights, now enhanced with a micro lens array, and a more pronounced grille. The rear design changes were subtle, but the new Storr Green colour added a fresh touch. Inside, the GV80 impressed with quilted Nappa leather seats and unique interior accents, including basalt and recycled newspaper trims. The centre console was thoughtfully designed, though the redundant infotainment dial seemed unnecessary given the ease of using the touchscreen.

The 2026 Lexus TX, available with various packages, offered a blend of luxury and practicality. The TX 350 came standard with the Luxury package, while the 500h hybrid added performance with the F Sport Performance 2 package. The exterior featured a large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, with rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX provided three interior colour options and ambient lighting, though material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were more of a novelty than a necessity, and the overall cabin could have benefited from more attention to detail.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The top trim boasted a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. All trims featured standard all-wheel drive, capable of sending up to 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels. The GV80 offered a satisfying acceleration experience, with a burly sound from the six-cylinder engine. The adaptive suspension and Sport mode provided a slightly sportier drive, but the vehicle was best suited for comfortable cruising. The brakes were firm and linear, ensuring confident stops even on rough roads.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 horsepower. The gas model came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had standard electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling, though the TX was not designed as a sports car.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 was well-equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The top trim added four-zone climate control and ventilated seats. However, the seats were uncomfortably rigid, making long trips less enjoyable. The second row offered significant reclining with 990 millimetres of legroom, while the optional third row was best for children due to limited legroom. Cargo space was expected to be similar to the 990 litres of the 2024 model, and the GV80 could tow up to 2,720 kilograms.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. Access to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button, though folding the second row flat was cumbersome. The front seats lacked thigh support, but the heating function was excellent. The TX offered impressive cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. Towing capacity was up to 2,268 kilograms.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 featured a 27-inch OLED screen for the digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available later. The infotainment system was visually appealing but could be cumbersome to navigate. Standard technology included wireless charging and four USB-C ports, with an optional 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system offering sophisticated sound quality.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen that was user-friendly but lacked some features, such as manual satellite radio input. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was well-supported.

The 2025 Genesis GV80 came with advanced driver aids, including lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper trims added features like remote smart parking and a 360-degree camera system. The Highway Drive Assist II system included an attention monitor, though it struggled with certain sunglasses. The 2024 model received high safety ratings, and similar performance was expected for the 2025 model.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control was effective once set up, though it could be abrupt in traffic. The TX received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and good scores from the IIHS, though some areas were rated as acceptable.