2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the SUV market, was not constrained by a legacy of design expectations, allowing it to innovate and establish its own signature look. The GV80 successfully integrated design elements from the G80 sedan, featuring a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive trapezoidal grille with a diamond mesh. The SUV's design was further accentuated by its Quad Lamp LED headlight array and large wheel arches, which housed 19-inch, 20-inch, or 22-inch wheels. The interior of the GV80 was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, minimalistic controls, and high-quality materials like real wood, metal, and leather, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460's styling reflected its long tenure in the market, retaining the same basic body shell for over a decade. While the GX received updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, its design was more traditional and less innovative. The GX's exterior was tough and aggressive, appealing to SUV enthusiasts, but its interior fell short of modern luxury standards. The wood trim felt like plastic, and the overall use of materials did not match the expectations for a luxury SUV. Despite these shortcomings, the GX offered standard leather upholstery and a distinctive look that set it apart from competitors.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an optional all-wheel drive. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's ride was enhanced by its independent multi-link suspension and available electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The 2.5T models offered a lively driving experience, while the 3.5T models provided a smoother and more powerful ride, aided by active noise cancellation. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's 5,130-pound weight affected its performance at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The GX's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride compared to modern unibody SUVs, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various off-road aids. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, but its fuel economy was not specified.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The third-row seats had a power-fold function, but were not available on other trim levels.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console that limited legroom. The steering wheel was positioned at an odd angle, contributing to a bus-like driving feel. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered excellent outward visibility due to its boxy profile. The center-console storage was limited, but the GX featured analog controls for climate and seat functions, which were easier to use than touchscreen interfaces. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. However, the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered user-configurable split-screen displays and over-the-air updates. Android users could utilize a digital key function, while the GV80 provided three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The standard audio system included 12 speakers, with an optional 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, the GX included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available, but the overall tech offerings were minimal compared to modern luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a comprehensive suite of safety features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.