2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, had the advantage of a fresh design approach, unburdened by a long legacy. This allowed Genesis to innovate and create a distinctive look, characterized by a sleek two-box design with a long hood and short front overhang. The GV80 featured a massive trapezoidal grille with a diamond mesh and the signature Genesis flying “G” badge, flanked by the unique “Quad Lamp” LED headlight array. The SUV's design was further enhanced by large wheel arches and elegant aluminum-alloy wheels, while the rear echoed the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 boasted a luxurious and uncluttered interior, with a focus on horizontal lines to emphasize spaciousness. The dashboard was sleek, with integrated HVAC vents and a bridge-like center console, featuring a rotary gear selector and a 14.5-inch high-definition display. The use of authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather added to the GV80's appeal as a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX, despite its new Black Line Special Edition, retained a design that felt dated. The Black Line treatment removed most chrome from the exterior, giving it a sleek, dark appearance, but the overall design still resembled the first-generation GX 470 from 2002. The signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights were the main modern touches. Inside, the GX offered a high-quality cabin with smooth, refined materials, but the design was reminiscent of older models. The seats were comfortable, and the interior was quiet, with the V8 engine's roar barely audible. However, the GX's tall and narrow shape, combined with its heavy curb weight, resulted in a high drag coefficient and less-than-ideal fuel economy. The GX's interior was functional, with physical controls and a comfortable seating arrangement, but the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading, making the GX less practical for everyday use.

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 standard with 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 featuring paddle shifters. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its independent multi-link suspension and available electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The 2.5T models offered a self-leveling rear suspension option. The GV80's fuel economy was competitive, with the 2.5T achieving 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive, and the 3.5T AWD rated at 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the GX's performance was hampered by its 5,126-pound curb weight, resulting in a 7.8-second 0-60 mph time. The GX's six-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system provided stability, with 40% of power going to the front wheels and 60% to the rear. The GX's fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined, requiring premium gas. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved off-road capability and on-road stability, but the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy. The GX's off-road prowess was enhanced by the available Off-Road Package, which included Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and additional cameras for better visibility.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console and stack were designed with a confluence of technology, including a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capability. 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. The third row, standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increased passenger capacity to seven but was not available on other trims. The third-row seats had a power-fold function and were split 50/50.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The GX's tall, narrow design made it easy to maneuver, but the steering required extra effort. The interior featured comfortable seats and physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. The GX's second row provided ample legroom, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. The side-swinging tailgate and high load floor made loading challenging, and the third-row seat reduced cargo space. The GX's cargo capacity was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and cloud-connected services. The system allowed for user-configurable split-screen displays and over-the-air updates. Android users could utilize a digital key function, while Genesis Connected Services offered features like remote start, vehicle health reports, and destination guidance. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The GV80's audio system included a standard 12-speaker setup, with an optional 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available but not included in the test vehicle. The GX's stereo controls were awkwardly placed below off-roading controls, making them difficult to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 came equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of safety features like blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The adaptive cruise control with machine learning tailored its function to the driver's behavior, and highway-driving assist helped maintain following distances and perform lane changes. The GV80 also offered Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on its standard Lexus Safety System+ for safety. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. The absence of these features contributed to a more straightforward driving experience without interference from technology.