2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, offered a fresh design perspective unburdened by a long legacy. This allowed Genesis to innovate and establish its signature look, characterized by a massive trapezoidal grille, Quad Lamp LED headlights, and elegant two-box design. The GV80's exterior was marked by its long hood, short front overhang, and distinctive wheel arches, which housed 19-inch to 22-inch wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 boasted a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with a 14.5-inch widescreen display, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a bridge-like center console, creating a luxurious and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus RX continued its modern and sporty design, enhanced by a 2020 facelift. It featured aggressive styling with razor-sharp character lines and angular boomerang-like features. The RX offered a variety of trims, including the performance-oriented F Sport, which added 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and sportier design elements. The interior maintained a luxury appeal with nearly a dozen color combinations, soft-touch surfaces, and high-quality materials. However, the center stack felt dated, and the seats, particularly in the F Sport trim, lacked comfort. The RX also offered a limited-edition Black Line trim with exclusive design features.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 provided two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models offered rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced suspension systems, including electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The 2.5T offered sufficient power for its weight, while the 3.5T delivered a smoother and more robust performance. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 came with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 hp. The RX featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport trim added performance dampers and an adaptive variable suspension, but the driving dynamics remained largely unchanged. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, with fuel economy ranging from 18 to 31 mpg, depending on the model and drivetrain.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered a sophisticated interior with advanced technology and ergonomic design. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The second row provided ample space for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, though it was not available on other trims. The third-row seats had a power-fold function, enhancing cargo flexibility.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its standard two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo capacity varied from 16.0 to 58.48 cubic feet, depending on the seat configuration. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a head-up display button. However, the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area had a high load-in height due to the sporty bumper design.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and user-configurable displays. Android users could utilize a digital key function, while Genesis Connected Services provided a range of remote and guidance features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a premium Lexicon audio system.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's positioning was ergonomically challenging. The infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, though the latter was difficult to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including USB ports, smartphone integration, wireless charging, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity and personalization options.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 included 10 airbags, advanced driver assistance systems, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. Highway-driving assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist were also available, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+ with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS with optional headlights but received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.