2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were the focus, with the latter providing a sportier appearance through features like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of bold interior color schemes. The interior's material quality was top-notch, though the design felt somewhat dated compared to competitors with more modern digital displays. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, added to the NX's unique but slightly antiquated charm.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a fresh and unique appearance, borrowing some styling cues from other Genesis models but maintaining its distinct identity. The GV70 featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a sleek, fastback-like profile. The Sport Prestige model added character with its model-specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's elliptical-themed design was inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with a minimalistic approach that included a perched touchscreen and hidden air vents. The interior offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, with the Sport Prestige model featuring Nappa leather upholstery and suede seat inserts.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission, which was adequate but not as smooth as the more advanced transmissions found in some competitors. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, offering a relatively quiet ride except under hard acceleration. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The NX also offered an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came with two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty intentions. The Sport+ drive mode sharpened throttle response and held high revs, but the GV70's chassis felt heavy and lacked the sharpness of some competitors. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for spirited driving. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising, though the ride was firm with 21-inch wheels.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable and upscale interior, with front seats providing ample room for adults and the second row accommodating two adults comfortably. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats featured a 60/40 split-folding design. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX included a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it offered comparable headroom to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and BMW X3. Cargo space was more generous than the NX, with 28.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The GV70's daring interior design compromised storage space, with limited room for small items. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch screen with the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. However, the Lexus infotainment system was criticized for its user-unfriendly interface. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system and compatibility with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, featuring a tile-based layout and crisp graphics. A glass rotary controller added functionality with pinch-and-zoom capabilities. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided remote camera activation and other features, with a free three-year subscription.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included park assist and a surround-view camera system. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall safety rating. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, being a new model, lacked crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. However, it came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality. The GV70 impressed with its smooth control inputs, though lane-centering had limitations on curvy roads.