2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a unique appearance, borrowing some styling elements from other Genesis models while maintaining its distinct identity. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a fastback-like silhouette. The ribbed detailing added a muscular touch, combining the visual bulk of an SUV with sleek, car-like elements. The Sport Prestige models further enhanced this character with unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's interior was inspired by the cross-section of an airplane's wing, with an elliptical theme and minimalistic design. The touchscreen was perched atop the dashboard, and the rotary gear selector and infotainment controller added a baroque spaceship feel. The interior offered a wide array of color options and luxurious materials, with Nappa leather upholstery and suede seat inserts in the Sport Prestige model.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX presented a commanding visual presence with its huge spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to conquer the road, framed by massive headlights. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink along the sides, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. The interior, however, was marred by a disappointing amount of plastic material, which detracted from its luxury status. While the GX offered some luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, it was clear that the model's research and design budget had long been spent, with Lexus focusing on easy manufacturing to maintain the GX's presence in the market.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine 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 powertrains came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, setting it apart from competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, which offered rear-wheel drive as standard. The GV70 also featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode further enhanced the driving experience, holding high revs and sharpening throttle response. However, the GV70's chassis felt big and heavy, lacking the sharpness of rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, or Porsche Macan. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for spirited driving, and the exhaust sound was not particularly pleasant. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising, but its firm ride and lack of solidity fell short of true luxury standards.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't win on paper against more advanced engines like Toyota's 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid, the GX's V8 offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. However, its 6,500-pound towing capacity lagged behind other SUVs, and its fuel economy was unimpressive, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight was evident in its handling, with predictable and controllable roll through corners. Despite its age, Lexus continued to improve the GX's driving dynamics, offering strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential for its 4WD system. The GX's off-road capabilities were further enhanced by features like downhill assist, hill-start assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided front-seat headroom comparable to a Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom similar to a BMW X3. Legroom in both rows was adequate, and rear-seat visibility was good. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing the GV70 in the middle ground between competitors. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. However, Genesis included a covered storage cubby with USB ports for phones, and rear-seat passengers had their own climate controls. 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 2023 Lexus GX excelled in providing cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin and a handy space for a phone. The cupholders were conveniently placed, and two USB-A ports were available. Lexus retained hard buttons for controls, avoiding the trend of haptic-touch interfaces. The center console lid featured sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row offered comfortable captain's chairs with fold-out cupholders. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, and the side-hinged trunk door required effort to open. Cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with it folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows down, less than a Toyota RAV4.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its tech offerings, featuring a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The tile-based layout and crisp graphics made it user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added functionality. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also included a digital-key feature, allowing smartphone use in place of a key fob, and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis Connected Services provided remote camera activation, driver profiles, and more, free for three years.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment technology, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the graphics lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX included a CD player, and the Lexus Enform Remote feature allowed remote start via smartphone. The GX's strength lay in its off-road capabilities, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV70 also featured eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional driver-assist features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite this, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While missing some top-end features, the GX's safety features were commendable given its age.