2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a distinctive design that set it apart from its Genesis siblings, despite sharing some styling cues. Its quad LED headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille, were complemented by a sloping roofline and ribbed detailing, giving it a unique blend of ruggedness and sleekness. The Sport Prestige model added further flair with its specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels, and dark chrome trim, while the interior featured an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, offering a minimalist yet luxurious feel with options for vibrant interior colors and high-quality materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX presented a more modern and conservative exterior design, with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase. Its spindle-style grille was seamlessly integrated into the design, leading to a sleek hood and upswept body sides reminiscent of the Lexus IS sedan. The rear featured a light-blade taillight design and block lettering, maintaining a familiar yet fresh look. Inside, the RX offered a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays, along with high-quality materials and a range of upholstery options, ensuring a sophisticated and comfortable cabin experience.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered 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, setting it apart from some competitors. The GV70 also featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty intentions. However, while the powertrain could deliver impressive performance, the chassis felt heavy, and the steering lacked precision, making it more suited for comfortable cruising than spirited driving.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350, available in AWD and F Sport Handling trims, was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although it offered less horsepower than the previous V6, it provided better torque and fuel economy. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, offered a more composed ride. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, and its fuel economy was expected to average 24 mpg, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing it in the middle range compared to competitors. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with limited room in the center console and door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were less intuitive.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sport seat bolsters for better support during spirited driving. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport Handling trim came with simulated leather seats and a sportier interior. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space improved over the previous generation, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded, though still not class-leading.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and a 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, a fingerprint scanner for starting the car, and a high-tech rear-seat monitor using radar to detect movement, along with a remote 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreens, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system included Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, allowing for natural voice commands. User profiles could be set up for different drivers, and streaming services like Apple Music were integrated. The RX also featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and available digital key technology. However, the system's inability to display multiple data panels simultaneously was a drawback.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. It also featured Highway Driving Assist with automated lane centering and adaptive cruise control, along with eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Lexus RX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a range of advanced driving assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve speed-reduction. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also introduced. While LSS+ 3.0 was generally impressive, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less intuitive, and the HUD's visibility issues with polarized sunglasses were noted.