2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport accommodated five passengers, while the L trim offered a three-row, seven-passenger configuration. The design, which had been refreshed in 2020, maintained a modern and sporty aesthetic, standing out with its aggressive styling among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The RX's exterior featured sharp character lines and angular elements, particularly in the front and rear, creating a striking yet balanced design. The F Sport trim, in particular, emphasized performance with 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and sportier exterior details. Inside, the RX continued its luxury appeal, with the F Sport adding sporty touches like model-specific badging and Scored Aluminum trim. However, the interior design felt somewhat dated, and the comfort of the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport was less than ideal, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 drew stylistic inspiration from the G70 compact luxury sedan, particularly above the belt-line, with split-bar headlights and a chrome line that suggested a coupe-like SUV design. The GV70's interior was a testament to Genesis's luxury credentials, featuring high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish. The design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that seamlessly emerged from the dash. The GV70's dash included a full touchscreen, a rotary dial, and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface. The gas-powered GV70 was available in two trims, the 2.5T and 3.5T, while the Electrified GV70 offered Advance and Prestige trims. The GV70's interior was well-equipped, with features like power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. The 3.5T trim added genuine leather upholstery, massaging front seats, and performance-inspired touches. The Electrified GV70 impressed with its luxury credentials, featuring cream-colored quilt-stitched seats and a high-contrast design.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with two electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive available. The hybrid RX was exclusively all-wheel drive. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with an engine note more akin to a turbocharged four-cylinder and lackluster acceleration. The F Sport Handling package added features like an adaptive variable suspension and a Sport+ drive mode, but the driving experience remained largely unchanged between modes. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, offering a smooth ride and isolated road noise. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was estimated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with the hybrid RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5T featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70 offered a balanced driving experience, blending comfort and handling. The Electrified GV70 used a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors for a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. The electric GV70 had a range of 236 miles and could charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes on a fast charger. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, leaning slightly towards comfort, and it compared favorably to the Genesis GV60 in terms of SUV capabilities.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults, with a snug fit for five. Front headroom measured 39.4 inches, with 39.1 inches in the rear, and legroom was 44.1 inches up front and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo space in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row version offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats up, increasing to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with the seats in use, which was above average for the segment. The GV70 came standard with a hands-free power liftgate. The front seats offered easy adjustments for a comfortable position, while the rear seats had tighter legroom, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort, and the GV70 featured decently large cupholders in the center console, though the in-door holders were limited in size.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display as standard, with a 12.3-inch version available. The touchscreens were positioned atop the center stack, creating ergonomic challenges. The infotainment system was responsive but hindered by a hypersensitive touchpad and awkward positioning. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. Additional amenities included heated and ventilated seats, premium audio systems, and the Lexus App for remote personalization.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also included a rotary dial and helpful buttons in the center console, though the proximity to the rotary shifter could cause confusion. The GV70 was equipped with four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS when equipped with optional triple-beam LED headlights, but it missed the top-tier "plus" designation due to headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded the RX four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5T's Advance Package added a blind-spot camera system and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the 3.5T's Sport Advance package included these features. The Electrified GV70 had most driver-assistance features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.