2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a striking blend of style and luxury, drawing inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70. Its design featured split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that elegantly curved from behind the rear window, giving it a coupe-like SUV appearance without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to Genesis's luxury credentials, boasting top-notch materials and a seamless blend of contemporary and classic aesthetics. The dashboard was equipped with a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface that outshone the touch capacitive controls found in some competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX exuded a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and towering height. The GX's design was both rugged and sleek, with flared fenders and a short wheelbase that hinted at its off-road capabilities. However, the interior was a mix of luxury and practicality, with an abundance of plastic materials that somewhat undermined its luxury badge. Despite this, the GX offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery, maintaining a level of comfort expected from a Lexus.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between two gas-powered engines and an electrified version. The 2.5T model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5T variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, delivering a balanced blend of power and handling. The Electrified GV70, with its 77.4-kWh battery and dual electric motors, generated a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode offering up to 483 horsepower for short bursts. Despite its shorter range of 236 miles, the electric GV70 impressed with its smooth acceleration and quick charging capabilities.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked the power of more modern engines, the GX's V8 delivered a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive engine note. Its 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable, though it lagged behind some competitors. The GX's fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. Despite its weight and age, the GX offered predictable handling and strong braking performance, aided by a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and a capable 4WD system.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a center console with a retractable lid and decently sized cupholders. While front-seat comfort was commendable, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring adjustments for taller passengers.

The 2023 Lexus GX excelled in providing cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. The decision to retain hard buttons for controls was a welcome choice for those who preferred tactile interfaces. The second row offered good legroom and headroom, but the third row was cramped and best suited for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The interface was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also included four USB ports, wireless device charging, and a nine-speaker stereo system, with additional features like ambient lighting and a digital instrument panel available.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite a recent infotainment update, felt dated compared to other Lexus models. Its 10.3-inch touchscreen offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, but the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind competitors. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo and a CD player, but its real strength lay in its off-road capabilities, with features like a two-speed transfer case, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Electrified GV70 offered even more standard safety features, with only the head-up display reserved for the Prestige trim.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while not crash-tested by major safety organizations, benefited from Toyota and Lexus's commitment to advanced driver assistance systems. It included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams, though it lacked some of the latest features found in newer models.