2024 Lexus TX vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV70 showcased a design that drew inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70, particularly above the belt-line. Its split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that curved from behind the rear window were notable design elements that connected it visually to the G70. This chrome bar cleverly suggested a coupe-like SUV aesthetic without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, featuring top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The interior design was a harmonious blend of contemporary and classic styles, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that seamlessly emerged from the dash. The GV70's dashboard featured a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls on the center console, offering a tactile experience superior to touch capacitive controls found in some competitors.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with a more conservative design. The TX's styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a more understated appearance. Our test model, equipped with Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale look. The TX's interior, particularly in the Luxury trim, boasted premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and artificial suede trim, creating a luxurious ambiance. However, the dark Peppercorn interior, combined with black-grained trim, made the cabin feel somewhat dark, even with the panoramic glass sunroof. Despite this, the TX's interior was comfortable and met the expectations of a luxury SUV, with a habitable third-row seat that accommodated adults, addressing previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUV offerings.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between two gas-powered engines and an electrified variant. 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 model 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 driving experience that combined comfort and sharp handling. The GV70 Electrified, powered by a 77.4-kWh battery and dual electric motors, generated 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. It offered a range of 236 miles and featured DC fast charging capabilities.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. While its performance was adequate for typical driving situations, the engine's grating note and hints of torque steer with front-wheel drive were minor drawbacks. The TX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds, with a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg for the FWD model. The all-wheel-drive option, priced at $1,600, provided slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension struck a balance between firmness and comfort, offering commendable body motion control and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal in our test vehicle felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 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. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed center console with decently large cupholders and a retractable lid tray. While front-seat passengers enjoyed comfortable seating, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring adjustments for optimal comfort. The rear bench's reclining feature added some flexibility for passengers.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUV lineup by providing a habitable third-row seat for adults. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they offered a supportive driving position. The second-row seat, though not as welcoming, provided triple-zone climate control and dual USB charging ports. The third-row seat offered adequate leg support and a good view, with 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the third-row seats expanded cargo capacity to 57.4 cubic feet, and folding the second-row seats increased it to an impressive 97 cubic feet.

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

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, the unmarked dual-purpose steering wheel controls, which required referencing the head-up display, were a source of frustration. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen display, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX also provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, as well as Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect for remote engine starting and digital key access. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5T model's Advance Package added a blind-spot camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera system, while these features were included in the Sport Advance package for the 3.5T model. The GV70 Electrified offered most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance, though it was not entirely transparent in operation. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist for hands-free driving at low speeds.