2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. The rear design echoed the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts, and while the hands-free liftgate was boxy, it contributed to the SUV's overall elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the center console's three large dials controlled infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, though the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor quibble, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a height of 74.2 inches. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with limited availability, offering exclusive paint colors like Nori Green Pearl. Despite its imposing front, the GX's dimensions appeared compact from the side, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. The design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky aesthetics, with a hood that fell away from sight, aiding technical driving. Inside, the GX's luxury badge was somewhat undermined by the presence of plastic materials, though it offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. Despite its low sales, Lexus maintained the GX's production, benefiting from easy manufacturing and a luxury price premium.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving. The power delivery and shifts were smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene freeway commute.

The 2023 Lexus GX, on the other hand, was defined by its naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. Although it didn't excel on paper compared to newer engines, the GX's V8 offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. With a 6,500-pound towing capacity, the GX was more capable than most three-row crossovers, though it lagged behind other SUVs. The V8's fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. Despite its weight, the GX's roll was predictable and controllable, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its 4WD system.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with numerous luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, while our tester included ventilated front and rear seats with the Ergo Motion driver’s seat, offering fatigue-reducing inflation and deflation. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel. A third row was available, though legroom was limited to 30 inches. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort, while the suede headliner and panoramic glass roof added elegance. The GV80 boasted significant cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and a phone space ahead of the shifter. Cupholders were conveniently placed, though the USB ports were outdated USB-A. The GX retained hard buttons for controls, avoiding the trend toward haptic-touch interfaces. The center console lid featured sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat. However, the third row was too tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, revealing a narrow 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial for control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting detection. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly, alongside wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. The GV80's remote smart parking assist allowed for maneuvering in tight spaces without the driver in the car, adding a unique technological touch.

The 2023 Lexus GX, updated in 2022, already felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, the tech lagged behind newer Lexus models, with a sluggish touchscreen and less crisp graphics. 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 enhancing its performance.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car’s blind spot in the digital gauge cluster, providing a clear view without neck craning. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, offering hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior in front crash prevention.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included several advanced driver assistance systems. While missing some top-end features, the GX offered automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date, providing a modern driving experience.