2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Genesis GV80

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 quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy style, contributing to its overall elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch, although the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash. Despite this minor annoyance, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models, maintained a similar appearance to the standard RX 350, with the RX 350h Luxury test vehicle featuring 21-inch wheels and a subtle hybrid badge. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, including matte-black 21-inch wheels and specific interior trimmings. The RX models, while popular, were not considered visually stunning, with a blunt-nosed design and a wheelbase stretch that reduced rear overhang, making the 2023 models appear smaller. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach with fewer controls and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering improved technology over previous models. The RX 350h Luxury featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim, with an option for Rioja Red upholstery.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GV80 was not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach 60 mph, slower than some competitors. It excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions using a forward-facing camera. Active noise cancellation further enhanced the driving experience, making it smooth and quiet.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, previously equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid powertrain, now featured a more efficient RX 350h model with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 350h accelerated to 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control, enhancing its athleticism and driving enjoyment. However, the RX 500h's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 20.9 mpg compared to the estimated 27 mpg. The RX 350h, on the other hand, averaged 32 mpg, offering better efficiency and a more secure feel in curves.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxurious features, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front and rear seats. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing inflation and deflation, while Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel. A third-row option 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 system and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort and entertainment. The GV80 boasted significant cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided comfort and efficiency, with the RX 350h Luxury trim offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and standard seat heating and ventilation. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were located under the rear seat, resulting in excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded, an improvement over the previous model but still less than some rivals.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, though the 3D effects seemed gimmicky. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available but not wireless, while wireless charging and multiple USB and power outlets were provided. The GV80 included remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring a subscription for connected services after the trial period. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and included Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. The system had some limitations, such as only displaying one screen menu at a time and suffering from reflections. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be problematic with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A unique feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction. Proactive Driving Assist maintained safe distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. The system had some irritations, such as the front cross-traffic alert's reliance on the HUD, which was problematic with polarized sunglasses. The curve-speed reduction was reactive, and the driver monitoring system could be triggered by certain hand positions. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.