2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2023 Lexus RX

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 was distinguished by three large dials for 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.

The 2023 Lexus RX, though maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor, appeared smaller due to design changes like reduced rear overhang and softer lines. The signature spindle-style grille was better integrated, flowing into an elevated hood, while the rear featured a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's exterior was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous generation and the smaller NX model. Inside, the RX offered a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The Intelligent Assistant technology, part of the Drive Connect plan, provided natural voice recognition, though it required a subscription after three years. The RX maintained high-quality standards with options for genuine leather and various trims, and it was available in multiple trims, including hybrid and performance hybrid versions.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was available exclusively with all-wheel drive, offering 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 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride, though it lacked the agility of some competitors.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350, tested in both Luxury and F Sport Handling trims, featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6, though it lacked the same refinement. The RX 350 Luxury displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure, especially in Sport mode. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, and fuel economy was expected to average 24 mpg, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a luxurious interior with features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front and rear seats. The Ergo Motion driver's seat provided fatigue-reducing adjustments, and the Nappa leather seats were sumptuous. A third row was available, though legroom was limited. 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 added to the comfort, while the suede headliner and panoramic glass roof enhanced the luxury feel. The GV80 boasted ample 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 350 offered comfort with semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel in the Luxury trim. The F Sport Handling trim featured sportier seats with NuLuxe simulated leather and Dark Graphite trim. Both trims provided exceptional comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered useful storage areas and improved cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, though still not generous for the segment.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. 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, though not wirelessly, and the GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, adding convenience.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant provided natural voice recognition, though it required a subscription after three years. User profiles allowed for personalized settings, and streaming services like Apple Music were available. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system offered excellent audio quality, though it required tone adjustments. The RX also featured digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and optional digital rearview mirror and digital key technology.

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 displayed in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which used various systems to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled in certain lighting conditions. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS, though the headlights and LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a robust collection of advanced driving assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also introduced. LSS+ 3.0 performed well, though some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less effective. The RX's adaptive cruise controls and front cross-traffic warnings were displayed on the HUD, which could be problematic when wearing polarized sunglasses.