2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 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 in length. 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 dual exhausts, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy, yet elegant, style. 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 quibble, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a pleasant environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a more geometric styling, moving away from the softer, rounded corners of its predecessor. The spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving the front a more aggressive look. The flat hood rose above the front wheels, aiding driver awareness off-road. The GX's profile appeared as if carved from solid metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The GX was available in six trim levels, with the Overtrail models focusing on off-roading and the Luxury trims emphasizing comfort. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a flat dashboard and a 14-inch touchscreen. While less luxurious than some competitors, the GX was designed for durability and off-road capability.

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 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80 was not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, and it lacked the agility of its German rivals. However, it excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted for road conditions. Active noise cancellation further enhanced the quiet and smooth ride.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, replaced its previous V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The torque was available low in the rev range, aiding off-road performance. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis for stability on and off-road. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing confident gear changes. Standard full-time four-wheel drive and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential were included, with the Overtrail trims adding a locking rear differential and advanced suspension technology for improved off-road capability. The GX demonstrated controlled behavior on-road and was prepared for off-road challenges, although testing conditions limited a full evaluation of its capabilities.

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, with ventilated front and rear seats available. The Ergo Motion driver’s seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments, and Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel. A third row was optional, though legroom was limited to 30 inches. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. A tri-zone climate control system and an optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort, while a suede headliner and panoramic glass roof added elegance. The GV80 offered substantial cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Lexus GX showcased a minimalist and sophisticated interior, with fewer physical buttons than its predecessor. Rotary knobs for climate control and physical buttons for off-roading features were retained. The GX provided comfortable space for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and 76.9 cubic feet in total. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet total.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. A head-up display projected information into the driver’s view. 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 included, but not wirelessly. The GV80 provided wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, a standout feature.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. Overtrail models included additional USB-C ports for the back seat, and all models had a 120-volt outlet in the trunk. The Lexus Interface system supported Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Drive Connect offering voice assistance. Subscription services were available after a three-year trial. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for features after the trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A unique feature was the video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist provided hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though headlights and the LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety features with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature was also included. While crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS provided confidence in its safety.