2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, with its redesigned exterior, maintained a familiar appearance that closely resembled the standard RX 350, save for a few subtle differences like the badge on the liftgate. The RX 350h Luxury model, in particular, showcased a sleek Iridium silver finish with 21-inch wheels, offering a sophisticated yet understated hybrid look. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, emphasizing its performance-oriented nature. Inside, the RX Hybrid adopted a minimalist design with fewer controls and an improved infotainment system, creating a modern and luxurious cabin environment. The RX 350h featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a sportier all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum accents.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV70 presented a more streamlined and sleek design compared to its larger sibling, the GV80, while avoiding the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. The GV70's styling included distinctive split headlights, a large shield-like grille, and a hatchback-like rear window profile, giving it a unique presence. The interior of the GV70 was equally impressive, with quilted Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof adding to its luxury appeal. The dashboard featured a rounded cross-section, reminiscent of an airplane wing, and the climate controls were housed in an elliptical pod, showcasing Genesis' commitment to innovative design. The GV70's interior was both stylish and functional, offering a comfortable and luxurious driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a hybrid system, producing 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to achieve 36 mpg in combined driving, although real-world testing showed an average of 32 mpg. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, delivering 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds but averaged only 20.9 mpg in testing, falling short of its estimated 27 mpg. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering contributed to its dynamic performance, making it a thrilling option for those seeking a sportier drive.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered a range of powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors, delivering a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 horsepower for short bursts. While the GV70 offered impressive straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning was less agile compared to sportier rivals. The Electrified GV70's regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, and despite its additional weight, it maintained a similar driving experience to the gasoline models.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with the RX 350h Luxury model offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrid models housed their battery packs under the rear seat, resulting in excellent leg support and good legroom for rear passengers, although headroom was slightly compromised. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, an improvement over the previous model.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 provided comparable interior space to its rivals, with slightly less headroom but more front-seat legroom than some competitors. The GV70 offered 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Electrified GV70's battery pack had minimal impact on interior space, with only slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The GV70's stylish interior design included a rotary shifter, infotainment controller, and a dedicated phone storage nook, although small-item storage was limited. The Electrified GV70 also featured automatic side bolsters for the front seats, enhancing comfort during spirited driving.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, offering a modern interface with connected services plans available after trial subscriptions. The system included a cloud-based navigation system, Intelligent Assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the touchscreen allowed only one screen menu at a time, and reflections were an issue in models with light-colored upholstery. The available head-up display featured dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, but these were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Genesis GV70's infotainment system, while simpler than some rivals, was user-friendly and effective. It featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-inch head-up display. The system included a rotary controller with a high-quality feel, a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles, and digital key functionality. The Lexicon audio system provided excellent sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems such as motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The Proactive Driving Assist system helped maintain safe distances and speeds, while the regenerative braking system recharged the battery. However, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, although these were not tested.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. While NHTSA ratings for the 2024 model were incomplete, the 2023 GV70 received a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist. The available Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. The GV70 also featured a safe exit assist function and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.