2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Genesis GV70

The 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself within the Genesis lineup and its competitive set with its sleek design and standout details. It featured signature Genesis styling elements like split headlights and a large shield-like grille for brand recognition, yet it was sleeker than the larger GV80 and avoided the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. Notable design features included a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and distinctive 21-inch wheels. The GV70 struck a balance between SUV size and luxury-car style, offering a more refined look compared to competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Porsche Macan, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. The Electrified GV70 maintained the same styling as the gasoline models, with a shiny grille housing the charge port, making it convenient for charging. The interior was distinctive, featuring quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and unique design elements like an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary infotainment controller.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured an exclusive Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was considered unremarkable, with a huge front grille and dramatic rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different powertrains and fuel efficiency. The RX 350h was the base model with 246 horsepower and 36 mpg, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp and 27 mpg. The RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 37 miles of electric-only range. All models came with standard all-wheel drive and various trim levels. The RX's interior featured quality materials and ambient lighting, but the controls were a mix of baffling and brilliant. Lexus avoided the single curved display approach, opting for a more traditional layout.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered two gasoline powertrain options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. 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 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 offered vigorous straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match the sportiness of rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, or Porsche Macan. The GV70's suspension was reasonably comfortable but tended to crash over bumps. The Electrified GV70 maintained similar driving dynamics to the gasoline model, with the added benefit of adjustable regenerative braking and a 236-mile EPA-rated range.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup included the RX 350h, RX 450h+, and RX 500h. The RX 350h was the least powerful with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft from a hybrid powertrain, while the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered 304 hp and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time. The RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission. The RX 500h's sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Direct4 all-wheel-drive system enhanced its performance. However, the RX 500h's fuel efficiency was lower than expected, averaging 20.9 mpg. The RX 500h offered quick acceleration and a pleasant sound but lacked dynamic communication, making it more about sporty appearance than overall capability.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 provided comparable interior space to its rivals, with slightly less headroom but more front-seat legroom than the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It offered 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, better than the Mercedes but less than the Audi Q5. Folding the rear seats provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by the battery pack, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The GV70's stylish interior design came at the cost of limited small-item storage, but it included features like automatic side bolsters for the front seats.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the automatic climate system's fan was loud. The rear seats were comfortable, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. The RX offered ample interior storage, but the rear center armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row created 46.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, which was limited for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher grades offered a 12.3-inch unit with a 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a rotary controller on the center console. Genesis included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered high-tech features, but some expected items were optional, such as digital key functionality and a camera-based digital rearview mirror. The RX 500h featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a volume knob and large dials for climate control. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and cloud-based navigation. The RX's technology worked well, but there were occasional glitches with satellite radio display. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's highest Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. The NHTSA published four-star frontal and rollover crash-test ratings for gasoline models, with the 2023 GV70 receiving a five-star overall safety rating. All GV70 models came with standard safety features like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Highway Driving Assist. A more advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 system was available, adding automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis also offered high-tech safety features like safe exit assist and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, a free service for up to ten years, providing automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 was standard, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid also had blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Predictive Driving Assist was part of LSS+ 3.0, ensuring safe following distances and obstacle avoidance. The RX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Poor in a frontal-impact test.