Close X
Friday, November 22, 2024
ADVT 
Reviews

Luxury SUV face-off: Edmunds compares the Genesis GV80 and Lexus RX

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 03 Apr, 2024 09:39 AM
  • Luxury SUV face-off: Edmunds compares the Genesis GV80 and Lexus RX

Genesis, the spinoff luxury automaker from Hyundai, launched its GV80 midsize SUV in 2021. Noting its high-quality interior, supple ride over bumps, and generous complement of standard tech features, Edmunds immediately ranked it as one of the top models in its class. But how does the Genesis stack up against the latest competition? The popular Lexus RX was fully redesigned for 2023, bringing with it new powertrains and improved features. The auto experts at Edmunds compared the two SUVs to determine which one most deserves your money.

ENGINES AND FUEL ECONOMY

Two engines are available in the GV80: a 300-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder or a 375-horsepower turbocharged V6. Lexus goes for a broader lineup that includes four available powertrains, three of which are hybrids: the gas-only RX 350, the RX 350h hybrid, RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid and the RX 500h performance hybrid.

The base RX 350 packs a 275-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, while the top-line RX 500h has a hybrid powertrain good for 366 horsepower. Neither can quite match the power of the GV80, which Edmunds has found to be a little quicker in daily driving and for highway passing.

But there’s a big difference in fuel economy. The RX 350h gets up to an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. Going with the plug-in 450h+ could get you even better mpg. Meanwhile, fuel economy for the GV80 is lackluster. The four-cylinder model checks in at an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined. Genesis doesn’t offer a hybrid GV80 at all.

Winner: Lexus RX

COMFORT AND UTILITY

The GV80 stays reasonably well controlled when driving around corners. The real magic, however, is in the GV80’s ride quality. The suspension does an excellent job of softening bumps both big and small. Part of the reason it does such a good job is it knows what’s coming thanks to an available forward-mounted camera that reads the road surface ahead and adjusts the suspension accordingly. Seat comfort is also exceptional, and the cabin is well isolated from road noise and vibrations.

Lexus vehicles have a well-earned reputation for providing a smooth ride, and the latest RX lives up to it. Additionally, the seats are comfortable and supportive and the interior is one of the quietest you’ll find. But head-to-head, the GV80 is just a bit better.

The GV80 also scores points for its roomier cargo area, higher maximum towing capacity and available third-row seat. That third row is small and only suitable for small children, but it can come in handy for those rare occasions when you need to take extra passengers along.

Winner: GV80

FEATURES AND VALUE

Both SUVs come well stocked with technology features. The GV80 comes standard with a 14.5-inch touchscreen with onboard navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The RX has a 9.8-inch touchscreen standard with a 14-inch unit available on higher trims. One nice touch in the RX, however, is that you can connect your phone with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly; in the GV80, you need to use a USB cable.

RX pricing is also appealing. The least expensive RX in the lineup is the front-wheel-drive RX 350 that starts at about $50,000, including destination fees. Adding all-wheel drive is another $1,600. The GV80, which comes standard with all-wheel drive, starts at just over $59,000 for a four-cylinder 2.5T model. The RX’s lower starting price is a notable advantage, especially because both SUVs have a comparable set of initial standard features.

The price gap narrows at the more expensive models, however. For example, step up to the GV80 3.5T with its V6 engine and you’re looking at slightly more than $66,000 to start. The similarly powered RX 500h is around $64,000.

Genesis does offer the best warranty for a luxury brand, with five years/60,000 miles for basic coverage and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The RX comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the RX’s available hybrid powertrains.

Winner: tie

EDMUNDS SAYS

The Lexus RX will easily please shoppers looking for comfort, reasonable pricing and reputable build quality. In many ways, the latest version continues to be a class benchmark. But it’s the GV80, with its superior comfort, utility and distinctive style, that Edmunds’ experts find slightly more appealing overall.

 

MORE Reviews ARTICLES

Edmunds: These cars will be gone after 2023

Edmunds: These cars will be gone after 2023
To assist potential buyers, Edmunds' experts have highlighted the most notable models that will be phased out this year. This list is sorted by the manufacturer's suggested retail price and includes the destination charge. 

Edmunds: These cars will be gone after 2023

Edmunds compares: 2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. Honda CR-V

Edmunds compares: 2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has consistently been one of the most popular small crossover SUVs on sale in America. The Mazda CX-50 is a new competitor that boasts distinctive styling, a classy interior design, and a strong turbocharged engine option. Which one of these SUVs is the better buy? Edmunds compares them to find a winner.

Edmunds compares: 2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. Honda CR-V

Edmunds: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS vs. 2023 BMW i7

Edmunds: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS vs. 2023 BMW i7
BMW i7 and Mercedes EQS sedan. These two all-electric sedans are among the most expensive, technologically advanced and luxurious electric vehicles on the market. But which one most successfully represents the pinnacle of EV design? Edmunds compared the i7 and EQS to find out.

Edmunds: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS vs. 2023 BMW i7

2023 Toyota GR Corolla A new hot hatch is born

2023 Toyota GR Corolla A new hot hatch is born
The first-ever 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is definitely not the same Corolla of choice for sensible grandparents worldwide. A product of the Japanese brand's Gazoo Racing performance division, this rally-inspired hatchback instead embodies several decades of racing heritage and is designed to be every bit as capable on the track as it is in the city.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla A new hot hatch is born

Edmunds compares: 2023 Honda Accord vs. 2023 Kia K5

Edmunds compares: 2023 Honda Accord vs. 2023 Kia K5
Honda's Accord has been a long-standing fixture in this class and for 2023 it receives a full redesign that introduces added legroom, greater fuel efficiency and new styling elements. A key rival is the Kia K5, which has been one of Edmunds’ top-rated sedans since its introduction a few years ago. Both sedans scored well in Edmunds’ testing, but which one should you buy? Edmunds experts compared them to find out.

Edmunds compares: 2023 Honda Accord vs. 2023 Kia K5

2023 Lexus IS 500 Return of the V8

2023 Lexus IS 500 Return of the V8
No longer called IS F, the 500 is the first product to fall under the new F SPORT Performance line. The 5.0-litre engine is essentially an updated version of the unit last offered seven years ago, now sending 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque to the rear axle, representing a massive improvement over the previous 416 and 371, respectively.

2023 Lexus IS 500 Return of the V8