2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, with its redesigned exterior, maintained a familiar aesthetic that was hard to distinguish from its non-hybrid counterpart. The RX 350h Luxury model, in particular, showcased a sleek Iridium silver finish with 21-inch wheels, yet lacked any overt hybrid branding, which some might find appealing for its subtlety. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its bold Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling cues, signaling its performance-oriented nature. Despite these updates, the RX's design still carried a visual imbalance, with a front-heavy appearance and a rear that seemed visually shortened due to its signature roof pillar design.

Inside, the RX Hybrid embraced a minimalist approach, featuring a modernized infotainment system and ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, exuding luxury, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance opted for a sportier all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum accents. Despite the aesthetic improvements, the RX's interior space remained somewhat constrained, particularly in the rear, due to the lower roofline and battery placement.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in its Prestige Signature trim, exuded luxury with its Matterhorn White Matte exterior and dark chrome accents. The 22-inch wheels, though stylish, were nearly invisible due to their black paint, which some might find less appealing. Inside, the GV80's Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior was a testament to opulence, featuring diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic accents. The cabin was equipped with ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display, reinforcing its status as a flagship SUV. However, the Prestige Signature's limited seating capacity of four, due to its captain's chairs, might not suit larger families.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, with the RX 350h featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It promised efficiency with an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 32 mpg. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, delivered a more exhilarating experience with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds but sacrificed fuel economy, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system enhanced its athleticism, making it a joy to drive.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The latter, tested in the Prestige Signature trim, provided a satisfying performance but was less fuel-efficient, averaging 17.2 mpg. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, offering five driving modes. The GV80's adaptive damping suspension and upgraded brakes contributed to its unexpectedly sporty driving experience, though the steering was unremarkable.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort with its ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and effective climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters, though the leather quality was standard grade. The hybrid's battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but compromised headroom. Cargo space was decent, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2024 Genesis GV80, particularly in the Prestige Signature trim, offered a luxurious interior with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. However, the limited seating capacity of four was a drawback for larger families. The GV80's seats, though equipped with massage functions, were not as comfortable for long drives. Cargo space was generous, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded, though the rear center console in the Prestige Signature required careful loading.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring a subscription for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant, though it had some quirks, such as limited screen views and reflections. The available head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads was innovative but problematic with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, though its distance from the driver necessitated using the control dial. The system included navigation, satellite radio, and wired smartphone integration. The GV80's digital key system and Lexicon premium sound system added to its tech appeal, while the head-up display provided useful blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were notable features, though some systems, like curve-speed reduction, were less refined.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80's collision-avoidance tech was complemented by a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact ratings were slightly lower.