2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered an impressive selection of trims and paint choices, making it easily customizable for a luxury feel. Buyers could choose between the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the more robust 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6 models. Trim levels included Standard, Advanced, Prestige, and Prestige Signature, with prices ranging from $57,700 to $81,750, plus a destination charge of $1,350.

Our GV80 3.5T test model was in the prestigious Prestige Signature trim, featuring an optional Matterhorn White Matte paint job that pushed the MSRP to $84,600. This trim came in three exclusive exterior colors: Vik Black, Matterhorn White Matte, and Mauna Red, paired with dark chrome trim and 22-inch wheels somewhat obscured by black paint. Inside, the Ultramarine Blue over Dune interior felt opulent with diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, matte wood trim, and metallic accents. It had advanced features like ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display, making the GV80 unmistakably luxurious.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 was a stark departure from its predecessor, the GX 470, embracing a more geometric and aggressive styling. The redesigned midsize SUV sported a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by triple-beam LED headlights on a squared-off front fascia. Down the sides, the GX maintained a minimalist yet robust appearance, resembling a solid block of metal, and featured standard running boards and an overall rugged aesthetic.

The GX came in six trim levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. Highlights included 22-inch wheels and illuminated sills in Luxury trims, while Overtrail models focused on off-roading with 18-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, boasting heated and ventilated front seats, a flat and upright dashboard, a 14-inch touchscreen, and physical controls for off-road features.

The GV80 2.5T featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, avidly competitive against larger V6 engines found in rivals like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. Our test vehicle's 3.5T model delivered 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine. The GV80 3.5T paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), accelerating swiftly and offering a sporty driving experience. However, its real-world fuel efficiency was 17.2 mpg, below the EPA-rated 20 mpg combined.

The GV80 offered five driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Snow. Its adaptive damping suspension and large front brakes ensured high performance, especially appreciated during our test drive from Los Angeles to San Diego. While the steering lacked distinction, it didn’t detract from the smooth, engaging ride.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Lexus GX now featured a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6, generating 349 hp and a stout 479 lb-ft of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX felt more stable on-road and capable off-road. Employing a 10-speed automatic transmission akin to the Toyota Tundra, the GX handled gear shifts assertively. Equipped with standard full-time 4WD and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential, the GX proved adept for varied driving conditions.

The Overtrail trims boasted Lexus’s Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), enhancing wheel articulation and stability. Our test revealed the GX’s effective braking, swift acceleration, and composed handling, making it surprisingly adept both on-road and off-road.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 saw a shift in interior configurations, with only the Advanced trim offering a third-row seat. The Prestige Signature trim limited seating to four with luxurious second-row captain's chairs. While the lavish interior promised comfort with features like a panoramic sunroof, triple-zone climate control, and massage functions, some practical aspects fell short. Comfort during long drives, especially for the front seats, was lacking, and second-row legroom was restricted. Additionally, the rear console hindered ease of loading cargo. Nonetheless, it offered up to 84 cubic feet of cargo space with second-row seats folded.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX provided a comfortable and spacious ride for adults in its first two rows. It offered 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. However, the third row was suited only for children, given its 31.7-inch legroom. Compared to competitors like the Land Rover Defender 110, the GX offered more second-row space, though it lagged a bit in the third row. Cargo capacity excelled, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and an ample total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models, lacking a third row, offered even more space, up to 90.5 cubic feet.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a highly modern technology suite, with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display across all trims. While the display was positioned far from the driver, a control dial on the center console facilitated ease of use. The infotainment system included navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, combined with wireless charging. The digital key system allowed smartphone-based unlocking and starting. The Prestige Signature trim further added second-row wireless smartphone charging and an integrated head-up display for enhanced driver awareness.

The Lexus GX, however, boasted a similarly impressive 14-inch touchscreen in the center dash, flanked by USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. Overtrail models provided extra USB-C ports for rear passengers, along with a 120-volt AC electrical outlet in the trunk. The Lexus Interface system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, and Drive Connect, featuring an advanced voice assistant. The service included Remote Connect for remote access features, but these came with subscription fees post three-year trial. Audio systems ranged from a standard 10-speaker setup to a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo in higher trims.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was lauded for its comprehensive safety features and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Notable features included a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-change assist. During tests, the Highway Driving Assist performed admirably in less congested conditions. The Blind-Spot View Monitor offered invaluable assistance in lane changes, alongside other collision-avoidance systems. The GV80 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal impact ratings were marginally lower.

In comparison, the 2024 Lexus GX significantly upgraded its safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety by braking as needed during adaptive cruise control usage. While the new GX hadn’t been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time, its modern architecture and extensive ADAS offerings provided a greater assurance of safety than in previous models.