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

Genesis, nan spinoff luxury automaker from Hyundai, launched its GV80 midsize SUV successful 2021. Noting its high-quality interior, supple thrust complete bumps, and generous complement of modular tech features, Edmunds instantly classed it arsenic 1 of nan apical models successful its class. But really does nan Genesis stack up against nan latest competition? The celebrated Lexus RX was afloat redesigned for 2023, bringing pinch it caller powertrains and improved features. The car experts astatine Edmunds compared nan 2 SUVs to find which 1 astir deserves your money.

ENGINES AND FUEL ECONOMY

Two engines are disposable successful nan GV80: a 300-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder aliases a 375-horsepower turbocharged V6. Lexus goes for a broader lineup that includes 4 disposable powertrains, 3 of which are hybrids: nan gas-only RX 350, nan RX 350h hybrid, RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid and nan RX 500h capacity hybrid.

The guidelines RX 350 packs a 275-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, while nan top-line RX 500h has a hybrid powertrain bully for 366 horsepower. Neither tin rather lucifer nan powerfulness of nan GV80, which Edmunds has recovered to beryllium a small quicker successful regular driving and for road passing.

But there’s a large quality successful substance economy. The RX 350h gets up to an EPA-estimated 36 mpg successful mixed driving. Going pinch nan plug-in 450h+ could get you moreover amended mpg. Meanwhile, substance system for nan GV80 is lackluster. The four-cylinder exemplary checks successful astatine an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined. Genesis doesn’t connection a hybrid GV80 astatine all.

Winner: Lexus RX

COMFORT AND UTILITY

The GV80 stays reasonably good controlled erstwhile driving astir corners. The existent magic, however, is successful nan GV80’s thrust quality. The suspension does an fantabulous occupation of softening bumps some large and small. Part of nan logic it does specified a bully occupation is it knows what’s coming acknowledgment to an disposable forward-mounted camera that sounds nan roadworthy aboveground up and adjusts nan suspension accordingly. Seat comfortableness is besides exceptional, and nan compartment is good isolated from roadworthy sound and vibrations.

Lexus vehicles person a well-earned estimation for providing a soft ride, and nan latest RX lives up to it. Additionally, nan seats are comfortable and supportive and nan interior is 1 of nan quietest you’ll find. But head-to-head, nan GV80 is conscionable a spot better.

The GV80 besides scores points for its roomier cargo area, higher maximum towing capacity and disposable third-row seat. That 3rd statement is mini and only suitable for mini children, but it tin travel successful useful for those uncommon occasions erstwhile you request to return other passengers along.

Winner: GV80

FEATURES AND VALUE

Both SUVs travel good stocked pinch exertion features. The GV80 comes modular pinch a 14.5-inch touchscreen pinch onboard navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The RX has a 9.8-inch touchscreen modular pinch a 14-inch portion disposable connected higher trims. One bully touch successful nan RX, however, is that you tin link your telephone pinch Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly; successful nan GV80, you request to usage a USB cable.

RX pricing is besides appealing. The slightest costly RX successful nan lineup is nan front-wheel-drive RX 350 that starts astatine astir $50,000, including destination fees. Adding all-wheel thrust is different $1,600. The GV80, which comes modular pinch all-wheel drive, starts astatine conscionable complete $59,000 for a four-cylinder 2.5T model. The RX’s little starting value is simply a notable advantage, particularly because some SUVs person a comparable group of first modular features.

The value spread narrows astatine nan much costly models, however. For example, measurement up to nan GV80 3.5T pinch its V6 motor and you’re looking astatine somewhat much than $66,000 to start. The likewise powered RX 500h is astir $64,000.

Genesis does connection nan champion warranty for a luxury brand, pinch 5 years/60,000 miles for basal sum and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The RX comes pinch a four-year/50,000-mile basal warranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for nan RX’s disposable hybrid powertrains.

Winner: tie

EDMUNDS SAYS

The Lexus RX will easy please shoppers looking for comfort, reasonable pricing and reputable build quality. In galore ways, nan latest type continues to beryllium a people benchmark. But it’s nan GV80, pinch its superior comfort, inferior and unique style, that Edmunds’ experts find somewhat much appealing overall.

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This communicative was provided to The Associated Press by nan automotive website Edmunds. Alex Nishimoto is simply a contributor astatine Edmunds.