Genesis vs. Lexus: Comparing the 2022 GV70 and NX 350 F-Sport
Genesis has come a long way since its debut in 2017, with its latest lineup of luxury vehicles, including SUVs, proving to be excellent contenders in the market. One of its highly anticipated models is the 2022 GV70, a small crossover that boasts impressive driving dynamics and powerful turbocharged engines. But before Genesis, there was another luxury brand making waves – Lexus. The 2022 NX 350 is a perfect example of Lexus’ evolution, featuring smoother styling, an improved tech suite, and a turbocharged engine. With both brands offering compelling options, let’s see how the Genesis GV70 and Lexus NX 350 F-Sport stack up against each other.
Design:
Genesis GV70: The GV70 showcases Genesis’ new design language, featuring equal-sign exterior lighting and a bold shield grille. The front end has a softer appearance than its siblings, with rounded edges on the lights and a curved hood. The body surfacing is sharp, and the narrow greenhouse gives it a fastback style. The GV70’s proportions have a retro feel, resembling a glamorous French coupe from the 1930s but in a modern SUV shape. The cabin boasts ovoid accents and high-quality materials, although some styling elements like the jagged red line on the door armrests seem out of place.
Lexus NX 350: The 2022 NX retains its predecessor’s form factor but receives updates to its headlights, grille, and taillights. The new NX features a sharp, tessellated mesh grille and L-shaped outer elements on the taillights that tie it to other Lexus models. While the exterior changes may be subtle, the interior is a success in terms of design. The cabin showcases high-quality materials and a flowing dashboard with a modern and airy feel. The NX’s sliding gauge display, derived from the legendary LF-A supercar, adds a unique touch.
Comfort:
Genesis GV70: Despite its sleek design, the GV70 offers ample front and rear headroom and better legroom than the Lexus NX 350. The seats are comfortable, with good adjustability and support. The ride is smooth and quiet, with excellent noise control. The GV70’s suspension handles bumps well, providing a comfortable driving experience even on rough pavement.
Lexus NX 350: The NX 350’s F Sport bucket seats may be too aggressively bolstered for some, but the standard seating option is less bolstered and more comfortable. The cabin is well-padded and constructed with high-quality materials, including supple faux-leather that rivals the authenticity of the GV70’s leather. While the NX offers a comfortable ride, it can feel a bit harsh on uneven surfaces, and there is some grittiness from the powertrain under hard acceleration.
Technology:
Genesis GV70: The highlight of the GV70’s tech suite is a 14.1-inch widescreen display mounted high on the dash. The infotainment software is user-friendly, but some aspects lag behind competitors. The digital gauge display is not available on all trims, and the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is wired only, with no USB-C ports. This may pose a problem for customers with newer smartphones that only come with USB-C cords.
Lexus NX 350: Lexus has made a significant leap in onboard technology with the new NX. The 2022 model features a sleek interface and a gorgeous 14.0-inch touchscreen display. The wireless phone integration is seamless, offering easy access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The climate controls are conveniently placed at the bottom of the screen, leaving ample pixel space for map views. Lexus’ new tech suite is a standout feature of the NX, offering an intuitive and modern user experience.
Performance:
Genesis GV70: The GV70 is based on the same platform as the athletic G70 sedan, which translates into impressive performance. The 2.5-liter turbo four engine delivers 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The rear-biased all-wheel drive enhances handling balance, and the suspension provides a smooth and controlled ride. The only downside is the sometimes-recalcitrant transmission, which can be hesitant to downshift.
Lexus NX 350: The NX 350 is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbo four engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission is more responsive than the GV70’s, and there is less turbo lag. However, the NX falls short in terms of driving enjoyment compared to the GV70. The suspension feels harsher, and the front-biased all-wheel drive leads to understeer in aggressive driving. The steering lacks weight and precision, making it less confidence-inspiring.
Safety:
Genesis GV70: The GV70 comes with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The Advanced trim adds blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The driver assistance features work unobtrusively, keeping the GV70 well distanced from surrounding traffic.
Lexus NX 350: The NX is equipped with Lexus’ Safety System+ 3.0, which offers similar safety features to the GV70. The NX also comes with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. The driver assistance features may be slightly harder to activate compared to the Genesis, but they still deliver attentive assistance.
Fuel Economy:
Both the GV70 and NX 350 achieve the same EPA city and highway ratings, with the NX edging the GV70 in combined fuel economy. In real-world driving, the observed fuel economy is similar for both vehicles, with the NX achieving slightly better mileage.
Price:
The Genesis GV70 starts at a base price of $42,595 with destination charges included, making it an attractive option for its features and performance. The Lexus NX 350 starts at $39,025 for the front-wheel-drive base model and goes up to $42,625 for the all-wheel-drive variant. The NX 350 F Sport starts at $47,725 and can cost around $54,040 when equipped with additional features. The NX offers a more affordable option with similar tech features, making it a compelling choice for buyers.
Verdict:
While the Genesis GV70 won more categories, the Lexus NX 350 F Sport holds its ground, especially due to its superior tech suite and competitive pricing. The NX’s sleek new interface and stunning touchscreen display give it a tech advantage over the GV70. However, the GV70 excels with its attractive design, comfortable ride, and excellent value for the money.
At the end of the day, both the Genesis GV70 and Lexus NX 350 F Sport offer strong contenders in the luxury SUV segment. The GV70’s graceful design, serene cabin, and performance make it a class-leading option, while the NX’s advanced technology and competitive pricing appeal to buyers seeking a tech-focused SUV. Whether you favor performance or advanced tech, both models provide compelling choices in the luxury market.