Compare the2022 Lexus ESVS 2022 Genesis G80

The Lexus ES has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The G80 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The ES has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The G80 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the ES and the G80 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the ES its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 107 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The G80 is only a standard “Top Pick” for 2019.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the ES’ reliability 35 points higher than the G80.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Genesis vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 4 more problems per 100 vehicles, Genesis is ranked 7th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Genesis vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles, Genesis is ranked 8th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Genesis vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Genesis is ranked fifth.

On the EPA test cycle the ES gets better mileage than the G80:

Regenerative brakes improve the ES Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The G80 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Lexus ES uses regular unleaded gasoline. The G80 requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The ES 300h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The G80 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Lexus ES may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 700 pounds less than the Genesis G80.

The ES F Sport uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The G80 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The ES has a larger trunk than the G80 (13.9 vs. 13.1 cubic feet).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the ES easier. The ES’ trunk lift-over height is 27.4 inches, while the G80’s liftover is 28.8 inches.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Genesis. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 31% lower rating, Genesis is ranked 9th.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The ES’ headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the G80’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the ES offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The G80 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus ES, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Genesis G80 isn't recommended.