Compare the2022 Lexus RXLVS 2022 Genesis GV80

For enhanced safety, the front and middle seat shoulder belts of the Lexus RXL have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Genesis GV80 doesn’t offer pretensioners for the middle seat belts.

The Lexus RXL 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 GV80 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The RXL has standard Active Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The GV80 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the RXL and the GV80 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

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 RXL’s reliability 44 points higher than the GV80.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RXL first among midsize premium suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The GV80 was rated second in its category.

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.

The RX 450hL’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 8 more horsepower (308 vs. 300) than the GV80’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the RXL gets better mileage than the GV80:

Regenerative brakes improve the RXL Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GV80 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The RX 450hL 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 GV80 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The RXL has .1 inches more rear headroom and .5 inches more third row headroom than the GV80.

The RXL’s cargo area is larger than the GV80’s in almost every dimension:

The RXL has a standard third row seat which folds flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The GV80 doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

Optional Trailer Sway Control on the RXL uses the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The GV80 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

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.

If the windows are left open on the RXL the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the GV80 can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

Consumer Reports rated the RXL’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the GV80’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the RXL offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The GV80 doesn’t offer cornering lights. The RXL also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

Consumer Reports® chose the Lexus RXL as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Genesis GV80 isn't recommended.

The Lexus RX Series outsold the Genesis GV80 by over seven to one during the 2021 model year.