New Segment Leader? 2025 Lexus RX vs. 2025 Genesis GV80

One of the oldest luxury SUV nameplates is the Lexus RX, and its popularity has continued year after year. But since that introduction in 1999, there have been many new options to enter the market, including choices like this Genesis GV80. It’s only been a few years since this model’s introduction, but it has already made some inroads and is hoping for even more with heavy updates for 2025. So, who leaves as victor in this 2025 Lexus RX vs. 2025 Genesis GV80 battle? Let’s find out right now!

Pricing and Equipment

We always start off our comparisons by talking about the pricing and equipment, so let’s dive into that quickly.

Beginning with Lexus RX, we have the 450h+ Luxury model which has all the fancy features RX can get. It starts at a little over $70 grand, and after optioning every available feature, we come to around $77,000 all in.

MSRP (450h+ Luxury): $71,260 | Options: $4,185 | Destination: $1,350 | Total: $76,795

Moving to the Genesis, you might expect a much lower price but that’s actually not the case. Its top trim with all the options is actually a bit more expensive at about $81,000, all in.

MSRP (GV80 3.5TT Prestige): $79,950 | Options: $650 | Destination: $1,350 | Total: $81,300

Exterior Design

Starting with their exterior designs, it’s clear both have decided to go the classy and tasteful design direction. The RX goes for an understated body color grille that blends seamlessly into the front end. Genesis, on the other hand, has quite a bit more bling with its chrome “crest” grille, but flanking the sides in both are fancy lighting with their newest lighting signatures. Both feature premium projector LEDs, but only the RX includes LED fog lamps and headlamp washers.

Now heading to the sides, you’ll see a sleeker design on RX and a taller shape on GV80. Lengthwise, Genesis comes in about 2 inches longer, and they both rock nice-looking alloy wheels, 21- and 22-inch inches in the Lexus and Genesis respectively. That’s not enough of a difference to get a point, but we will be evaluating ride quality later.

Length: 192.5-inches (RX) |194.5-in (GV80)

In the back, once again they have clean and elegant designs. We don’t grade personal styling preferences, but as far as the features and specs, we do have differences. They both have full LED lighting, but only the RX hides the wiper to keep it from being weathered as much. To fight back, the Genesis tows a whopping 71% more than the RX at 6,000 pounds.

RX: 3,500 lbs | GV80: 6,000 lbs

Additional Features

Now heading on to some of the other features, both have mirrors that are heated, power-folding, and have blind spot monitoring. While both also have auto-dimming, only the Genesis includes it on both sides compared to just the driver’s side in the Lexus.

In addition, they also come equipped with all the latest safety systems, even including things like advanced highway assistants.

Finally, when it comes to warranties, Genesis pulls ahead. Even though Lexus has a good warranty, Genesis still has a longer powertrain, and basic warranty plus includes 3 years of complementary maintenance compared to just 2 visits in the Lexus.

But we’re just warming up here, so now it’s time to head to the more important interiors!

Interior Design

So, walking up to the vehicles, both of course have smart entry and high-quality key fobs. Genesis does have a few advantages, though. It has remote start built into the fob itself free for life and remotely allows you to pull in and out of parking spots unmanned.

Note: Lexus remote start requires a subscription for the app and remote after the trial period ends.

And once we open the doors and view the interiors, you’ll be surprised by the sheer levels of luxury and technology. But before we get into all those details, let’s talk about the seats themselves. Neither will mess around with faux leather at these prices, the Lexus opting for a premium semi-analine leather and the Genesis a real Nappa leather. 

They feel fantastic, and as far as adjustments, both have extras like power thy extension. We also have 3-person memory, heating, and ventilation, and then only the Genesis includes massaging functionality.

Also not offered on RX is soft close doors, and once we’ve climbed inside, we can discuss the major point of cabin materials. Unsurprisingly, both these two use top-notch selections throughout, but overall, the Genesis has sweated the details a little more. It has leatherette on the upper door trim, upper dash, a unique stone-derived trim, and even a suede headliner. Comparatively, RX uses lots of leatherette, soft-touch plastic and bamboo trim. While both make you feel spoiled, the Genesis takes the lead here for discerning luxury customers.

But tech is also an area that both luxury SUVs have focused on so let’s zero in on the gauge clusters. They are both fully adjustable digital setups with nice graphics, and if you don’t want to look at them, both also include advanced head-up displays in the windshields. 

Only Genesis has a blind spot camera system, and coming back to the steering wheels, both are power adjusting, heated and have rain-sensing wipers. Genesis also throws in a leather airbag cover, and heated armrests, but only Lexus throws in matching wood decor on the steering wheel.

Storage and Technology

Now, let’s dig into the major area of interior storage. Here, the RX takes the more practical approach, and its center console can fit 14 donuts vs. the 12 in the Genesis. Additionally, it has a bit more storage in its hidden console in front of the shifter, so it’ll receive the overall storage point.

Both have electronic shifters, the Genesis using a glass one, and when in reverse, both are equipped with 360-degree camera systems as expected. Only the Genesis has the super-detailed 3D spin ability, however.

But now let’s go ahead and sample out the audio systems. You’re in for a treat for either model since they deliver terrific audio quality from the Mark Levinson and Bang and Olufsen systems, respectively. There’s not enough of a discernible difference in audio quality to award a point.

RX: 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay audio

GV80: 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen Premium audio

As we move to the climate controls, both have 3-zone automatic systems. While a lot of the functions are controlled in their displays, the main temperature adjustments are knobs which makes it easy to use while driving. 

Genesis does go a step further and includes a built-in fragrance system after the new car smell wears off.

Now let’s focus on the infotainment systems since they play a large role in their interiors. Genesis gets a big upgrade for 2025, and it now surpasses the RX. The Lexus’ display comes in at 14 inches, but the Genesis has the gauge cluster and main display integrated into one single screen. That means it’s a solid 27-inches of continuous real estate which not only looks more impressive, but also uses OLED technology to make the graphics and resolution some of the finest in any vehicle, regardless of price point.

Both are running their brand’s latest software with navigation systems, voice assistants and ambient lighting. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also included.

Finally, the last things to mention up front are the auto-dimming mirrors with camera ability and large panoramic sunroofs. 

Rear Seats and Cargo

Now even though most people will be spending their time in the front, you still want to have nicely appointed rear seats for whoever might find themselves back there. Both these two deliver on that.

Text: The GV80 is offered with a 3^rd row, but on a limited basis.

The first criteria are space, and while the GV80 does have a slight advantage in both headroom and legroom, neither are more than the 5% difference required to score a point.

• RX: Legroom: 37.4-inches | Headroom: 37.0-inches
• GV80: Legroom: 38.7-inches | Headroom: 38.4-inches

Now for luxury features, where both are exceptionally good. They have a slew of features in these fully loaded trims including power seat adjustment, heating, ventilation, USB ports and climate controls.

Furthermore, Genesis adds more power connections with a household outlet instead of just USBs, and while both have rear sunshades, only the Genesis is power deploying.

Next, let’s check out the cargo areas where we have some large differentiation. Despite the Lexus having almost as much room as the GV80 in the rear seats, its sloping roof line means it has significantly less cargo space. The GV80 has about a 10% advantage behind the 2nd row, and it expands all the way up to nearly double the space with the seats folded.

RX: Behind 2^nd Row: 29.6-cu.ft | Max: 46.2-cu.ft

GV80: Behind 2nd row: 33.9 cu.ft | MAX: 84.0 cu.ft

That’s a huge advantage for those of you who frequently bring a lot of things with you. Moving past that, both have buttons to power fold the seats 40/20/40 split and neither have spare tires.

But the powertrains of these two are very different as well, so let’s go ahead and take this fight to the streets!

Powertrains

The Genesis has gone for a traditional luxury SUV feel, by selecting a smooth and refined 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 under the hood. Lexus, on the other hand, ditched all V6 powertrains for this new RX generation, and we have the 450h+. That means this RX is powered by a plug-in hybrid system which consists of a 2.5L 4-cylinder and 18 kWh battery pack. All told, it makes 304 horsepower compared to the GV80’s 375, which as expected, makes a significant difference while accelerating.

I do want to point out that you can opt for a 500h RX which increases the power up to 366hp, but that version is not available in a luxury trim level which reduces your equipment and luxury on the inside.

• GV80 3.5TT: 3.5L Twin-Turbo V-6: 375 hp | 391 lb.ft | 0-60 MPH: 5.7s (C&D)
• RX 450h+: 2.5L 4-cyl + 18.1 kWh Li-Ion Battery: 304 HP

Transmission-wise, the GV80 has a traditional 8-speed automatic, while the RX has an eCVT as equipped. Whatever you prefer will depend on preference, and both have standard AWD.

Test Drive and Fuel Economy

Let’s also talk about ride quality since here is where they start to differ a little bit more. While the GV80 has adaptive dampers and the Lexus doesn’t, the Lexus still rides significantly better than GV80 which lets in some sharp intrusions with its 22s on the outside. One of the most consistent characteristics throughout the generations of RX has been the terrific ride quality.

But luxury vehicles also need to be quiet, which is why here at Car Confections, we always get a sound level reading for every vehicle we test out. Both models deliver library-quiet cabins at highway speed, however, the Genesis was one of the quietest cars we’ve ever tested coming in at under 50 decibels.

RX: 53.0 dB @ 55 MPH

GV80: 49.9 db @ 55 MPH

Finally, let’s talk efficiency. As expected, the Lexus plug in hybrid will take a big lead here. Not only does it offer 35 miles of all electric range which is something not offered on Genesis, it also gets significantly better MPGs even if the battery is discharged. During our testing, it came in at 36MPG with no battery charge, which is much better than the Genesis’ 19 MPG on premium fuel. Simply put, the Lexus will save you a lot when it comes to the pump.

GV80: 16/22/19 MPG

RX: 35 miles of electric range | 36 MPG observed MPG without charge

Reliability, Resale, and Value

In our reviews and comparisons, we are also adding in reliability and resale information to give you a better picture of the overall value beyond just the original MSRP. 

Beginning with reliability, we developed the Combined Reliability Index, which takes into account several studies from trustworthy sources, and combines them in a way that gives a more realistic picture. Here, the Lexus pulls ahead, even though both are above the industry average. Genesis ranks at 1 spot above giving it, meanwhile, Lexus is the highest-rated luxury brand coming in 13 spots above average.

We also put Mason’s economics degree to work to develop a detailed Predicted Resale Value tool. After 5 years and 60,000 miles, the Lexus once again takes the lead. It comes in at 53.8% of retained value which is slightly above industry average, and the Genesis 42.08%.

Resale is obviously important because it determines how much money you get back, but we can’t forget about the price difference at the original purchase. The GV80 costs $4,505 more than the RX.

And finally, I want to mention that Lexus has a nationwide network of well-established dealerships while Genesis is in the process of opening up their own dedicated stores. As of the last month (April 2025), the count is 86 dedicated Genesis dealerships in the U.S. We have one in our local area, and it is beautiful and very luxurious, but in many regions, you would still purchase and service your Genesis at a Hyundai dealership. If that matters to you, check your area.

I want to emphasize that if money, reliability or resale value matter less to you personally, feel free to disregard these points. And if you’d like to check out all our data about reliability and resale values, as well as learn about our methodology, make sure to head to www.carconfections.com/resale and www.carconfections.com/reliability. Buying a car is a big decision, and this is a great place to compare all the makes you might be cross-shopping.

2025 Lexus RX vs. 2025 Genesis GV80 Winner!

So that’s it for this comparison between two of the very best luxury SUVs you can buy! But let’s recap a little bit and discuss who should be your personal winner. 

RX: 

• Powertrain advantages (more options, efficiency)
• Ride quality
• Value (original price, resale, reliability)

GV80: 

• Space (cargo room)
• Interior quality (more “wow” factor, materials)
• V6 refinement (no RX offers V6 anymore)

Now we want to know your opinions, so make sure to head to the comment section and let us know which one you would pick!

Thanks for joining us for another Car Confections Comparison! We’ll catch you next time as we sample the latest automotive delicacies!