2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 showcased a distinctive design that set it apart from its siblings in the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. The GV70's sloping roofline and ribbed detailing added a touch of athleticism to its SUV bulk, creating a balance between ruggedness and sleekness. The Sport Prestige model further enhanced its character with unique styling elements, including a model-specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's interior embraced an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with a minimalistic design that included a perched touchscreen and hidden air vents. The interior offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts in the Sport Prestige model.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for the year, retained its unmistakable Lexus identity with a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The new NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior exuded comfort, especially in models with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim added sport-bolstered seats and a black headliner, while the Luxury trim featured real leather and open-pore wood trim. The NX's minimalist interior design marked a departure from its predecessor, with a focus on simplicity. However, the integration of many functions into the 14-inch touchscreen posed challenges for quick access. Despite this, the NX offered practical storage space and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The GV70 also featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode further enhanced the driving experience by holding high revs and sharpening throttle response. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors like the Acura RDX and BMW X3. While the GV70 excelled on highways, its firm ride and lack of solidity detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, including the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. On winding roads, the F Sport felt taut and responsive, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a more relaxed driving experience. The NX's handling impressed, but the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of its German rivals. Despite some road and wind noise, the NX delivered a dynamic improvement over its predecessor.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided adequate headroom in both the front and back seats, comparable to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and BMW X3. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing the GV70 in the middle ground of its class. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with limited room in the center console and door pockets. The Sport Prestige model featured heavily bolstered front seats with heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed increased interior room, but the new dashboard design created a more intimate feel. The NX offered comfortable seating, especially in models with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering for spirited driving, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo capacity increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a comprehensive tech suite, featuring a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The infotainment system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, complemented by a glass rotary controller with pinch-and-zoom functionality. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also included a digital-key feature, allowing smartphone use in place of a key fob, and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis Connected Services provided remote camera activation and other features, bundled free for three years.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. The NX offered a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, enhancing user experience. The NX also featured digital key capability, a digital mirror, and a 10-inch head-up display. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob, limiting its usability.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. It also featured Highway Driving Assist with automated lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The GV70 included eight standard airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. While the GV70's safety systems impressed, the lane-centering function struggled with curves.

The 2022 Lexus NX incorporated the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a wide range of driver assistance and collision avoidance features. Notable additions included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also featured an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and semi-autonomous parking assist. The Vision Package offered a panoramic view monitoring system and front cross-traffic alert.