The gorgeous 2021 Genesis GV80 could pass for a six-figure SUV.
Pros Handsome exterior Sumptuous interior Supremely quiet Roomy rear seats Attention to detail
Cons Console dial confusion Insecure active lane control Infotainment dial Touchscreen distance
With a sumptuously appointed and whisper-quiet cabin, the 2021 GV80 is exactly the flagship SUV the Genesis brand needs to be taken seriously by American consumers.
Pros Lovely interior ambience, standard high-tech features, agile handling.
Cons Cramped third-row passenger space, no diesel engine for the U.S., heavily weighted steering feel.
Genesis' first SUV, the 2021 GV80, launches on a new platform shared with the new 2021 G80 midsize sedan. Behind the GV80's polarizing mug are new engines that put the power down with RWD or AWD.
Pros Opulent interior Comfortable ride Generous standard equipment
Cons Cramped optional third row
The 2018 Lexus LS 500 is redesigned and all-new.Choosing an LS 500 is simple: There's one well-appointed trim level with a handful of options and option packages.
PROS Library-quiet at all speeds on all roads Ride quality remains soft, supple and impervious to bad asphalt Interior features world-class build quality and artful materials
CONS Touchpad-based infotainment is clever but distracting on the road Accelerates quick for its size, but the pedal response feels slow, numb General lack of sportiness cedes advantage to some German rivals
The 2018 Lexus LS 500 sedans don’t reach for the same performance limits as the LC coupes, but there’s ambition in every line.
Pros Eye-grabbing interior Interesting exterior Lots of rear-seat space Laden with luxury touches Hybrid’s promised gains
Cons The V-8’s gone Lots of intentional drivetrain noise Bounding air-sprung ride Steering lacks precision
Pros Bold new cabin materials and textures Well-behaved 10-speed automatic Ride quality Steering 24-inch-wide head-up display Improved gas mileage Front cross-traffic alert
Cons Remote Touch touchpad controller No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Operation of driver-aid tech is so-so Could be stronger off the line (LS 500) Hybrid braking feel (LS 500h) EV button is pointless (LS 500h)
