2019 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Lexus GX
Overview | |
MSRP$33,700 | MSRP$53,000 |
Listings143 | Listings196 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2019 Volvo XC40 Reviews SummaryIf any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance. Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world. This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices. Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out. | |
2020 Lexus GX Reviews SummaryDepending on who you ask, the modern SUV will continue to dominate the new-car market until it's the only type of vehicle on the road (except pickup trucks). That prediction makes sense; modern SUVs drive like cars, can get through most snowstorms, and have the cargo space to tackle most of what daily life throws at them. They are great all-around vehicles, but in trying to master everything, many have lost the specialization that made them noteworthy in the first place. In particular, many luxury SUVs have lost their off-road credibility. There are exceptions to this trend, including upmarket trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as most of the Land Rover lineup. Another brand that bucks the trend is Lexus. Sure, the Lexus RX pretty much created the modern luxury crossover, but it gets sold right alongside the immensely capable Lexus LX and this vehicle: the 2020 Lexus GX. You’ll be forgiven if you forgot the GX was still available. Lexus has updated the GX for 2020 with fresh styling to make it a bit more memorable. Still, beneath that new exterior is one of the oldest vehicles offered today, and as you’ll learn, that has its advantages. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 187 hp I4 | Engine4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower187 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City23 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway19 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 187 hp I4 | Engine Name4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Torque221 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | Torque329 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower187 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City23 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway19 |
Interior | |
Leather SeatsStandard | Leather Seats |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space20.7 cu ft | Cargo Space11.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight3564 lbs | Curb Weight5130 lbs |
Height65.3 in | Height74.2 in |
Length174.2 in | Length192.1 in |
Width80.1 in | Width74.2 in |
Wheelbase106.4 in | Wheelbase109.8 in |
Maximum Payload1195 lbs | Maximum Payload1315 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity6500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $33,700 | $53,000 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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Summary | If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance. Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world. This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices. Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out. | Depending on who you ask, the modern SUV will continue to dominate the new-car market until it's the only type of vehicle on the road (except pickup trucks). That prediction makes sense; modern SUVs drive like cars, can get through most snowstorms, and have the cargo space to tackle most of what daily life throws at them. They are great all-around vehicles, but in trying to master everything, many have lost the specialization that made them noteworthy in the first place. In particular, many luxury SUVs have lost their off-road credibility. There are exceptions to this trend, including upmarket trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as most of the Land Rover lineup. Another brand that bucks the trend is Lexus. Sure, the Lexus RX pretty much created the modern luxury crossover, but it gets sold right alongside the immensely capable Lexus LX and this vehicle: the 2020 Lexus GX. You’ll be forgiven if you forgot the GX was still available. Lexus has updated the GX for 2020 with fresh styling to make it a bit more memorable. Still, beneath that new exterior is one of the oldest vehicles offered today, and as you’ll learn, that has its advantages. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 187 hp I4 | 4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 4700 rpm | 301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 23 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 19 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 187 hp I4 | 4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 329 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 4700 rpm | 301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 23 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 19 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 20.7 cu ft | 11.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3564 lbs | 5130 lbs |
Height | 65.3 in | 74.2 in |
Length | 174.2 in | 192.1 in |
Width | 80.1 in | 74.2 in |
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 109.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1195 lbs | 1315 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 6500 lbs |
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Lexus GX is rated 7 out of 10.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 boasts standout styling, offering an upright appearance and plenty of head- and legroom. It comes in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, each offering unique design elements and features.
The 2020 Lexus GX, while long in the tooth, features a rugged design with an updated front end and headlights. It offers three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each with a range of standard and optional features.










CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Lexus GX 9 out of 10.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, providing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offers brisk acceleration, well-weighted steering, and responsive turn-in, with fuel-economy estimates of 23 mpg city, 31 highway, 26 combined.
In contrast, the 2020 Lexus GX is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. It offers a smooth yet composed ride, exceptional off-road capability, and a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds, with fuel-economy estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, 16 combined.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Lexus GX is rated 8 out of 10.
The XC40 offers ample front-seat head- and legroom, smart storage solutions, and a hands-free power liftgate. It also provides generous backseat legroom and a clever cargo area design, offering 57.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
On the other hand, the 2020 Lexus GX features second-row captain's chairs, power-folding third-row seats, and a side-opening rear hatch. It offers 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded, providing practical versatility.
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 8 out of 10 and the 2020 Lexus GX 6 out of 10.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 features a large portrait-oriented touchscreen with intuitive controls, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available advanced multimedia and navigation systems.
Conversely, the 2020 Lexus GX comes with a last-generation touchscreen infotainment system, offering simplicity and a true touchscreen interface. However, it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 7 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Lexus GX is rated 8 out of 10.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 comes standard with a comprehensive array of safety features, including airbags, automatic braking, blind-spot detection, and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
The 2020 Lexus GX comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+, offering forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and surround-view camera.
CarGurus highlights

The 2019 Volvo XC40 offers a compelling package with its standout styling, impressive performance, smart form and function, advanced technology, and strong safety features. While the 2020 Lexus GX excels in off-road capability and practicality, the overall appeal of the XC40 makes it the more well-rounded choice.
Choose the 2019 Volvo XC40 if:
- You prioritize modern styling, advanced technology, and strong safety features.
- You seek a subcompact SUV with ample cargo space and smart storage solutions.
- You value a well-balanced combination of performance, comfort, and versatility.
Choose the 2020 Lexus GX if:
- You require exceptional off-road capability and rugged utility in a luxury SUV.
- You prefer a vehicle with three rows of seats and practical versatility for family use.
- You are willing to forgo advanced infotainment features for a simpler and more traditional interface.
CarGurus highlights

The 2019 Volvo XC40 offers a compelling package with its standout styling, impressive performance, smart form and function, advanced technology, and strong safety features. While the 2020 Lexus GX excels in off-road capability and practicality, the overall appeal of the XC40 makes it the more well-rounded choice.
Choose the 2019 Volvo XC40 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize modern styling, advanced technology, and strong safety features.
- You seek a subcompact SUV with ample cargo space and smart storage solutions.
- You value a well-balanced combination of performance, comfort, and versatility.
Choose the 2020 Lexus GX if:
Shop Now- You require exceptional off-road capability and rugged utility in a luxury SUV.
- You prefer a vehicle with three rows of seats and practical versatility for family use.
- You are willing to forgo advanced infotainment features for a simpler and more traditional interface.

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.







































