2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite some new design tweaks, retained much of its decade-old styling. The updated GX featured the hourglass grille design, which was more palatable on this model compared to others in the Lexus lineup. The vehicle's rugged capability, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, allowed it to remain relevant despite its age. Inside, the GX's cabin looked unchanged from a decade ago, with a large, chunky center console and big buttons, which worked well for its rugged SUV nature. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery to advanced navigation systems.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA platform. The XC60 featured an elegant, tailored design with short front and rear overhangs, and the front grille proudly displayed Volvo’s iron mark logo. Inside, the XC60's cabin was defined by clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene aura. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was easier to accept by 2021, and the little details, like the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status. The XC60 was a very nice place to spend time, with harmonious textures and colors throughout the cabin.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive. While these specs might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 offered a swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light steering was direct and responsive, and the self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth yet composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its 4WD system and various chassis controls. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 models upped the output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the T8 Polestar Engineered variant reaching 415 hp. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring allowed it to glide around corners effortlessly. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension smoothed out bumps, making it a great road-trip car. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 highway/25 combined for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV, with 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. The second-row captain’s chairs provided easy access to the third row, though getting into the third row was a chore for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors. The GX had a unique side-opening rear hatch, with a separately opening rear window/hatch for added convenience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system that excelled in winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, making it user-friendly. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Each XC60 model was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, with a true touchscreen interface flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a dealbreaker for some. The simplicity of the system was a plus for those who preferred straightforward controls.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system was intuitive for frequent iPad users, with a segmented screen for different functions. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system on the test model was exceptional.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility added to its safety.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for certain models. It came with a host of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, was available, and the XC60 was governed to a top speed of 112 mph for safety.