2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Volvo XC60

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble Lexus cars more closely, and new paint colors like Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl were introduced. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin remained well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique elements like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among other features. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's dated look was a drawback.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and larger XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA platform. The XC60 featured an elegant, tailored crossover design with short front and rear overhangs, and crisp details emphasized its agile form. The upright grille proudly displayed Volvo’s iron mark logo, and the front headlights had an LED daytime running light in the shape of Thor’s hammer. Paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, with alloy wheels up to 21 inches on top trims. Inside, the cabin exuded Scandinavian style with 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 2020 Lexus RX 350 models were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The three-row RX 350L models had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had a combined output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD got 30 mpg combined. The RX F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for enhanced agility. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids, with additional Sport S+ and Customize modes for F Sport models. The RX provided a smooth and connected driving experience, though it struggled in snowy conditions without torque-vectoring technology.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 used a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. T5 models produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while T6 models achieved 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, as plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor for 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, with the T8 Polestar Engineered model reaching 415 horsepower. The XC60 T8 PHEV could drive up to 19 miles on electric power alone. The XC60 offered a solid and secure driving experience with AWD and torque vectoring, making it easy to drive quickly. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension smoothed out bumps, making it a great road-trip car. EPA fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. The two-row RX model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall, with comfortable front seats and decent outward visibility, though the A-pillar impeded the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats that excelled in winter conditions. The heating system, heated seats, and defrosters performed exceptionally well in sub-freezing temperatures. The cabin featured smart storage solutions in the center console, dashboard, door panels, and second-row seatbacks. 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 could tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations provided workarounds. The center console touchpad system was more responsive, and the RX featured six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system used a tablet-style touchpad interface with a portrait orientation. The system divided the screen into function quadrants, making it intuitive for some users but requiring a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Volvo On Call app added vehicle-specific functionality. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system on the test model was exceptional.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and available blind-spot monitoring. New for 2020 were daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 benefited from Volvo's safety heritage, with a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for T5/T5 AWD and T6 AWD models. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, and the XC60's top speed was restricted to 112 mph for safety.