2020 Lexus GX vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was an epitome of modern SUV design, standing as a testament to Volvo's ability to blend elegance with functionality. The XC90 presented a striking figure with its classic silver vertical bars on the grille, enhanced in the R-Design trim with a blacked-out, honeycomb treatment, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims. This SUV's beauty was further accentuated by the "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and the tall, thin, curving LED taillights, making it unmistakably Volvo. The subtle yet significant design details, like the arching shoulder crease from the taillights running the vehicle's length, emphasized its width and stability.

Inside, the XC90 was a haven of Scandinavian sophistication with options ranging from Inscription models featuring matte wood trim and wool fabric seats to the R-Design's leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim. The heavenly seats, sculpted to perfection, provided unparalleled comfort with features like power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The second-row seats, whether a bench or captain's chairs, almost matched the front row in comfort. Rich leather adorned the dash and doors, and padded materials were everywhere for added quality and safety. The finer details, such as the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat or the twist-action ignition knob, showcased craftsmanship that rivals lacked.

Contrastingly, the 2020 Lexus GX, despite its facelift, retained much of its decade-old aesthetic. It donned the signature garish hourglass grille but managed to wear it better than its larger sibling, the LX. The GX's boxy shape and traditional SUV look, however, highlighted its age. Inside, the cabin echoed the early 2010s with its large, chunky center console, big buttons, and a recessed infotainment screen—all hallmarks of yesteryear's Lexus design ethos. While the interior layout might seem outdated, it had its charm, especially for those who preferred operability while wearing work gloves—a nod to GX's rugged roots.

Lexus provided the GX with three trims: the 460, the 460 Premium, and the 460 Luxury. Each stepped up in terms of luxury features, from 10-way power front seats and leather upholstery to premium leather in the Luxury trim. Yet, the GX's interior, despite its robust feature set, felt a tad dated compared to the XC90's modern and minimalist elegance.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with varying states of tune, all anchored by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for such a large vehicle. The T6, with standard all-wheel drive, added a supercharger to the mix, elevating the output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, adequate for most driving needs. My T6 Polestar tune further boosted these figures to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Yet, despite these numbers, the XC90's acceleration wasn't particularly impressive. Fuel economy was mediocre, averaging 20 mpg, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined.

The T8 plug-in hybrid seemed promising with 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, mostly attributed to its 11.6-kWh battery enabling up to 18 gas-free miles. However, the added weight negated much of the speed benefit, and its fuel economy, at 27 mpg combined, did not significantly outperform the non-hybrid T6.

Handling-wise, the XC90, even with its Four-C adaptive air suspension, lacked the agility of an athlete. The steering was lifeless and disconnected from the body's movements, more suited for leisurely drives rather than spirited driving.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus GX 460 featured a robust 4.6-liter V8 engine that offered 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission to standard 4WD. Despite not boasting the highest horsepower figures, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying surge of power, particularly notable during everyday driving situations. The steering, though light initially, proved to be quite direct and responsive on the road.

The GX's self-leveling air suspension allowed for a smooth yet controlled ride, making it easy to traverse potholes and bumps without drama. Off-road, the GX shined with its rugged capability and multiple 4WD modes, allowing it to handle more challenging terrains effortlessly, unlike many car-based crossovers.

Despite its strengths, the GX's fuel economy lagged at 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined, averaging 16.3 mpg during my week-long testing.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was a masterclass in functionality and comfort. Its Sensus infotainment system was notably quicker and more responsive compared to earlier iterations. The touchscreen housed most of the controls, which could be initially daunting but became second nature with use. Volvo's thoughtful inclusion of features like the integrated booster cushion in the second row showcased its family-centric design.

The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, providing ample legroom and comfort in the first and second rows, though the third row was best suited for small children. With up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats were folded, the XC90 provided ample room for storage, easily outclassing the GX in this department.

In comparison, the 2020 Lexus GX's interior seemed somewhat utilitarian but effective. The availability of second-row captain's chairs created a more accessible pathway to the third row, a thoughtful feature for families. However, accessing the third row was cumbersome for adults. The GX's cargo capacity was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded, which fell short compared to the XC90 and even the 2-row Jeep Grand Cherokee with 68.3 cubic feet.

The GX's peculiar side-opening rear hatch was a unique feature, albeit not particularly advantageous. However, the separately opening rear window/hatch was a convenient touch for quick access.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came loaded with advanced technology, including the Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist for a seamless driving experience. The four-zone climate control system ensured comfort for all passengers. The R-Design trim I tested boasted an exceptional Bowers & Wilkins stereo system with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts, providing an unparalleled audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen facilitated easier navigation with high-resolution clarity, though onboard apps were sluggish.

Conversely, the 2020 Lexus GX lagged behind in infotainment technology. Its aging Lexus Enform system, though simple with physical buttons for key functions, lacked essentials like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This dated simplicity might appeal to some who preferred straightforward interfaces, yet it paled against the XC90's modern offerings.

Volvo's safety legacy was evident in the 2020 XC90, with top scores from both NHTSA and IIHS, though the headlight performance docked it to a Top Safety Pick instead of a "+" rating. Advanced safety features like forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition came standard. Volvo's commitment to safety was longstanding, dating back to their pioneering use of boron steel roofs and curtain airbags.

The 2020 Lexus GX also prioritized safety with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. Its excellent visibility, thanks to high seating and large windows, added an extra layer of safety, supplemented by the available surround-view camera.