2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Volvo XC90

Volvo’s design trajectory reached new heights with the 2020 XC90, marking an era where modern Volvos showcased excellent aesthetics. The XC90 provided an impressive visual appeal that rivaled sleek sedans while maintaining its robust SUV stature. One of the standout features was the grille, which received a sporty, blacked-out honeycomb treatment on the R-Design trim. Not to mention, the Thor’s hammer LED headlights became a standard feature, adding to the model's distinctive nighttime signature.

The interior exuded luxury with Thunder Grey Metallic exteriors paired with beige leather and aluminum interiors. The R-Design package included plush features like power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage seats. The rear seats, equally comfortable, could be configured as a bench or individual captain’s chairs. High-quality materials were omnipresent, from the leather-wrapped dash to the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat, reiterating the attention to detail in the XC90's design.

Meanwhile, the 2020 Lexus RX also impressed with its refreshed aesthetic. Standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights provided a modern, refined look. Exclusive options like the triple-beam LED headlights and two new paint colors, Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl, enhanced its visual appeal. The rear received updates including dual exhausts and a hands-free tailgate.

Inside, the Lexus RX continued to offer a well-appointed cabin with various interior color options and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trims. The performance-focused F Sport package added unique elements like a distinct steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum pedals, and sportier front seats. While the interior wasn’t as minimalist as some European rivals, it managed to balance luxury and practicality effectively.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came with three distinct powertrains: the T5, T6, and T8 plug-in hybrid. The base T5 variant, which produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, was considered lackluster for such a hefty vehicle. The T6, a better option, offered 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, sufficient for quick maneuvers in traffic. However, the T6's supercharged engine faced criticism for its non-linear power delivery and was noted for its disappointing noise levels and fuel economy. My driving experience revealed an average of 20 mpg over 800 miles, below expectations for a luxury SUV.

The T8 plug-in hybrid version promised 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque but its added weight negated any real performance benefits. Fuel economy improved slightly to 27 mpg combined once the battery was depleted, but the limited electric range and higher cost were deterrents.

In contrast, all 2020 Lexus RX 350 models were powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth performance. The engine achieved 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque in two-row models, though power slightly tapered in the three-row RX 350L variant. The RX 450h hybrid model combined the V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, favoring fuel efficiency with a combined 30 mpg.

Still, the RX's performance didn’t pretend to be sporty. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, the RX was slightly slower than its turbocharged rivals. Performance-minded F Sport models, however, offered a more engaging drive experience with adaptive variable suspension and other enhancements.

The 2020 Volvo XC90’s interior was a testament to Scandinavian design philosophy—luxurious and functional. The intuitive Sensus infotainment system improved significantly in responsiveness, placing climate controls and other features within the 9-inch touchscreen. Despite minor grievances like hidden safety settings, the system was largely user-friendly.

Seven seats came standard, providing ample legroom and comfort for second-row passengers, although the third row was cramped. Cargo space in the XC90 was commendable, offering up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded—ample for most family needs.

On the other hand, the 2020 Lexus RX offered a comfortable interior but lagged in spaciousness. The two-row model comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L’s rear seats were best suited for children. The cargo area was constrained due to a high load floor, particularly in the RX 350L and 450hL variants, which trailed competitors like the Lincoln Aviator by about 20 cubic feet.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came equipped with Volvo Pilot Assist as standard, an impressive semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance to navigate marked highways adeptly. The upscale Bowers & Wilkins stereo system, featuring 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, delivered an unparalleled audio experience.

The Sensus infotainment system, though visually sophisticated with a portrait-oriented touchscreen, lagged in app loading times and lacked customization options for the digital instrument panel. However, the inclusion of four-zone climate control and seamless smartphone integration maintained its competitive edge.

Conversely, the 2020 Lexus RX saw improvements in its often-criticized infotainment system. Moving the 8.0-inch display and optional 12.3-inch touchscreen closer to the driver improved usability, but the system’s navigation remained convoluted. Fortunately, the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alleviated many usability issues by integrating more intuitive interfaces.

The Lexus RX also featured Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and multiple other connectivity options. With six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, the RX aimed to cater to tech-savvy consumers, though it still trailed behind Volvo in terms of sophistication.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 excelled in safety ratings, earning top scores from the NHTSA and IIHS, although its headlights prevented it from obtaining the highest "Top Safety Pick+" designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Volvo’s long-standing commitment to safety was evident, as the brand consistently prioritized ethical design considerations to enhance passenger protection.

Similarly, the 2020 Lexus RX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, daytime bicyclist detection, and road-sign assist. During testing, the system performed reliably, although Lexus Enform Safety Connect had intermittent connectivity issues under adverse weather conditions.

The RX also garnered favorable safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though it lacked the cutting-edge safety credentials of some newer models.