2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured a blacked-out honeycomb grille, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements, while the Thunder Grey Metallic paint added a unique touch. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious beige-leather and aluminum interior, with options for matte wood trim and wool fabric seats. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features, making long journeys a pleasure.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX retained the sharp design lines typical of Lexus, with a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. The NX F Sport variant added sporty elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with options for Circuit Red, Black, and Arctic White/Black color schemes. The interior materials were of high quality, with a familiar gauge cluster and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack design appeared dated compared to newer competitors.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft but had limited electric range and higher costs.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but not as smooth as newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with some engine noise under hard acceleration. The F Sport variant included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 combined, while the AWD model achieved 24 mpg combined. The NX also featured an adaptive suspension system for improved ride comfort.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, with most climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. The cabin layout was well-organized, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was suitable for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a stylish and comfortable interior, with front seats providing ample room and the second row accommodating two adults comfortably. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX included a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design model featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map between analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Lexus NX's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist for 2021. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with the latter integrating Google Assistant. Other features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter's headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with additional safety features available as options.