2021 Lexus RX vs 2020 Volvo XC90

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 blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint, paired with a beige-leather and aluminum interior, added a touch of sophistication. The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with options like matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim. The seats were designed for long-distance comfort, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features. The cabin was filled with rich leather, padded materials, and finer details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

The 2021 Lexus RX embodied the modern Lexus design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. The interior featured sumptuous seating, perforated leather upholstery, and a somewhat bland center console. The RX was available in five variants, including the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid. The 2020 model year updates, such as elongated headlights and a redesigned front end, carried over to 2021. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lights, rear privacy glass, and an integrated rear spoiler. The F Sport Appearance package added unique styling elements and performance dampers. The interior was well-appointed, with options like semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-folding third row. However, the center console design and infotainment system were seen as dated compared to competitors.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger and all-wheel drive, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for the XC90's weight. The Polestar tune boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, with an 11.6-kWh battery providing up to 18 gas-free miles. However, the added weight of the hybrid system negated some of the performance benefits. The XC90's fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 hybrid achieved 27 mpg combined once the battery was depleted. The XC90's handling was comfortable but not sporty, with lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, delivering 308 hp. The RX 350 FWD achieved 20 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined, while the AWD and RXL versions were slightly less efficient. The RX Hybrid managed 29-31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The RX's suspension and handling were improved for 2020, making it more dynamic, though body roll was still present at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance features. The RX's acceleration was adequate, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7-7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain. The RX Hybrid matched this performance but had a lower top speed of 112 mph.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though it placed all climate controls within the touchscreen. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on the 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 tight and suitable only for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded, and sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered functional interior space, with the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h seating five, and the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid seating six or seven. Front and second-row seating provided ample space, while the third row was tight. The RX's cargo space was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row version offered just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

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. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options. Volvo needed to improve the digital screen and show individual tire pressures in the TPMS sensors.

The 2021 Lexus RX included dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hot spot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touchpad controller for the infotainment system was less refined than competitors and took up valuable center console space. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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 history of safety innovations, such as the boron steel roof and curtain airbags, underscored its commitment to passenger protection.

The 2021 Lexus RX earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and received four out of five stars overall from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This suite included a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. The RX lacked the advanced hands-off piloting systems found in some competitors.