2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s styling was a testament to its long tenure on the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone several updates over the years. The GX adopted Lexus’ signature spindle grille in 2014, which was further refined in 2020 with a new textured insert and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn’t introduce any new styling changes, but it did make silver 18-inch wheels standard on the Premium trim level, with 19-inch wheels available as an option.

Despite not being originally designed around the spindle grille, the GX’s styling remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers with its tough, aggressive look. However, the interior did not meet the standards of a modern luxury SUV. The wood trim in the Premium test car felt like molded plastic, and there was an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim level.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates. A new front fascia with “air blades” on either side of the grille gave it a sportier appearance, while a new rear bumper concealed the tailpipes. All models featured new wheel designs, and the front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo.

The interior of the XC60 remained largely unchanged, maintaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design test car featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and elaborately textured seats, adding some flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept things simple with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460’s performance was reminiscent of an older generation of SUVs. The V8 engine provided ample power for initial acceleration, with a zero to 60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, the vehicle’s 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking.

Braking also required advanced planning, and the GX exhibited low grip and significant body roll in corners. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, lacking the refinement of modern unibody SUVs. Despite these drawbacks, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added further enhancements for rugged terrain. The GX 460 had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and included trailer-sway control.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD, and the B6 in AWD only.

The B6 XC60 R-Design felt smooth and quick, with a zero to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. The XC60 prioritized a calm, relaxed driving experience, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. Volvo also offered a plug-in hybrid version, the XC60 Recharge, with 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered variant increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet, with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, and included performance upgrades like Öhlins adjustable dampers and Akebono brakes.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics reflected its age. The upright dashboard and high center console limited legroom, and the steering wheel’s odd angle, combined with the tall seating position, felt bus-like. The Premium model’s new heated wood-trimmed steering wheel had heating elements that didn’t cover the entire wheel. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, though forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood.

Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The second row had climate controls but limited space due to cupholders in the armrest. The GX came standard with three rows, seating seven, but the third row was best for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors like the Land Rover Discovery.

The 2022 Volvo XC60’s interior space remained competitive. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst in the segment. Legroom was average in both rows. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo space. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite the somewhat pinched roofline.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features. Standard connectivity included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, but it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two USB ports were provided for the first two rows, but none for the third row. An available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a highlight. The standard infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s and limited functionality. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, offering a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Available upgrades included a head-up display and audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The new system integrated Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air software updates were also enabled. The system was compatible with iPhones, though Android users benefited more from the Google integration.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received top ratings from both organizations. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.