2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Lexus GX

2021 Lexus GX
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volvo XC90
2022 Volvo XC90
$50,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volvo XC90
$50,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$53,450

MSRP

$50,900

Average price

$43,799

Average price

$40,812

Listings

313

Listings

962

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

5.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor handling
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Quiet cabin
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Cramped third row
  • Sluggish touchscreen response

2021 Lexus GX Reviews Summary

Most modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460.

Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years.

That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery.

For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version.

2022 Volvo XC90 Reviews Summary

What does your average vegan internet mogul drive while waiting for their Tesla to charge? The 2022 Volvo XC90 three-row crossover can slot right in with an available plug-in hybrid variant, available leather-free features, and crunchy memories from the late 20th century. With fuel economy ratings up to 66 MPGe, XC90 owners can hold their eco heads high.
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

4.6L 301 hp V8

Engine

2.0L 250 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

15

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

19

MPG Highway

30
2021 Lexus GX
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volvo XC90
2022 Volvo XC90
$50,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volvo XC90
$50,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$53,450
$50,900
Average price
$43,799
$40,812
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.6
5.0
Expert reviews

5.3 out of 10

Read full review

8.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor handling
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Quiet cabin
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Cramped third row
  • Sluggish touchscreen response
Summary

Most modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460.

Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years.

That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery.

For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version.

What does your average vegan internet mogul drive while waiting for their Tesla to charge? The 2022 Volvo XC90 three-row crossover can slot right in with an available plug-in hybrid variant, available leather-free features, and crunchy memories from the late 20th century. With fuel economy ratings up to 66 MPGe, XC90 owners can hold their eco heads high.
Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
4.6L 301 hp V8
2.0L 250 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
301 hp @ 5500 rpm
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
15
21
MPG Highway
19
30
Look and feel
2021 Lexus GX
7/10
2022 Volvo XC90
9/10

The 2021 Lexus GX 460's styling was a testament to its longevity in 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 did make silver 18-inch wheels standard on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers with its tough, aggressive look. However, the interior lagged behind modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, but the overall feel was not up to par with contemporary luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy cars of the past. The brand had moved upscale, teetering on the brink of the luxury class. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, rode on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform and served as Volvo's flagship SUV. The 2022 model had a great stance and a sleek profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized athleticism. The interior was described in terms like "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, making it a standout in its class.

Performance
2021 Lexus GX
6/10
2022 Volvo XC90
8/10

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 a throwback to an earlier era of SUVs. The V8 engine provided ample grunt for acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, the GX's 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The braking and handling were also reminiscent of older SUVs, with 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, with a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD system with low range, and several driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX 460 had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and respectable ground clearance, making it a solid choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a choice of three powertrains. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger to the turbocharged engine, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 model combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T5 models were available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8 model had an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range, while the extended range variant offered 26 mpg combined and up to 36 miles of EV range. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. The electric motor smoothed out power delivery, making the XC90 fun to drive despite its size.

Form and function
2021 Lexus GX
5/10
2022 Volvo XC90
8/10

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age. The upright dashboard and high center console left little legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle, combined with the tall seating position, made it feel like driving a bus. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console storage bins, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating for seven, but accessing the third row was challenging, and it was best suited for children. Cargo space was also limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, and virtually no space with the third row up.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin, enhanced by a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well even in extreme heat, making the XC90 a comfortable choice for all seasons.

Technology
2021 Lexus GX
4/10
2022 Volvo XC90
8/10

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, reflecting its decade-old design. Standard features included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available. The infotainment system's graphics were outdated, and the system offered limited functionality. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available as an option.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which offered tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures like pinch, pull, and swipe. However, the system in the test car was glitchy and slow to respond. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was positioned close to the driver's line of sight, minimizing distraction. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided easy customization and crisp graphics. The $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with an optional $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

Safety
2021 Lexus GX
6/10
2022 Volvo XC90
9/10

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, 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, the GX lacked some advanced safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, with a comprehensive list of features including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to provide semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its top-tier safety performance.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Lexus GX is 5.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Volvo XC90 scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Volvo XC90 is the clear winner, offering superior safety, technology, and overall driving experience. If you're in the market for a luxury SUV, the XC90 is the better choice.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Lexus GX is 5.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Volvo XC90 scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Volvo XC90 is the clear winner, offering superior safety, technology, and overall driving experience. If you're in the market for a luxury SUV, the XC90 is the better choice.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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