2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were the focus, with the latter providing a sportier appearance through features like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including the bold Circuit Red. While the material quality was excellent, the interior design, particularly the gauge cluster and center stack, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" and a reworked grille that housed driver-assist sensors. The interior maintained its clean design, featuring a portrait-oriented touchscreen and a new digital instrument cluster. The R-Design trim added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the overall ambiance was more subdued than other Volvo models. The XC60's interior changes were minimal, focusing on enhancing the tech experience rather than altering the physical space.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, allowed the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. While the ride was generally quiet, the engine could become noisy under hard acceleration. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, which influenced throttle response and steering assist.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively in AWD. The B6 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. The XC60 emphasized comfort and quietness, with an optional air suspension enhancing ride quality. Volvo also offered a plug-in hybrid version, the XC60 Recharge, with 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, and a Polestar Engineered variant with 415 hp and 494 lb-ft.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a well-styled and comfortable interior, with ample room for front passengers and decent legroom for rear-seat occupants. The NX offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX's design contributed to its smaller storage capacity, but it did offer a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and available power-folding rear seats.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Cargo capacity was 21.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded for mild-hybrid models, slightly less for plug-in hybrids. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors. Despite its somewhat limited cargo space, the XC60 offered a practical and comfortable interior environment.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display with the Navigation package, which included features like predictive traffic information and fuel station guidance. The infotainment system added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist for 2021, but it was considered less user-friendly compared to competitors. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system and compatibility with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive OS, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. It supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility, though Apple users might find the Google-centric design less appealing. The digital cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to reduce distractions.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included features like lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional safety services, and the NX was backed by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. New for 2022 were the Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist system was available, combining adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The 2021 XC60 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, indicating strong safety credentials.