2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's familial design, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the F Sport models boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, as expected from Lexus. The gauge cluster featured a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design seemed outdated compared to newer models like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age, limiting open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, maintaining its family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving upscale. The XC90, riding on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, had a great stance and sleek profile, with pronounced wheel arches and a snub nose reminiscent of classic Volvo designs. Superior fit and finish, along with the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, added a touch of Swedish heritage.

The interior of the XC90 was described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim. Exquisite details like the sliding wood tambor cover and clear crystal gear selector handle emphasized its luxury status. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The test car's leather seats proved comfortable during a week of high temperatures and humidity, suggesting the wool blend might not be for everyone.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport models featured Active Sound Control, enhancing the engine note electronically through the speakers.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar city/highway numbers but a combined 24 mpg. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of that engine, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. The T5 produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 combined gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were available with FWD or AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The T5 FWD achieved 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the T5 AWD had slightly lower figures. The T6 AWD was rated at 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The T8 had a combined rating of 27 mpg on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The extended-range T8 variant offered 26 mpg combined on gas, 66 MPGe, and up to 36 miles of EV range. Charging the battery took about five hours at 240 volts. The XC90 handled well for its size, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. Despite some engine noise, the cabin remained quiet from road and wind noise. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in 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 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. Towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, making the XC90 a comfortable choice in various weather conditions.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system came with eight speakers, with an upgrade to a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions, and a 10-year subscription to Lexus Enform Services Connect was included.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system featured a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with familiar smartphone gestures. However, the system could be glitchy and slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The $1,650 Advanced package included a 360-degree surround view camera system and an advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a four-year subscription to the Volvo Care smartphone app.

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. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, a "Superior" rating for front crash-prevention technology, and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety with features like 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 for minimal driver intervention on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.