2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. The interior featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland and dated. Lexus offered the RX in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different needs, from performance to extended seating. The 2021 model retained the elongated headlights and refined front end introduced in 2020, which aimed to address previous criticisms. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport Appearance package added unique styling and performance enhancements. Inside, even the base model was well-appointed, with options for semi-aniline leather upholstery, sport seats, and various comfort features. However, the center console's dated design and infotainment system were notable drawbacks.

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look and a rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. The interior remained largely unchanged, featuring a clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the overall interior was subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 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, producing 308 horsepower. The RX 350 FWD achieved 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while AWD and RXL models saw slightly lower fuel economy. The RX Hybrid managed 29-31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The RX's suspension and handling were improved for 2020, offering a dynamic driving experience with some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance features. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7-7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain. The RX Hybrid matched the 0-60 mph time but had a lower top speed of 112 mph.

For 2022, Volvo introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains for the XC60, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. The B5 combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The B6 added an electric supercharger, boosting output to 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively AWD. The B5 achieved 0-60 mph in 6.5-6.6 seconds, while the B6 did it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid produced 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, with optional air suspension enhancing the experience.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a highly functional SUV, seating five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h models, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seating offered ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RXL provided 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second row, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The RX's cargo space was less than competitors like the Nissan Murano and Honda CR-V. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free liftgate available.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. 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, at 21.1 cubic feet with the seats up and 49.3 cubic feet with them down. The XC60's cargo space was less than most similarly sized luxury crossovers. The SUV provided a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with 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 hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touchpad controller for the infotainment system was functional but took up valuable center console space. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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 Android-specific features like Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation. Android users could sync their profiles with the car, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The infotainment system was compatible with iPhones but lacked the added functionality for Apple users. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, scoring Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall, and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. The RX lacked advanced hands-off piloting features found in some competitors. The second row had two complete sets of LATCH connectors for child safety seats.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2021 model received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. 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. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering for highway driving.