2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch, aligning well with the rest of the Volvo lineup. It featured distinctive design elements like “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a white contrasting roof for a retro touch. The XC40 Recharge, the electric variant, was set apart by a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a different rear bumper, and a unique Sage Green Metallic color. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale environment.

The 2021 Lexus NX carried over its familial design with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior, resembling the smaller UX and larger RX models. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were available, with the F Sport offering a sportier appearance through features like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. The interior boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats exclusive to the F Sport, with options for various color schemes. The fit and finish were excellent, typical of Lexus, though the gauge cluster design felt dated compared to newer models. The F Sport included a G-Force meter, adding a touch of performance flair, though it was more gimmick than necessity. The center stack design was functional but appeared outdated, with limited small-item storage space.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It had a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort over speed, with excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability. It also had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 Lexus NX, while not designed for sportiness, was capable with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX accelerated from 0-60 mph in around seven seconds, with some engine noise under hard acceleration. FWD was standard, with AWD available, allowing up to 50% torque transfer to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX offered an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes, enhancing its smooth and comfortable driving experience. It also had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was not particularly spacious. It had less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The cargo area was also smaller, with a tiny frunk. However, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and large door bins. The storage cubby was well-designed for holding a phone, and a wireless charging pad was optional.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a well-styled and comfortable interior, with ample room for adults in both the front and rear seats. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding option. While engine noise could intrude, road and wind noise were minimal. The NX had limited cargo space, 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 was available, along with power-folding rear seats.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Gasoline models retained the previous system. The setup included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge offered OTA update capability, though Volvo was vague about future plans. It lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for operation.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch option available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the Lexus interface was less user-friendly. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system was available. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though these were not applicable to the Recharge. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included traffic-sign recognition and Volvo’s Pilot Assist system. The Recharge had an advanced sensor suite for future driver aids.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including features like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included park assist and a surround-view camera system. The NX received top safety scores from the IIHS and NHTSA, with no recalls reported. Lexus offered a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.