2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform. This platform was shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles, giving the XC60 a cohesive and elegant design. The crossover featured a tailored two-box design with short front and rear overhangs, athletic body sides, and crisp details. The upright grille proudly displayed Volvo’s iron mark logo, and the front headlights had an LED daytime running light in the shape of Thor’s hammer, adding a distinct Swedish touch. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, and the large alloy wheels, up to 21 inches on top trim levels, were both fashionable and attractive.

Inside, the XC60’s cabin was a testament to Scandinavian design, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was user-friendly, and the little details, such as the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the interior to near-luxury status. The textures and colors throughout the cabin were harmonious and rewarding, making it a very pleasant place to spend time.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained the same basic body shell from a decade ago, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights added over the years. The 2021 model didn’t see any styling changes, but silver 18-inch wheels became standard on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX’s tough, aggressive look was distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior didn’t meet modern luxury SUV standards. The wood trim in the Premium test car felt like molded plastic, and there was an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim level.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available in FWD or AWD, produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque using a turbocharger. The T6 models, with AWD only, added a supercharger to the mix, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, also AWD, included an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model further increased power to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models were plug-in hybrids, capable of driving up to 19 miles on electric power alone. The XC60’s AWD system and torque vectoring allowed it to handle corners with ease, and the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV and 57 MPGe combined in electric-only mode.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX’s 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, and merging and overtaking required careful planning. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, 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, multi-view camera system, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and 8.1 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed to provide comfort and style while ensuring safety. The front seats were highly adjustable and heated, making them ideal for cold weather. The heating system, including the rear glass heater and windshield defroster, performed exceptionally well in sub-freezing temperatures. The cabin featured smart storage solutions in the center console, dashboard, and door panels. The second row also had secure storage options and intuitive controls. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It could tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console that limited legroom. The steering wheel’s odd angle and 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. The center-console storage bin, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders were small. The GX came standard with three rows of seating for seven, with a power-folding third row available on higher trims. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and it was best suited for children. The GX had 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, but very little space with the third row up.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system’s portrait orientation and swipe, pinch, and pull gestures were familiar to frequent iPad users. The screen was divided into function quadrants, making it intuitive to use once familiar. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot with a three-month trial. The Volvo On Call app added vehicle-specific functionality. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system in the test vehicle was exceptional.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, making it easy to use. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 benefited from Volvo’s long-standing commitment to safety. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the T5/T5 AWD and T6 AWD models. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60’s top speed was limited to 112 mph for safety.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, 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 safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.