2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the XC40 and XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA platform, shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. Its design featured an elegant, tailored crossover look with short overhangs and athletic body sides. The front grille proudly displayed Volvo’s iron mark logo, complemented by Thor’s hammer-shaped LED headlights. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were meticulously executed, with alloy wheels up to 21 inches adding to its fashionable appeal. Inside, the XC60 boasted a Scandinavian-inspired cabin with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, and the interior details, like the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, nestled between the UX and RX, showcased sharp edges and a streamlined profile. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX retained a familiar look over the years. The test model featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint. Inside, the NX’s design, once radical, had become familiar. The stepped center console and lack of wood trim gave it a modern feel. The F Sport package added unique touches like a heated steering wheel and aluminum pedals, but the material quality leaned more towards mainstream than luxury.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models delivered 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 models increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined an 87-hp electric motor with the gasoline engine for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further boosted power to 415 hp. The XC60’s AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth, agile driving experience, with EPA fuel economy ranging from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 57 MPGe in electric-only mode for the T8.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with transitions between electric and gasoline power. The NX offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, but they had minimal impact on performance.

The Volvo XC60 excelled in comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system adept at handling harsh winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, making it user-friendly even in gloves. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The Lexus NX Hybrid, however, had limited interior space, with the least front headroom and rear legroom in its segment. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. The sloping roofline and thick pillars compromised rear visibility and cargo space, offering just 16.8 cubic feet with the seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, with its tablet-style interface, offered a familiar experience for iPad users, though it required a learning curve. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system was a highlight, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The Lexus NX Hybrid’s infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Remote Touch Interface touchpad was difficult to use while driving, and the graphics felt outdated. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the optional 14-speaker Mark Levinson system a worthwhile upgrade.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo’s safety legacy, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation, lane-keeping aid, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. The XC60’s top speed was limited to 112 mph for safety.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid also received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a robust set of driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system, which was common among competitors.