2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60 exhibited a sleek and elegant design that proudly showcased its Swedish heritage, despite the company's multinational influences over the years. After being acquired by Geely Holding Group in 2010, Volvo experienced a revitalization that allowed it to shed its previous affiliations with Ford and develop a truly unique, near-luxury lineup of vehicles. The XC60 occupied a central position in the Volvo crossover family, nestled between the compact XC40 and the larger mid-sized XC90. Built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared this modern engineering base with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles.

The XC60's design featured an upright grille adorning Volvo's iron mark logo, enhanced by LED headlights shaped like Thor’s hammer, adding a quintessentially Swedish touch. The crossover's body was tailored and athletic, with short front and rear overhangs, ensuring a sense of agility and finesse. High-quality paint, chrome accents, and trim details were impeccably executed, and the large alloy wheels, up to 21 inches on higher trims, were both stylish and eye-catching.

Inside, the XC60 impressed with its Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics. The clean lines, authentic materials, and tranquil cabin environment provided a serene driving experience. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was intuitive for many and had clear advantages in usability for frequent tablet users. The HVAC vents were notably elegant, operated by a single, beautifully designed chromed knob, and the attention to interior textures and colors added to the overall premium feel.

Conversely, the 2021 Lexus RX showcased a bold and modern design that was distinctly its own. Featuring a large spindle grille, angular headlights, and a floating roofline, the RX’s external design exuded contemporary style. The vehicle was offered in multiple variants, including the RX, RX F-Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different preferences and needs.

The updates made in 2020 continued into 2021, with elongated headlights and a revised front end that mitigated the vehicle’s previously criticized look. Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and integrated turn signals in the side mirrors. Upgrades such as 20-inch split five-spoke wheels, triple-beam LED headlights, and a windshield de-icer were available, allowing for enhanced customization.

Inside, the RX was luxurious with well-appointed features even in its base model. The cabin included high-quality materials like NuLuxe-trimmed seats, chrome door handles, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Higher trims and optional packages introduced semi-aniline leather upholstery, captain’s chairs, sport seats, and advanced seating adjustments, enhancing comfort and usability. Nevertheless, the design of the center console left something to be desired, as it seemed somewhat outdated compared to newer rivals.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was powered by a versatile range of engines, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available with either FWD or AWD, delivered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque thanks to their turbocharged engine. The T6 models featured both a turbocharger and supercharger, increasing output to an impressive 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier T8 models were plug-in hybrids, combining the base engine with an 87-hp electric motor to achieve a combined 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further boosted performance to 415 hp (combined).

Our test vehicle, the XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered, stood out with its smooth and sizzling performance. The plug-in hybrid system allowed for up to 19 miles of electric-only driving, and the car intelligently managed its gasoline-electric power mix for optimal efficiency and power. This model excelled in driving dynamics, with confident cornering, serene cabin acoustics, and a smooth ride, making it an ideal road-trip companion. Fuel economy varied with model configurations, from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined for the T5 FWD to an impressive 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2021 Lexus RX, on the other hand, offered a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine across its primary variants: the RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport. This engine produced 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models achieved a combined 308 hp thanks to their integration with three electric motors and utilized an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). Fuel efficiency for the RX Hybrid was commendable, with up to 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Notably, the RX’s suspension tuning provided a more dynamic driving experience compared to its past iterations. The AWD system delivered secure handling through corners, although some body roll was noticeable at higher speeds. The F Sport variant enhanced the vehicle's sporty characteristics with adaptive suspension and other performance tweaks. Acceleration statistics indicated the RX could go from zero to 60 mph in around 7.7 seconds for FWD models and 7.9 seconds for AWD models, while the RX Hybrid matched these figures. However, the top speed was limited to 124 mph.

The interiors of both the XC60 and RX were designed to offer comfort and practicality, yet they approached these goals in different ways. Volvo’s XC60 was praised for its masterful ergonomics and utility-focused design. Front seats were highly adjustable and exceptionally comfortable, with quick-responding heating features well-suited to harsh winter conditions. Storage solutions were smartly placed throughout the cabin, from the center console to door panels and seatback compartments.

Cargo capacity was another strong point for the XC60, which offered 21.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This ample storage, combined with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, made the XC60 a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The Lexus RX also featured a spacious and well-appointed interior but with some trade-offs in cargo versatility. The two-row RX models accommodated up to five passengers, while the three-row RXL variants could fit six or seven, depending on configuration. Front and second-row seats were comfortable for adults, but the third row in three-row models was cramped, fitting better for children or small adults on shorter trips.

Cargo space in the RX was less generous compared to the XC60. The two-row RX offered 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the three-row RX models, cargo space was 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second row, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down. Despite these constraints, the RX benefited from a hands-free liftgate option, enhancing convenience.

Volvo’s infotainment system in the XC60 revolved around the Sensus interface, a distinctive, tablet-style touchpad that garnered mixed reactions. Frequent iPad users likely found the swipe, pinch, and pull gestures intuitive and appreciated the portrait orientation that closely resembled familiar tablets. The segmented function quadrants could make navigation easier once users familiarized themselves with the system, although it required an initial investment of time to master.

Standard tech features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Volvo On Call app provided additional functionalities like remote locking and vehicle status monitoring. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system was a highlight, offering exceptional sound quality and aesthetic appeal.

The Lexus RX came with a standard suite of technological amenities, including dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, and Bluetooth connectivity. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were also standard, along with several USB ports and a nine-speaker sound system. Optional upgrades expanded these capabilities significantly, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system available.

The Lexus infotainment touchscreen was generally user-friendly, but the associated Remote Touch controller, designed to function like a touchpad, had a steeper learning curve. This system occupied valuable center console space and was less intuitive than Volvo’s Sensus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were notable omissions in the Lexus system, reflecting the vehicle's aging design.

Volvo’s reputation for safety was well-earned, with the XC60 reflecting the company’s longstanding commitment to innovative safety features and practices. The XC60 earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings for select models from the NHTSA. Its extensive list of standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance systems, run-off road protection, and Volvo’s semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system, among others.

Volvo uniquely limited the XC60’s top speed to 112 mph as a proactive safety measure, and the bold gold safety belts in the T8 Polestar Engineered model added a distinctive flair.

The 2021 Lexus RX also performed well in safety assessments, earning a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and four out of five stars from the NHTSA for various models. Standard safety features in the RX included a comprehensive array of airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which encompassed forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and various lane-keeping aids.

However, Lexus did lag behind some competitors in terms of the latest hands-off piloting technologies. This gap highlighted the RX’s aging design amidst rapidly evolving automotive safety tech landscapes.