2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Volvo XC60, though no longer purely Swedish, benefited greatly from its acquisition by Geely Holding Group. This transition allowed Volvo to shed its Ford-influenced designs and emerge with a near-luxury lineup of cars and crossover SUVs. The XC60, built on Volvo’s SPA platform, showcased an elegant, tailored design with short overhangs and crisp details. The front grille proudly displayed Volvo’s iron mark logo, and the Thor’s hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights added a distinct Swedish touch. Inside, the XC60 featured a serene, Scandinavian-inspired cabin with clean lines, authentic materials, and a 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition aimed to appeal to those who love black-on-black vehicles. The Black Line treatment removed almost all chrome from the GX’s exterior, giving it a sleek, dark appearance. However, the GX’s design felt dated, resembling the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin quality was high, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere. The GX offered a comfortable driving position and clear outward visibility, but the interior switchgear felt old-school, and the rear seat access was challenging due to narrow door openings.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a range of powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 models delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model further increased output to 415 hp. The XC60 offered a smooth, quiet ride with excellent handling, thanks to its AWD system and torque vectoring. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,126 pounds, the GX managed a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system provided a satisfying driving experience, though the GX’s fuel economy was a low 16 mpg combined. The GX’s Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and handling, making it more agreeable to drive. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing comfort and functionality. The front seats were highly adjustable and heated, making them ideal for cold weather. The heating system effectively handled sub-freezing temperatures, and the rear glass heater and windshield defroster performed exceptionally well. The XC60 offered smart storage solutions throughout the cabin and intuitive controls for passengers. Cargo space was ample, with 21.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The XC60 could tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and comfortable seats with NuLuxe upholstery. The Black Line Special Edition featured black ash wood trim and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated. However, rear seat access was difficult due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and challenging to access. The GX’s cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading and unloading.

The 2021 Volvo XC60’s Sensus infotainment system featured a tablet-style touchpad interface with a portrait orientation. It offered smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The system had a learning curve but was intuitive once mastered. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also featured a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services. However, the placement of the stereo controls below the off-roading controls was inconvenient. The voice recognition technology was excellent, and the dual-screen view was a notable feature.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving system, Pilot Assist, was available, and the XC60’s top speed was limited to 112 mph for safety.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings but included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.