2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Lexus GX
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volvo XC90 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus GX scores 5.3 out of 10. Given the higher rating and the array of modern features, the 2021 Volvo XC90 is the better choice for most consumers. The XC90 excels with its contemporary design, superior safety ratings, and advanced technology, making it a more well-rounded option in the luxury SUV segment.
Choose the 2021 Volvo XC90 if:
Shop Now- You value modern design combined with traditional luxury elements.
- You prioritize advanced safety features and top safety ratings.
- You prefer a versatile powertrain with various options, including hybrid efficiency.
Choose the 2021 Lexus GX if:
Shop Now- You need an SUV with superior off-road capabilities.
- You prefer a more traditional, rugged SUV design.
- You require a high towing capacity for large trailers or boats.
Overview | |
MSRP$49,000 | MSRP$53,450 |
Average price$41,127 | Average price$45,415 |
Listings1456 | Listings569 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews5.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 Volvo XC90 Reviews SummaryVolvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features. The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched. A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 112 mph for safety reasons and get Care Key, which lets owners limit the top speed before loaning the car out to a friend or family member. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes. Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three. | |
2021 Lexus GX Reviews SummaryMost modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460. Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years. That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery. For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 250 hp I4 | Engine4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower250 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway19 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 250 hp I4 | Engine Name4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Torque258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | Torque329 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower250 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway19 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.8 cu ft | Cargo Space11.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight4374 lbs | Curb Weight5130 lbs |
Height69.9 in | Height74.2 in |
Length195.0 in | Length192.1 in |
Width84.3 in | Width74.2 in |
Wheelbase117.5 in | Wheelbase109.8 in |
Maximum Payload1631 lbs | Maximum Payload1315 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity4000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity6500 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Volvo XC90 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus GX scores 5.3 out of 10. Given the higher rating and the array of modern features, the 2021 Volvo XC90 is the better choice for most consumers. The XC90 excels with its contemporary design, superior safety ratings, and advanced technology, making it a more well-rounded option in the luxury SUV segment.
Choose the 2021 Volvo XC90 if:
Shop Now- You value modern design combined with traditional luxury elements.
- You prioritize advanced safety features and top safety ratings.
- You prefer a versatile powertrain with various options, including hybrid efficiency.
Choose the 2021 Lexus GX if:
Shop Now- You need an SUV with superior off-road capabilities.
- You prefer a more traditional, rugged SUV design.
- You require a high towing capacity for large trailers or boats.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $49,000 | $53,450 |
Average price | $41,127 | $45,415 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 5.0 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 5.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
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Summary | Volvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features. The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched. A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 112 mph for safety reasons and get Care Key, which lets owners limit the top speed before loaning the car out to a friend or family member. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes. Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three. | Most modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460. Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years. That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery. For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 250 hp I4 | 4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5500 rpm | 301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 21 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 19 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 250 hp I4 | 4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 329 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5500 rpm | 301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 19 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.8 cu ft | 11.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4374 lbs | 5130 lbs |
Height | 69.9 in | 74.2 in |
Length | 195.0 in | 192.1 in |
Width | 84.3 in | 74.2 in |
Wheelbase | 117.5 in | 109.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1631 lbs | 1315 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 4000 lbs | 6500 lbs |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.