2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's traditionally conservative image with its current-generation design, which debuted in 2016. While maintaining recognizable Volvo features like a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille, the XC90 added more character through softer lines, increased chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a cohesive design language across the brand.

Inside, the XC90 embraced “Swedish minimalism” with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery provided a natural and unique touch, while the Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end element. Despite the luxurious materials, the interior remained restrained and functional, offering a comfortable and visually appealing environment.

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased the modern design aesthetic of Lexus with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. The RX was available in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different performance and seating needs. The 2020 model year updates, including elongated headlights and a redesigned front end, carried over to 2021, addressing previous criticisms of the SUV’s styling.

Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport Appearance package added sporty elements such as 20-inch F Sport wheels and unique fascia. Inside, the RX offered a well-appointed cabin with standard features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats and power-adjustable front seats, with available upgrades including semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the center console design and infotainment system were noted for their dated appearance and functionality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque.

Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90’s small engine struggled with flexibility compared to six-cylinder or V8 engines in competitor SUVs. The plug-in hybrid’s Pure mode was limited to low speeds, and the gasoline engine often had to assist even at gentle accelerations. However, the XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. Most models had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, with the base FWD T5 rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, resulting in 308 hp managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The RX 350 FWD achieved 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while AWD and RXL models had slightly lower fuel economy.

The RX’s suspension and handling adjustments made it more dynamic, with AWD models feeling planted in corners despite some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other sporty features. The RX was a comfortable cruiser, with the F-Sport model offering a bit more excitement for drivers seeking a spirited commute. The RX’s top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The interior felt spacious due to the optional power moonroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console storage bin and few console storage options. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered two-row and three-row configurations, seating five in the RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and six or seven in the RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seating provided ample space, but the third row was tight. The RX’s sloped roof limited cargo space, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RX had 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free liftgate available.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Standard USB ports included two front USB-A and two rear USB-C ports. Available upgrades included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display (HUD). The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, but the amount of text and typeface made reading menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Available upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touchpad controller for the infotainment system was less refined than competitors and took up valuable center console space. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The NHTSA gave all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with all Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. The RX had two complete sets of LATCH connectors in the rear outboard seats.