2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design language, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. While maintaining recognizable Volvo elements like a boxy profile and a blunt front end, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome 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's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring matte-finish wood trim and unique options like wool upholstery and an Orrefors crystal shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX underwent a radical redesign, emphasizing a more modern and refined aesthetic. The NX retained the signature spindle grille but introduced new block lettering on the tailgate and a simplified design approach. The new model was longer, wider, and taller, offering more passenger and cargo space. Interior options included NuLuxe simulated leather, real leather, and open-pore wood trim, with a panoramic sunroof available for the first time. The F Sport trim featured sport-bolstered seats, a unique steering wheel, and dark interior trim, while the overall interior design aimed for a minimalist look, though some controls were integrated into the touchscreen, potentially complicating usability.

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. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive optional, while the T6 and T8 models had standard all-wheel drive. Despite its power, the XC90 struggled with acceleration from stops on electric power alone, and the gasoline engine often had to assist. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 hp and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, available with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Both the NX 250 and NX 350 offered Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, while the NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 F Sport felt taut and responsive, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer ride. Lexus estimated a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury.

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 seats in the second and third rows felt hard and lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile gave the interior a spacious feel. 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. 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 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt more intimate from the driver’s seat due to the new dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim featured better-bolstered seats and padded areas for bracing legs. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX had a 14% increase in cargo space, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the back seats folded.

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. It also had two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display were available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, though the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad added for 2021 was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen standard and a 14-inch screen optional. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands. The NX also featured User Profiles, digital key capability, and a digital mirror. The 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and dust, and lacked the ability to show multiple data panels simultaneously. The absence of a tuning knob was also noted.

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. The XC90 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist was praised for its smoothness and quick reactions, though it struggled with highway curves.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System was tested and found to be effective in bringing the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.