2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's conservative image with its current-generation design, which debuted in 2016. While maintaining traditional Volvo features like a boxy profile and rectangular grille, the XC90 added character with 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 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, contributing to its car-based crossover design.

The 2022 Lexus RX, available in base 350, F Sport, and L trims, continued its modern and sporty design from the 2020 facelift. The RX stood out among competitors with its aggressive styling, featuring razor-sharp character lines and angular features. The F Sport trim added performance-oriented elements like 20-inch wheels, black-housing mirrors, and unique front fascia, enhancing its athletic appearance. The RX's interior offered luxury with nearly a dozen color combinations, while the F Sport trim added sporty touches like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. Despite its dated center stack, the RX provided a high-quality feel with soft-touch surfaces and a compliant ride.

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 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional, while the T6 and T8 had AWD as standard. Despite its power, the XC90 struggled with acceleration from stops and required the gasoline engine's assistance at low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and cabin quietness, with an optional air-suspension system and a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity for most models.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h added two electric motors for a combined 308 hp. Both powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. The hybrid RX 450h came with AWD only. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and hesitant acceleration. The F Sport trim added performance dampers, adaptive variable suspension, and a Sport+ drive mode, but the differences between drive modes were minimal. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, making it a pleasant companion for long drives. The RX 350 returned 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined, while the RX 450h achieved 30 mpg combined.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered 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 tight third-row space for adults. The interior featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage in the Inscription trim, 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. The XC90 offered a hands-free power tailgate for convenience.

The standard two-row Lexus RX had 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably fitting four adults. Headroom was 39.4 inches in the front and 39.1 inches in the rear, with 44.1 inches of front legroom and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row RX 350L had a 2/3/2 seating configuration, with an option for second-row captain’s chairs. Cargo space in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The three-row RX 350L offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

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 offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display (HUD). The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text and typeface could be difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the front USB ports were limited to USB-A, while the rear had USB-C ports.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver but still had ergonomic issues. The screen's placement created access problems, and the touchpad was frustrating to use. The RX offered voice commands and a touchpad as alternatives, but the touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive. The RX featured six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start, vehicle settings, and service scheduling.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for non-hybrid models, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention tech. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered standard safety features like 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.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional standard features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The RX scored five stars in side crash tests but four stars in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.