2023 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX, available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels, along with a hybrid RX 450h model, maintained a modern and sporty design following its 2020 facelift. The RX 350 and F Sport offered seating for five, while the L trim provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. Among its competitors, the RX stood out with its aggressive styling, characterized by razor-sharp character lines and angular features that were eye-catching yet not excessive. The F Sport trim, in particular, added a performance-oriented appearance with 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and sportier exterior elements. Inside, the RX continued its luxury appeal with a variety of color combinations and materials, though the F Sport trim added a sporty touch with specific badging and Scored Aluminum accents. Despite its high-quality feel, the interior design felt somewhat dated, and the comfort of the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim was less than ideal, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, a compact crossover SUV, offered a choice of three powertrains, including the B5 and B6 mild-hybrids and the Recharge plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The XC60 Recharge, with its turbocharged PHEV powertrain, combined a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque. The XC60's design, while aging, remained stylish and graceful, with a focus on Scandinavian minimalism in the interior. The Ultimate package added luxurious touches like Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a crystal gear selector knob. Despite its compact size, the XC60 provided comfortable seating, though rear legroom was limited. The cargo space was practical, with 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The XC60's thoughtful design included features like a ski pass-through and air suspension for easier loading.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for a total output of 308 horsepower. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive available. The hybrid RX offered all-wheel drive as standard. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of sporty character and unimpressive acceleration. The engine note was more of a hum than a growl, and the driving experience lacked confidence. The F Sport Handling package added features like an adaptive variable suspension and sport steering, but the differences between drive modes were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a smooth ride and isolating road noise. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was estimated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque. The PHEV powertrain provided an estimated 35 miles of electric driving range. The XC60 Recharge offered several driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's behavior. The XC60 Recharge was exceptionally quick, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, making it the most powerful Volvo in the company's history. The updated electric motor and torque-vectoring effect in Hybrid mode enhanced the driving experience. The XC60 Recharge excelled in both performance and efficiency, with an average of 54.6 mpg on a 65-mile evaluation route. The one-pedal driving system and regenerative brakes further improved efficiency, while Charge mode allowed the battery to recharge during driving.

The 2022 Lexus RX, in its standard two-row configuration, offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably accommodating four adults. The rear middle seat was best suited for short trips. Front headroom measured 39.4 inches, with 39.1 inches in the rear. Legroom was ample at 44.1 inches in the front and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo space in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row models offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, increasing to 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, though the load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper design.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, as a compact crossover SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats, especially in the Ultimate trim, provided exceptional comfort with Nappa leather upholstery, heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. Rear seats were also comfortable, though legroom was limited. The large panoramic sunroof added a sense of spaciousness. Storage options included practical spots in the center console and door panel bins. The XC60 Recharge offered 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cargo area featured a netted space for the charging cord and buttons to lower the suspension for easier loading. A ski pass-through allowed for carrying skis while accommodating four passengers.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available as an option. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip in front of the screen causing access issues. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad was frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a WiFi hotspot. Additional amenities included dual- and tri-zone climate control, premium audio systems, navigation, and heated and ventilated seats. The Lexus App provided remote engine start, vehicle settings, and service scheduling.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, operated via steering wheel controls. The 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system offered access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The portrait-style touchscreen was intuitive, with excellent graphics and a simple interface. The voice-recognition system was impressive, handling various requests effectively. The XC60 Recharge's Google Built-in tech filtered requests accurately, and the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system provided exceptional audio quality. The Ultimate package included a Harman Kardon sound system, offering a high-quality audio experience.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety 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 when equipped with optional triple-beam LED headlights, but it missed the top-tier "plus" designation due to headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded the RX four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, known for its safety innovations, came with Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. Pilot Assist performed well on highways, maintaining smooth and accurate control. The XC60 also featured Oncoming Lane Mitigation to prevent collisions with oncoming vehicles. While the NHTSA had not assessed the XC60 Recharge, the B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top marks. The IIHS awarded the XC60 B5 and B6 a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, with the possibility of carrying the rating forward for 2023.