2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made some subtle styling changes for the 2022 XC60. The new front fascia incorporated “air blades,” vertical elements on either side of the grille, giving the XC60 a slightly sportier appearance. A new rear bumper hid the tailpipes, and all models received new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to move sensors for the driver-assist systems behind the Volvo logo, which was also heated to keep those sensors working in cold weather. The interior remained largely unchanged except for a new digital instrument cluster, maintaining the same clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The XC60 Inscription trim level featured Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it came in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, available trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and the turbocharged NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid based on the Toyota Rav4 Prime. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its jutting spindle grille and new block lettering spelling out the brand name on the tailgate. Longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, the new NX offered more passenger and cargo space, with most models featuring NuLuxe simulated leather and the NX Luxury including real leather and open-pore wood trim. The F Sport trim distinguished itself with unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors.

For the 2022 model year, the Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 powertrains. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, which could add 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger in addition to the turbo. The XC60 B5 had a total-system output of 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 version offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD), and the B6 available only with AWD. The XC60 B5 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), while the XC60 B6 achieved the same in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid had a more aggressively electrified powertrain, producing 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The XC60 Polestar Engineered model increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

Electrification was a key focus for the 2022 Lexus NX, with two electrified versions available. The NX 350h offered a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving, while the NX 450h+ was a 302-hp plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) delivering an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range before switching to gas-electric hybrid operation. The NX 350 had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 250 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with FWD and an optional AWD. Both the NX 250 and NX 350 came with 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 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury trim. The new NX was a dynamic improvement over the previous model, with the F Sport offering a more engaging driving experience.

None of the 2022 model year changes affected the interior space of the Volvo XC60, which remained competitive within its market segment. Front-seat headroom was above average, but the XC60 was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst rear-seat headroom. Legroom in both rows was about average for the segment. Models with the mild-hybrid powertrains offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 49.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity, at 21.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 49.3 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good forward visibility and large exterior mirrors.

Lexus claimed that the new NX offered more interior room for people and cargo, but it didn’t necessarily feel that way from the driver’s seat. The new dashboard design created a more intimate and cozy feeling compared to the previous NX. The NX was comfortable, especially models equipped with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, rear heated cushions, and USB charger ports. The NX’s panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX had a 14% increase in cargo space behind the back seat, bringing the figure to 22.7 cubic feet, and 46.9 cubic feet with the back seats folded down.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. A head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins were also available. The new operating system included Android-specific features such as Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps like Spotify through the Google Play Store. The system also enabled over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The digital instrument cluster could display a map between the speedometer and tachometer, with a “Calm” setting to minimize distraction.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, which included a 9.8-inch touchscreen display as standard, with a 14-inch screen as an optional upgrade. Standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five different connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available as an option. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to either front-seat occupant, with a complimentary three-year trial subscription to the Drive Connect service. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing preferences and settings. The new tech in the NX was impressive, but the 14-inch touchscreen display collected fingerprints and dust, and there was no tuning knob.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hadn’t released crash-test ratings for the 2022 Volvo XC60, but the similar 2021 model received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn’t published safety ratings for the 2022 XC60 either, but the 2021 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New for 2022 were a Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was also available as part of an option package.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) collection of technologies, featuring Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop in its lane of travel 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, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and a lane-change assistance function.