2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Lexus GX

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding some flair, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a total height of 74.2 inches. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with only 3,000 units available in three paint colors, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards off-road capability with short overhangs and a 109.8-inch wheelbase. The interior, however, was marred by an abundance of plastic materials, which detracted from its luxury status. Despite this, the GX offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 in AWD only. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid delivered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight affected its handling, but its roll was predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system with a 40:60 front:rear split improved its off-road capability. The GX's brakes were strong and solid, essential for managing its weight.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst in its segment. Legroom was average in both rows. The mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Lexus GX excelled in cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked USB-C ports, offering only USB-A. The GX retained hard buttons for controls, which some users preferred over touchscreens. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. The third row was tight, suitable only for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air updates were also enabled. The system was compatible with iPhones, though without the added functionality of syncing Google profiles. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as competitors. The GX's off-road capability was a highlight, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Off-Road Package further enhanced its off-road performance.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received top ratings. 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 features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Despite its older design, it included advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While it lacked some top-end features, its safety technology was relatively up-to-date.