2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made some subtle tweaks to the 2022 XC60’s styling to freshen up its look. The new front fascia featured “air blades”—vertical elements on either side of the grille—that gave the XC60 a sportier demeanor. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and all models sported new wheel designs. A reworked front grille incorporated sensors for the driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo to ensure functionality in cold weather. Despite these changes, the XC60 largely retained its understated Scandinavian elegance.

Inside, the XC60's design remained clean and uncluttered, focusing on functional beauty. The new digital instrument cluster was the major update, augmenting the familiar portrait-oriented touchscreen interface. The B6 R-Design test car showcased aluminum mesh speaker grilles and intricately textured seats, injecting some modern flair into the otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim upped the luxury quotient with Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, maintaining the classic Volvo balance between luxury and restraint.

Lexus invited us to Santa Barbara, California, to experience the revamped RX lineup. Visually, the RX 350h and RX 350 remained almost indistinguishable apart from subtle badging. The RX 350h Luxury variant exhibited an understated elegance with its 21-inch wheels and a sleek Iridium silver exterior, lacking any overt hybrid markers. Conversely, the RX 500h F Sport Performance variant stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, and sportier bumper designs, exuding a more aggressive vibe.

The blunt-nosed design of the 2023 RX has always had a love-it-or-hate-it aesthetic. The vehicle’s significant front-heavy appearance, coupled with the extended wheelbase, gave it an imbalance magnified by a visually shortened rear. Although roughly the same size as its predecessor, the new RX looked smaller and less imposing. Inside, Lexus focused on a minimalist design with fewer physical buttons and the integration of contemporary textures and ambient lighting that provided a modern, yet sophisticated, in-car environment.

The 2022 XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. The B5 combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, yielding 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The B6 added an electric supercharger to this mix, raising the output to 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering front-wheel or all-wheel drive, while the B6 came exclusively with AWD.

The XC60’s performance was less spirited than previous gasoline-only versions, but still respectable, with 0-60 mph times of 6.5 seconds for the B5 (6.6 with FWD) and 5.9 seconds for the B6. The mild-hybrid system ensured smooth power delivery, making driving the B6 R-Design XC60 feel refined and comfortable. The Plug-In Hybrid variant, with 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, and the Polestar Engineered version, boasting 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, offered higher performance levels, achieving 0-60 mph in 5 seconds and 4.9 seconds respectively.

Previously, the RX 450h delivered 308 horsepower from a hybrid system, but the 2023 RX 350h aimed for greater efficiency with a new 246 hp hybrid setup centered around a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. While this reduced power, it increased efficiency, with a projected 36 mpg. The RX 350h maintained a competent 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds for the AWD configuration.

For those seeking performance, the RX 500h F Sport Performance came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an 80-kW rear electric motor, delivering 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. This model promised 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds but compromised with a 27 mpg combined rating. Notably, the RX 500h F Sport Performance featured adaptive damping, rear-wheel steering, and Active Sound Control to enhance the driving experience, although at the expense of fuel efficiency, as evidenced by our observed 20.9 mpg.

The interior space of the XC60 remained unaltered for 2022, offering competitive passenger space with above-average front-seat headroom. However, rear-seat headroom was on the lower end of its class, tied with the Audi Q5. Legroom in both rows was average for the segment. Cargo space in the mild-hybrid models stood at 21.6 cubic feet with the seats up and 49.8 cubic feet when folded. The plug-in hybrid variants slightly reduced this space to 21.1 cubic feet and 49.3 cubic feet, still falling short against many competitors.

The RX 350h boasted a luxurious cabin with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, plush semi-aniline leather, and an advanced climate control system providing a distinct air of opulence. The RX 500h F Sport’s eight-way power seats featured larger side bolsters, enhancing the sporty feel but offering standard leather instead of the higher-grade available in the 350h. Despite housing the battery pack under the rear seat, the RX maintained good rear legroom and foot space, though headroom was compromised by the rooftop placement.

The cargo space improved to 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, aligning with the standard RX 350 and showing substantial growth from the previous model's numbers. Nonetheless, it still fell a bit short compared to certain rivals in its class.

The XC60 updated its tech features with an Android Automotive operating system in its 9-inch touchscreen, supported by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system integrated Google Assistant voice control, Google Maps navigation, and access to third-party apps through the Google Play Store. Volvo ensured compatibility with iPhones, albeit with less integration depth compared to Android devices. The interface also allowed over-the-air updates, promising a continually improving user experience.

Lexus introduced a modernized Lexus Interface infotainment system, requiring users to subscribe to connected services after initial trials. This system provided cloud-based navigation, Intelligent Assistant, and remote features, activated via a simple “Hey Lexus” prompt. Although the system showed promising versatility, it had some navigational inconsistencies and lacked multitasking screen views, making it slightly cumbersome. Additionally, the HUD with dual-function steering wheel pads caused distraction, especially for users with polarized sunglasses.

For 2022, the XC60 retained its top-tier safety ratings, pending new assessments but keeping accolades from 2021. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and other comprehensive aids. The addition of Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist enhanced driver safety interactions. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise and lane centering but no longer stood out against upgraded competitor systems.

The 2023 RX came equipped with LSS+ 3.0, featuring an extensive suite of ADAS, including new motorcycle detection, evasive steering, and front cross-traffic alert. Proactive Driving Assist and regenerative braking maintained safety while improving efficiency. Although these systems generally operated with refinement, issues like ineffective visual indications for polarized sunglasses users and reactive curve-speed reduction tempered the otherwise advanced safety technology.