2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Volvo XC90

Volvo had come a long way from its boxy cars of the past, maintaining its family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving upscale. After Ford sold Volvo to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the brand underwent a significant transformation, developing new vehicle platforms from scratch. The 2022 XC90, launched as a 2016 model, was the company's flagship SUV, riding on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90 had a sleek, forward-tilted stance, pronounced wheel arches, and a snub nose reminiscent of the classic 245 wagon. Its interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo committed to going leather-free by 2030, but the XC90 still offered Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery option.

The redesigned 2022 Lexus NX, available in four model series (NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+), featured a design that was unmistakably Lexus, thanks to its jutting spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most NX models had NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The NX 350 F Sport distinguished itself with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, the F Sport featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation. The new NX had a minimalist interior design, with many functions integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly. However, physical controls for frequently used functions remained, and the new electronic shifter was easy to acclimate to.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of that engine delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were front-wheel drive (FWD) with available all-wheel drive (AWD), while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All XC90 models used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8 had an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined rating on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range, while the extended range variant offered a 26 mpg combined gasoline rating, a 66 MPGe rating, and an EV range of up to 36 miles. The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h with a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 hp and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The base NX 250 had 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 offered 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 F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving character. Lexus estimated 25 mpg in combined driving for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy numbers of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for kids but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing a comfortable sanctuary from the weather.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for people and cargo, with a cozy and intimate dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim featured better-bolstered front seats, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, and the Luxury trim included a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes. The NX had 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, which increased to 46.9 cubic feet with the back seats folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen interface, offering familiar smartphone gestures like pinch, pull, and swipe. However, the system was glitchy and slow to respond, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The XC90 also had a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring a 9.8-inch standard touchscreen display and an optional 14-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing preferences and settings.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came with a comprehensive list of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to keep the car in its lane with minimal driver intervention. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) with features like 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 if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit Assist, and rear pedestrian detection. Premium trim added 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 lane-change assistance.