2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Lexus RX

Volvo had come a long way from its boxy cars of the past, maintaining its family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving upscale. The 2022 XC90, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, was the brand's flagship SUV. It featured a sleek, forward-tilted stance, pronounced wheel arches, and a snub nose reminiscent of the classic 245 wagon. The interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" with natural wood and metal trim, and exquisite details like a crystal gear selector handle. Volvo offered both Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery, with the latter being a unique, easy-to-care-for option.

The 2022 Lexus RX, available in base 350, F Sport, and L trims, along with a hybrid RX 450h, continued to sport a modern and aggressive design. The RX featured sharp character lines and angular boomerang-like elements, especially in the front and rear. The F Sport trim added performance dampers, 20-inch wheels, and unique front fascia, enhancing its sporty appearance. Inside, the RX offered nearly a dozen color combinations, with F Sport models featuring NuLuxe synthetic leather and Scored Aluminum trim. Despite its luxury appeal, the center stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim were less comfortable than expected.

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 the same engine delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The T5 models were front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. The T8 had an electric range of up to 36 miles and a combined fuel efficiency rating of 66 MPGe. The XC90 handled well for its size, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h added two electric motors for a combined 308 hp. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. The hybrid RX was AWD only. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX lacked sporty performance, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other tuning bits, but the driving experience remained underwhelming. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, making it a good companion for long drives. The RX 350 returned 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined, while the RX 450h achieved 30 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered 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 for adults. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both rows down. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a standard panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well even in high heat and humidity.

The standard two-row Lexus RX had 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably seating four adults, with a snug fit for five. The front seats offered 39.4 inches of headroom and 44.1 inches of legroom, while the rear provided 39.1 inches of headroom and 38.0 inches of legroom. The three-row RX 350L had limited cargo space, with only 7.45 cubic feet behind the third row, 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and up to 58.48 cubic feet with both rows folded. The rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality with pinch, pull, and swipe gestures. However, the system was glitchy and slow to respond. Apple CarPlay worked better, and the XC90 also supported Android Auto. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel was customizable, and the Advanced package added a head-up display, 360-degree camera, and advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system. The XC90 included four USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care app for remote vehicle control.

The Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's position within a cove created access issues. The touchscreen was responsive, but the touchpad controller was frustrating to use. The RX offered voice commands, six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa, a WiFi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start, vehicle settings, and service scheduling.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for semi-autonomous driving on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional 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 IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights and received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.