2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 marked a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new vehicle platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90. The SUV's design featured a poised stance with a sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches, exuding athleticism. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the model year, offered a more minimalistic interior with contemporary textures and ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. The exterior design of the RX models, though not traditionally beautiful, was functional, with a wheelbase stretch and signature rear roof pillar design that made the SUV appear smaller than its predecessor.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 hp, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp. The T8 model, in particular, provided spirited acceleration with its electric motor's early torque delivery, achieving 55 MPGe and an 18-mile EV range. The XC90's driving experience was characterized by minimal body roll and a smooth power delivery, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new powertrain lineup, with the RX 350h producing 246 hp from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and achieving an estimated 36 mpg combined. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and Direct4 AWD system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Despite its performance credentials, the RX 500h struggled to meet its estimated 27 mpg combined fuel economy, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 350h, however, offered a more efficient and quieter driving experience, averaging 32 mpg.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 provided flexible seating configurations for six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was best suited for children, the XC90 excelled in cargo capacity, offering up to 85.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The SUV's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The air-conditioning system performed admirably during a heat wave, ensuring a comfortable cabin environment.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly in the RX 350h Luxury trim, offered a comfortable and luxurious interior with ten-way power-adjustable front seats and three-zone climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured sportier seats with eight-way adjustment and a thicker steering wheel. The hybrid's battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but compromised headroom. Cargo space was improved over the previous model, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded, though still less than some competitors.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While intuitive, the system was occasionally glitchy, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system upgrade was a highlight, offering exceptional audio quality.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The system included a cloud-based navigation and Intelligent Assistant, though it had some limitations in menu navigation and screen reflections. The available head-up display with dual-function steering wheel controls was innovative but problematic with polarized sunglasses. Despite these issues, the system represented a significant upgrade for the RX.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving. It earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing Volvo's commitment to safety.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring new technologies like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, though some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less refined. Despite some irritations, the safety systems generally performed well.