2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and athletic profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. Its interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern design, featuring natural wood and metal trim, and offered a choice between Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Lexus RX, while maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor, was shorter in height, broader in width, and had a longer wheelbase, offering more cargo space. Its design featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design. The RX's interior was modern, with fewer buttons and knobs, and offered digital instrumentation and a touchscreen display. The RX 350 was available in various trims, including Standard, Premium, and F Sport Handling, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather upholstery. The RX's design was familiar yet fresh, ensuring it stood out from the previous generation.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower, 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 T5 models were available in FWD and AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined, and the T8 offering 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim offered a more secure ride with its adaptive damping suspension. The RX 350 FWD was expected to average 25 mpg combined, while the AWD version aimed for 24 mpg. The turbo engine provided a satisfying driving experience, despite its less refined sound compared to the previous V6.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. It offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The XC90's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package offering sport seat bolsters for better support. The RX 350 Luxury featured premium leather upholstery and ten-way power-adjustable front seats, while the F Sport Handling had NuLuxe simulated leather and eight-way power-adjustable seats. The back seat was roomy, with good leg support, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered improved cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive but occasionally glitchy. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and optional head-up display were available. The XC90 came with a Harman Kardon sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. USB ports and a WiFi hotspot were standard, along with the Volvo Care app for remote vehicle control.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. User profiles could be set up, and music streaming was available. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was optional, and digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and a color head-up display were available. The system was user-friendly but lacked the ability to view multiple data panels simultaneously.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. It received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. New features included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less effective. The system's reliance on the HUD for certain functions could be problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.