2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined exterior design, appearing smaller than its predecessor due to a reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it was shorter in height, broader in width, and had a longer wheelbase, offering more cargo space than the 2022 model. The signature spindle-style grille was better integrated, flowing into an elevated hood and upswept body sides reminiscent of the Lexus IS sedan. The rear featured a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, ensuring the RX was recognizable yet fresh compared to its predecessor. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trims were available, maintaining the high standards expected by Lexus buyers.

The 2024 Volvo XC90, available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, offered a subdued and earthy exterior paint palette, aligning with its luxury SUV status. The XC90's interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, especially in the Ultimate trim, featuring wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather. The Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim added a touch of class. Volvo provided a range of wheel designs up to 21 inches, with most versions featuring a Bright theme contrasting with the blacked-out trend. The XC90 allowed buyers to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to individual preferences.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350, tested in both Luxury and F Sport Handling trims, featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-four offered better torque and high-altitude performance than the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. The RX 350 Luxury occasionally exhibited torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive suspension, felt more secure and eliminated most unwanted bouncing. Lexus claimed the RX 350 FWD could accelerate to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, with the AWD version slightly quicker at 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an 18.8-kWh battery and a 107-kW electric motor, delivering 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only range and an estimated 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds in Power mode. Recharging was straightforward, with options to use a standard outlet or a 240-volt outlet for faster charging. The XC90's driving modes included Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, offering versatility. However, the XC90's handling was more luxury-oriented, with a firm ride and less thrilling dynamics compared to performance SUVs.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sport seat bolsters for better support during spirited driving. The RX 350 Luxury featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The back seat was roomy with good leg support, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Lexus improved cargo space over the previous model, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. Higher trims added features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a more accommodating third row than expected. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with it folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreens. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. Drive Connect, free for three years, offered Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. The system allowed user profiles and music streaming through embedded apps. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system provided excellent audio quality. However, the inability to view multiple data panels simultaneously was a drawback.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen used Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were standard, with premium sound systems available. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous features included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. However, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were not as refined as expected.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning high crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. While it included expected safety features and unique systems like large-animal detection, it lacked innovative ADAS compared to rivals. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, worked well but had occasional issues with lane markings and unexpected steering actions.