2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Volvo XC40 had a distinctive design that combined Volvo’s current design language with a flat-roofed profile, giving it a very SUV-like appearance. The exterior was clean and free of extraneous detailing, with hidden tailpipes on gasoline models to align with Volvo’s pro-electrification ethos. Fog lights were standard on Plus and Ultimate models. For 2023, Volvo updated the exterior styling with new pixelated “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 Recharge was easier to identify due to its new sealed-off grille.

Inside, the XC40 maintained a minimalist design with attractive touches like thin air vents framing the central touchscreen and scalloped elements housing the door handles and speaker grilles. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard, with an optional air purifier. Leather upholstery was available, with vegan leather for Recharge models. The XC40 Ultimate test vehicle featured options like a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, but the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian. Fit and finish were good, but the materials reminded us that the XC40 was Volvo’s entry-level model.

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its huge spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end looked ready to dominate the road, framed by massive headlights. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023 with only 3,000 units available in three paint colors: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its imposing front, the GX’s dimensions seemed to shrink when viewed from the side, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs, making it look engineered for off-road adventures.

The interior of the GX was a mix of luxury and practicality. While there was a disappointing amount of plastic material, the SUV still featured luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. The GX’s low sales volume meant Lexus could keep manufacturing costs low while maintaining a luxury price premium. Despite the plastic, the GX offered a comfortable and functional interior, with a deep center console bin, handy phone space, and well-placed cupholders. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was too tight for regular use.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 saw significant changes under the hood with the introduction of mild-hybrid powertrains. These included a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator, which assisted the gasoline engine and improved fuel economy. The base B4 powertrain combined the mild-hybrid system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 197 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The B5 model offered a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four rated at 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only.

The B4 and B5 models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and 6.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, could achieve the same in 4.7 seconds and had an EPA-rated 223-mile range. The Recharge also had a higher towing capacity of 4,409 pounds compared to the B5 AWD model’s 3,500 pounds. The XC40’s high level of refinement, composed handling, and smooth ride quality set it apart from many similarly-sized crossovers. However, the lack of a sport driving mode and the somewhat tricky accelerator pedal were minor drawbacks.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered a linear rise in power and noise as the accelerator was depressed. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying driving experience. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in terms of fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The GX’s weight affected its handling, causing it to roll through corners, but the roll was predictable and controllable. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and reliable. The GX featured a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, distributing the 4WD system into a 40:60 front:rear split, adjustable based on wheel slip. This made the GX user-friendly in various driving conditions. Despite its age, the GX’s driving dynamics were continually improved, offering a communicative road feel and solid braking performance.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while marketed as an SUV, was better suited for solo commuting than carpooling. It offered reasonable space among its competitive set, with ample rear-seat headroom and average legroom in both rows. The XC40 provided 20 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than some competitors. However, it featured good interior storage with large door carve-outs, a spacious center console bin, and a phone tray.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained plenty of cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a handy phone space, and well-placed cupholders. The GX’s physical controls were a blessing, with hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat. However, the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX offered 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 featured an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 9-inch touchscreen. The B5 Ultimate test vehicle had a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system and USB-C ports for each row. The infotainment experience was similar to other Volvo models with the Android system, but users who preferred Apple might not find it as satisfying. The lack of analog controls meant relying on the touchscreen for most functions, which could be cumbersome.

The 2023 Lexus GX’s infotainment technology, revamped for 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with integrations like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as competitors. The GX excelled in off-road capability with a real 4WD system, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and the Off-Road Package.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 had a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Upgrading to the Plus trim added front parking sensors, while the Ultimate grade added side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older engineering, the GX’s safety features were up-to-date, providing a good level of protection.