2024 Lexus GX vs 2023 Volvo XC90

Volvo’s design language had evolved dramatically by the time the 2023 XC90 hit the market. Long gone were the days of boxy, toaster-like designs. Instead, the XC90 showcased a purposeful but not boastful aesthetic. The front end appeared sturdy and solid without being overly aggressive, while the grille was bold, yet restrained. The prominent “Thor’s Hammer” headlights added a modern touch that distinguished it from older Volvos.

The XC90 we tested was the AWD Ultimate trim, featuring 21-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires. These not only filled the wheel wells nicely but also added a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic demeanor. The Platinum Gray paint, with its subtle brown undertones, gave the vehicle a richness and depth that added to its visual appeal.

Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance. The steering wheel, covered in two-tone leather, was beautifully designed, accompanied by Orrefors crystal shift knobs and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The seats could be upholstered in either “charcoal” or “blond” leather. The interior also featured wood deco inlays that added a touch of nature to the minimalist, button-free environment, creating an overall clean and sophisticated look.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX marked a significant departure from its predecessor, embracing geometric styling over the softer, more rounded corners of the outgoing model. The spindle grille, trademark of Lexus, made an appearance but was less pronounced in this iteration. It was flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, contributing to a more vertical, aggressive front fascia.

The GX’s body design was almost monolithic, with minimal character lines running horizontally across its profile. The window beltline was kept low to enhance visibility, with the lower edge of the window frame kicking up ahead of the C-pillar. Standard running boards added a functional and visual element to the SUV.

The six trims of the new GX spanned from Premium to Overtrail+, with the Luxury and Overtrail models highlighting the best features of the vehicle. Luxury trims focused on elegance, offering 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while Overtrail models catered to off-roading with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. The interior blended utilitarian design with standard luxury appointments such as heated and ventilated front seats. However, more robust materials and a flat, upright dashboard suggested a focus on durability and functionality, making the GX feel premium but built for long-term, hard use.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured the B5 and B6 engines—iterations of older powertrains but now equipped with mild-hybrid technology. These engines offered modest fuel economy improvements and smoother operation. The B5 powertrain, supported by a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 variant went further, combining a turbocharger and supercharger to deliver 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

Mild-hybrid technology in the XC90 wasn't akin to full-hybrid setups seen in other SUVs. While it improved ignition and operated systems like climate control, it didn’t contribute to propulsion. This made fuel-saving features like auto stop-start incredibly smooth.

Driving the XC90 was a pleasant experience, with quick acceleration, stable cornering, and minimal road and wind noise. Its brakes were also notable for their solid pedal feel. The XC90, during an unplanned snowstorm in New Hampshire, managed well despite lacking dedicated winter tires, showing its capability in adverse conditions.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a naturally aspirated V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, a downgrade in cylinder count but an upgrade in power—349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This new engine delivered torque early in the rev range, beneficial for off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX shared its underpinnings with robust vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX, resulting in a stiffer, more stable chassis.

The GX came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which operated smoothly, and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the advanced Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), enhancing off-road stability and wheel articulation.

On-road, the GX offered impressive acceleration and braking performance, although it was mindful of its over-5,000-pound weight. Off-road, the heavy rains limited our test, yet the sophisticated systems suggested strong off-road capabilities without compromising on-road comfort.

The interior of the 2023 Volvo XC90 adhered to Scandinavian minimalism, resulting in a serene but somewhat frustrating experience due to limited storage options. The front cubby space felt inadequate, and there wasn’t a dedicated spot for a cell phone. The USB port located in the small center console bin added to the inconvenience.

The second row provided reasonable comfort but was tricky to adjust. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench seat, configurable to captain’s chairs at an additional cost and engine upgrade. Accessing the third row was cumbersome with the three-seat arrangement. Cargo space was competitive but not class-leading, with 12.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 65.5 cubic feet.

In comparison, the 2024 Lexus GX offered a more minimalist, sophisticated interior, retaining crucial physical buttons for climate and off-roading controls. Front passengers enjoyed 41.2 inches of legroom, while the second row provided a comfortable 36.7 inches. The available third row, however, was tight, suitable mainly for children.

The GX excelled in cargo capacity. With the third row in place, it offered 10.3 cubic feet, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet when folded, and maxing out at 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models, sans the third row, provided 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a total of 90.5 cubic feet, making the GX a cargo-space leader compared to the XC90.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a cutting-edge 9-inch vertical touchscreen running Google OS—an industry first. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, offering superior natural-language recognition for voice commands. However, Volvo relegated too many functions to the touchscreen, making certain adjustments cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect subscription service offered intelligent voice assistance with an initial free trial, subsequently moving to a subscription model. The GX’s standard audio system was a 10-speaker setup, with higher trims featuring a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo.

For power, the GX included several USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and even a 120-volt AC outlet in the trunk, ensuring ample connectivity and charging options.

Volvo’s reputation for safety was evident in the 2023 XC90, which came with a slew of advanced driver safety technologies. It carried a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology.

The 2024 Lexus GX made significant strides in safety compared to its predecessor. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 became standard, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. Despite not yet receiving crash test ratings from IIHS or NHTSA, the new ADAS and robust GA-F architecture suggested improved safety over previous models.