2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, each offering a unique blend of performance and efficiency. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for elevated performance. The Recharge T8 stood out as a plug-in hybrid, boasting 32 miles of electric-only range and the highest efficiency among the trio. All models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Additionally, Volvo offered the XC90 in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle was a Recharge T8 in the Ultimate trim, configured for seven-passenger seating. It included the Lounge Package, featuring massaging front seats and a premium headliner, as well as an active air suspension, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) totaled $89,145, including the destination charge.

Volvo excelled in color and materials, presenting an exterior palette that was both subdued and earthy, fitting perfectly with the brand's focus on practicality, safety, and sustainability. The XC90 came with various wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter, and the Bright theme offered a stark contrast to the prevailing trend of blacked-out vehicles. Inside, the interior design, though dated, was furnished with rich materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. Options included wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather in various colors. The Orrefors crystal shift knob added a touch of class, and the natural wood trim further enhanced the cabin's elegance. Volvo allowed buyers considerable flexibility in mixing and matching paint, wheels, and upholstery to suit even the most discerning customers.

Based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, the 2024 Lexus TX managed to carve out its identity convincingly as a luxury SUV. The TX's appearance was upscale, especially compared to the more utilitarian look of the Grand Highlander. Our test model, adorned in Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch silver wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced the SUV's presence and aesthetics.

The TX's styling was more conservative and toned down compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a design that bordered on anonymity. This approach, however, might appeal to those who found previous Lexus designs too bold.

The 2024 Lexus TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid model series, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including the $1,350 destination charge. While the TX 550h+ wasn't on sale yet, it was expected to start over $75,000.

We tested the TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, which came in a base level of specification with Premium or Luxury trims. The TX 350 featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test vehicle came with FWD and Luxury trim at a base price of $60,950, including the destination charge. It also included the Convenience Package, Technology Package, 21-speaker surround-sound audio system, side puddle lamps, and rear cargo lamps, bringing the total MSRP to $67,869.

The Luxury trim elevated the TX 350's interior with upgraded ambient lighting and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with artificial suede trim. Our test model's Peppercorn interior was a dark brown, almost indistinguishable from black. Combined with the black-grained trim, the cabin felt too dark, even with the panoramic glass sunroof. However, overall, the TX 350 Luxury model's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2024 XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Together, these components produced an impressive 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, transferred to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup enabled 32 miles of electric-only driving before the gasoline engine activated, and as a hybrid, it averaged 27 mpg in combined driving. Power mode facilitated a five-second 0-60 mph dash, according to Volvo's estimates.

Recharging was straightforward, with a standard household outlet taking about 12 hours, which could be halved using a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured several driving modes, including Power, Hybrid, Pure, and Off-Road, each providing tailored driving experiences.

On a hot evaluation day in Southern California, temperatures in the mid-90s, the XC90's four-zone climate control set to 68 degrees fell short of achieving the stated 33 miles electric range, managing only 28 miles. Additionally, after the gas engine kicked in, the SUV achieved 24.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA's prediction.

Throughout a week of typical suburban driving, keeping the XC90 charged allowed extensive use of electric power for short trips, minimizing fuel consumption. However, nearing its minimum charge, the electric performance waned, requiring more delicate accelerator handling or assistance from the gas engine. Notably, electric performance degraded after 25 miles of battery-only driving.

When powered by the gas engine, the XC90 Recharge T8 demonstrated lively performance. The combination of supercharging and turbocharging provided ample power and enjoyable driving. However, as a luxury SUV, it was not designed to deliver thrilling handling. The 21-inch wheels, despite an adaptive air suspension, resulted in a firm ride quality. The vehicle felt less composed on uneven pavement, and the aging architecture contributed to more cabin vibrations and noise.

Enthusiastically driving through the Santa Monica Mountains revealed that although the XC90 Recharge T8 could be hustled, it wasn't joyful. The suspension allowed more body roll, and the brakes showed signs of fade during extended downhill stretches. Additionally, the steering wasn’t sharp or communicative, merely serving to point the SUV in the right direction.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker in real-world driving situations. Despite sufficient performance for typical driving, the engine note was grating, and the FWD model exhibited slight hints of torque steer.

The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD's fuel economy at 23 mpg combined, a marginal improvement over its predecessor, the three-row Lexus RX L. However, during testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. Adding AWD for $1,600 provided slightly quicker acceleration, reduced fuel economy figures in city and highway, but maintained the 23-mpg combined rating. Importantly, AWD improved traction in adverse conditions and likely mitigated torque steer.

The ride and handling of the TX 350 were well-balanced, with a suspension firm enough to convey road surface details while ensuring a comfortable ride. Body motion control was commendable, and the steering was accurate and responsive. The interior remained quiet at highway speeds, contributing to overall comfort.

While our early-build pre-production test vehicle had a soft brake pedal, it allowed for smooth and controlled stops.

Even in the entry-level Core trim, the XC90 Recharge T8 was well-equipped with standard features like power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. The panoramic glass roof added a touch of luxury, operated by a one-touch swipe control for the sunshade.

As trims progressed to Plus and Ultimate, additional features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, upgraded interior lighting, an integrated booster child seat, and rear door sunshades became available.

The front seats, while comfortable, had extendable lower leg support bolsters that could catch on clothing while entering the vehicle. However, once adjusted, they provided exceptional comfort, aided by a thick, round steering wheel and excellent sightlines from a commanding driving position.

The XC90 accommodated seven passengers or six with optional second-row captain's chairs. Access to the third row was tight for adults, but once seated, those spaces were more accommodating than expected. Cargo space with the third-row seats in use was limited, but lowering them expanded storage to 65.5 cubic feet, and with the second-row folded, it offered 85.7 cubic feet.

Addressing past shortcomings, the 2024 Lexus TX offered a compelling three-row SUV experience. Models like the GX, LX, and RX L had compromised third-row usability or high price tags.

Our TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather with artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. It came standard with a bench seat in the second row, with optional captain's chairs available.

Although the front seats lacked a massage function, they were supportive, and the power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel provided a comfortable driving position. The second-row seat, while functional, had a relatively flat lower cushion, but met segment expectations with triple-zone climate control, USB charging ports, and manual side window shades.

The third-row seat was notably more habitable for adults compared to previous Lexus models, providing adequate leg support and space, making it a better option than the RX L and more affordable than the LX. Cargo space behind the third row was 20.2 cubic feet, sufficient for daily needs. Power-folding the third-row seats expanded storage to 57.4 cubic feet, and folding the second-row seats down offered an impressive 97 cubic feet, surpassing many competitors.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system using Google Built-in technology, which included Google Maps navigation, Google Play access, and a voice recognition tool called Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for the first four years, with a subscription necessary thereafter. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard, with the latter requiring a subscription after three months.

Optional audio systems included a 14-speaker Harman Kardon setup or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system with various sound modes. The Google Built-in technology, added in 2023, significantly improved the XC90's infotainment experience. Despite the relatively small screen size, its proximity to the driver mitigated usability concerns. The system was more intuitive compared to previous Volvo interfaces, and the minimalistic design included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons.

The voice assistant worked well, though occasionally required specific prompts to achieve desired results. The XC90 Recharge T8 also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel with somewhat confusing controls and displays. Options included a head-up display and a surround-view camera to complement standard front and rear parking sensors.

Our Lexus TX test vehicle included the Technology Package, which equipped the SUV with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, this upgrade replaced well-marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring frequent head-up display references, which were often invisible to those wearing polarized sunglasses.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system, enhanced by a 14-inch touchscreen, was pleasant to use, especially when paired with the three-year complimentary Drive Connect subscription. This added a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The system also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were easy to connect and switch between.

Additional features included 10-year free subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, emergency calling, and more. The TX also had Wi-Fi Connect for a hotspot and Remote Connect for app-based remote functions.

Our test model featured the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system, producing impressive audio fidelity, making it a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles.

Volvo's long-standing reputation for safety was evident in the XC90, which featured various safety innovations and consistently high crash-test ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it a five-star rating in all assessments except for rollover resistance, where it received four stars, a common SUV rating. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023.

However, the XC90 lagged behind competitors in advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Though it included features like large-animal detection and a notification system for distracted drivers, it lacked cutting-edge innovations and a hands-free driving assistance system.

Volvo’s Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, was used extensively during our evaluation. While it generally performed well, it struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error when exiting a freeway ramp, shaking our confidence in the system.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured various advanced driving assistance systems under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) umbrella. These included adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered additional braking and steering assistance to avoid obstacles and maintain safe distances, though it sometimes operated less transparently, leading us to disable it. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system, with available front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.

The traffic jam assist provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways and performed well during brief activation. LSS+ 3.0 generally worked smoothly and accurately, though it slowed too dramatically when other cars cut in, which could frustrate following drivers and delayed acceleration back to speed.