2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid, offering the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the destination charge. The Recharge T8 test vehicle in Ultimate trim featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy color palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured an exclusive Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was considered unremarkable, with a large front grille and a dramatic rear haunch swell. The RX Hybrid lineup included the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The RX 350h was the base model with 246 horsepower and 36 mpg, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp and 27 mpg. The RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 37 miles of electric-only range. All models came with standard all-wheel drive, and the RX 500h was available in F Sport Performance and Black Line Special Edition trims. The RX's interior was contemporary, with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of baffling and brilliant. The RX avoided the single curved display trend, maintaining a more traditional interior layout.

The 2024 Volvo 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, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90 offered 32 miles of electric-only driving in Pure mode, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, during testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, achieving 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg. The SUV was quick but lacked thrilling handling, with firm ride quality and noticeable cabin noise. The steering was not sharp or communicative, and the suspension allowed more roll, pitch, and dive than ideal.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance. The RX 350h was the least powerful but most efficient, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft from a hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The RX 450h+ PHEV used the same engine with a larger battery and more powerful electric motor, producing 304 hp and a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and 366 hp with 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving better acceleration but lower fuel economy. The RX 500h included a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and a Direct4 all-wheel-drive system. It offered quick acceleration and a pleasant sound but averaged 20.9 mpg, below the EPA's estimate. The RX 500h was quiet on the freeway but firm on city streets, with an adaptive suspension that didn't fully control body motions. The steering lacked communication, and the SUV's dynamic limits were hard to discern, making it more about sporty appearance than dynamic capability.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was well-equipped even in Core trim, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and upgraded lighting. The XC90 seated seven or six with captain’s chairs, with a comfortable bench seat in the second row. The third-row access was tight for adults, but the seats were more accommodating than expected. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down provided up to 65.5 cubic feet, and with the second row down, 85.7 cubic feet.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had snug front seats with enhanced bolstering, but the bottom cushions were uncomfortable after long drives. The automatic climate system's fan was loud, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat. The rear seats were power-reclining, heated, and ventilated, offering ample room for adults. Interior storage was practical, though the rear center armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with hooks for bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row increased cargo volume to 46.2 cubic feet, which was modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The RX 500h model featured a modern Lexus Interface infotainment system with a volume knob and large climate control dials. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music or Amazon Music. The RX offered a cloud-based navigation system and Wi-Fi Connect. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounded great, but the infotainment system experienced occasional glitches.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA in all assessments except rollover resistance, where it earned four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90's advanced driving assistance systems were not innovative, lacking a hands-free driving system. Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error during testing, shaking confidence in the technology.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 was standard, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured Predictive Driving Assist and optional Convenience Package with a surround-view camera. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Poor in a frontal-impact test. The LSS+ 3.0 system worked well but had quirks, such as a lane-change assist function that was slow to respond.