2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2020 Lexus RX underwent a significant refresh, enhancing both its interior and exterior to maintain its stylish edge in a competitive market. The exterior updates included standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlamps. The grille was redesigned to align with the Lexus car lineup, and a new paint option, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear of the vehicle received a fresh look with dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, complemented by an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX continued to offer a well-appointed cabin with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior featured a variety of colour and material combinations, with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. The F Sport appearance packages added unique features like a distinctive steering wheel, shift knob, and 20-inch wheels. Despite its premium feel, the centre stack's design was considered dated, lacking the modern flair of its competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 boasted a more traditional SUV styling, with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting seamlessly into the Volvo lineup with signature elements like “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge variant stood out with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a unique rear bumper, and an exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with high-quality materials and a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents. The XC40 offered clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. Despite its compact size, the XC40's interior was thoughtfully designed to maximize utility.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The three-row RX 350 L variant offered slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, with a focus on fuel efficiency. The RX 450h L shared the same powertrain, with an electric motor contributing 165 horsepower. The RX's performance was characterized by smooth throttle response and shifting, with standard all-wheel drive providing stability. The RX 350 achieved a combined fuel consumption of 10.8 L/100 km, while the hybrid RX 450h excelled at 7.9 L/100 km. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, and Sport, with hybrid models adding an EV mode for short emissions-free drives. F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for enhanced agility.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 delivered 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive and a combined 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. The Recharge's 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack provided electricity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge model offered one-pedal driving through regenerative braking, with a normal braking mode available for those unaccustomed to the sensation. The Recharge also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was functional, accommodating four adults comfortably in the two-row model, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children. The cabin was spacious in its two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views of curbs and corners. The RX's cargo area was smaller than its competitors, with a high load floor limiting space. The RX 350 L and 450h L also offered less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on most models, standard on the 450h L.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered no difference in passenger or cargo space between the Recharge and gasoline models. However, it had less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The XC40's cargo area was also smaller, with a limited frunk due to powertrain hardware. Despite this, Volvo provided clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were relocated to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was designed to hold a phone securely, with an optional wireless charging pad and a standard USB-C port. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model, including moving the display closer to the driver. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, though navigation remained challenging without verbal assistance. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with additional compatibility for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and various music and navigation apps. The centre console touchpad system improved in responsiveness, and the RX featured six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available in the 450h L.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The Recharge lacked a start button, with the vehicle starting automatically when the driver entered with the key fob. A Digital Key feature was planned for the Polestar 2, but not confirmed for the XC40.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a backup camera. The 2020 model added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA for gasoline models. The electric XC40 Recharge had a safety cage around the battery and a redesigned front crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.