2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing its appeal both inside and out. The updates were more than just minor tweaks, as the styling changes allowed the RX to stand out in a competitive market. Despite its age, the RX maintained a stylish edge over its Toyota counterparts. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlamps. The grille was redesigned to align with other Lexus models, and a new paint option, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear featured a new shape with dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, complemented by an available hands-free tailgate.

Inside, the RX continued to impress with its well-appointed cabin. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors. Various interior colour and material combinations were available, 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, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. The interior maintained a premium feel without being overly ornate, though the centre stack's design was beginning to show its age.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the XC40 and XC90 in Volvo's lineup, was built on the SPA platform, shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60's design was elegant and tailored, with short overhangs and crisp body details that emphasized agility. The upright grille featured Volvo's iron mark logo, and the headlights included LED daytime running lights in the shape of Thor's hammer, a distinctly Swedish touch. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were executed beautifully, and the large alloy wheels added to the vehicle's fashionable appearance.

Inside, the XC60's cabin was defined by clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was more accepted by 2021, offering a user-friendly experience. The interior's little details, like the elegant HVAC vents, added to the near-luxury status of the XC60. The textures and colours throughout the cabin were harmonious, making it a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It delivered 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the three-row RX 350 L models were slightly less powerful 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. The RX 450h L shared the same setup, with a 37-kilowatt-hour battery pack and an electronically controlled CVT. The RX was not particularly athletic, taking 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it offered a smooth driving experience with standard AWD and adaptive variable suspension on F Sport models. Fuel efficiency was a strong suit for the hybrid models, with the RX 450h achieving 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The T5 models produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 models offered 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, added an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, with the Polestar version reaching 415 horsepower. The XC60 T8 was a plug-in hybrid, capable of driving up to 31 kilometres on electric power alone. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a secure and agile driving experience, with a quiet cabin and smooth suspension. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city for the T5 to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was not as minimalist or stylish as some German competitors, but it was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably accommodated four adults, 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 decent visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than some rivals, with a high load floor that limited space. The RX 350 L and 450h L models also had less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on certain models.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with a focus on safety and functionality. The front seats were highly adjustable and praised for their comfort, especially in winter conditions. The heating system, heated seats, and defrosters performed exceptionally well in cold weather. The cabin featured smart storage solutions in the centre console, dashboard, and door panels, with intuitive controls for passengers. The XC60 offered 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. It was also rated to tow up to 1,587 kilograms.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The display was moved closer to the driver, and the system became a touchscreen, though it remained challenging to navigate. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity were standard, providing alternatives to the Lexus system. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other app integrations. The vehicle had six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's infotainment system, Sensus, featured a tablet-style touchpad interface with a portrait orientation. It divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing users to activate specific functions with a touch. While intuitive for some, it required a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system in the test model was exceptional.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a backup camera. The 2020 enhancements added features like daytime bicyclist detection and lane-tracing assist. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 benefited from Volvo's safety heritage, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.