2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but the overall interior ambiance felt dated compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a modern and upscale design, moving away from the boxy shapes of its predecessors. The XC90's sleek profile and pronounced wheel arches emphasized its athleticism, while the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a nod to its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim providing an authentic feel. The interior was luxurious, with exquisite details like a sliding wood tambour cover and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's weight of 2,349 kilograms made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and various off-road modes. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, but its on-road performance lagged behind more modern SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a choice of three powertrains, including the T5 with 250 horsepower, the T6 with 316 horsepower, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 horsepower. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and a smooth power delivery, thanks to the electric motor's early torque. The Recharge model provided spirited acceleration and an EV range of up to 58 kilometres. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the Recharge achieving an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high centre console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position added to the bus-like driving feel. While outward visibility was excellent, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded, and minimal space with the third row in use.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 provided a more versatile interior, available in six or seven-passenger configurations. Access to the third row was easy, but it was best suited for children. The XC90 offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. The interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The XC90 excelled in storage options, with ample door pockets, console storage, and a large glove compartment. The climate control system performed admirably, providing a comfortable environment even in extreme weather conditions.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, but analog controls provided a straightforward interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was standard, but the overall tech experience felt dated for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, offering tablet-like functionality with intuitive gestures. However, the system was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. The nine-inch touchscreen was well-positioned for easy access, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 included multiple USB ports and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 boasted an extensive list of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.