2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated into the Volvo family with signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels. It also sported a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a modified rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. Despite these differences, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred a subtle electric vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460's styling reflected its long tenure in the market, retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago with incremental updates. The GX adopted the Lexus spindle grille in 2014, which was further refined in 2020 with a textured insert and new triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model retained these features, with standard silver 18-inch wheels and optional 19-inch wheels in the Executive package. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with a massive grille that was distinctive yet not out of place among competitors. Its robust and aggressive look appealed to SUV enthusiasts, offering a unique presence on the road.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 model delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasting dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The T5 and T4 models achieved the same in 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, with a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 kept things straightforward with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with the V8 providing ample power from a standstill and a satisfying roar at full throttle. However, its substantial weight of 2,349 kilograms affected high-speed performance, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The GX's handling was characterized by low grip and noticeable body roll, with ride quality typical of a body-on-frame vehicle. Despite these drawbacks, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and various off-road modes. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, with stability control including a trailer-sway control function.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge offered no difference in passenger or cargo space compared to its gasoline counterparts, yet it was not particularly spacious. It had less legroom and headroom than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, and a smaller cargo area. The Recharge's frunk was minimal, with much of the space occupied by powertrain components. The gasoline XC40 was more competitive in interior space against rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Volvo compensated for limited space with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were relocated to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. Despite a new wood-trimmed heated steering wheel, the heating elements did not cover the entire wheel. The dashboard design and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, though forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX featured three rows of seating for seven, with power-folding third-row seats. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and cargo space was minimal with the third row in use. The GX offered 1,833 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, less than the Land Rover Discovery.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Gasoline models retained the previous system. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Recharge models offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without dealership visits. The Recharge lacked a start button, using a key fob for ignition. A Digital Key feature was anticipated for the Polestar 2, but not confirmed for the XC40.

The 2021 Lexus GX was sparse on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It included Bluetooth and two USB ports for the first two rows, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The infotainment system's graphics were outdated, with limited functionality. A separate display for time and temperature used a basic digital clock format. However, the GX featured analog controls for most functions, offering a straightforward interface compared to screen-centric luxury SUVs.

The gasoline 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge earned the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The electric XC40 Recharge was not rated, but Volvo anticipated strong performance due to 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.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, with features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera were standard. However, the GX missed some safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.