2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 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 design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a white contrasting roof for a retro touch. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a distinct rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX maintained a design reminiscent of its first-generation model, with the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights as its modern identifiers. The cabin was crafted with the legendary Lexus refinement, offering a quiet and smooth experience. Despite its dated design, the GX's interior quality was undeniable, with comfortable seating and a focus on physical controls. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner, enhancing the luxury feel. However, the narrow rear door openings and challenging third-row access were notable drawbacks, impacting overall practicality.

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 increased output to 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 utilized a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, with a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-litre V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. Despite its substantial curb weight of 2,325 kilograms, the GX managed a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, distributing power 40/60 between the front and rear wheels. The GX's drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with its V8 engine and 4WD system, resulted in a fuel consumption estimate of 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced stability and off-road capability, making the GX a competent performer on various terrains.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered limited interior space compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. It had less legroom and headroom, and a smaller cargo area. However, Volvo compensated with clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and large door bins due to relocated speakers. The storage cubby was designed to hold a phone securely, with a wireless charging pad available as an option. Despite these features, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its tall, narrow design facilitated manoeuvrability in various settings, though the steering required extra effort. The interior featured comfortable seating and physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition offered NuLuxe upholstery and triple-zone climate control. However, rear seat access was challenging, and the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The side-opening tailgate further complicated loading, with limited cargo capacity even with seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model offered OTA update capability, enhancing vehicle functions without dealership visits. It lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for operation, though a Digital Key feature was anticipated.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, with a CD player for nostalgia. The system offered a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition. Intuitive Parking Assist became standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras. However, the placement of stereo controls below off-roading knobs was counterintuitive.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured advanced sensors and software, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age but included the Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also offered blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. However, it missed some modern safety technologies found in competitors, which could be a drawback for some buyers.