2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The electric XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these subtle differences, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred understated electric vehicles. Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist yet premium interior, featuring real metal trim and a blend of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery. The design was cohesive, with elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents seamlessly integrated, offering a high-end feel uncommon in this segment.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for the model year, came in four series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+, with various trims like base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was the focus here. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. It was larger than its predecessor, offering more space for passengers and cargo. The interior, especially in the F Sport trim, provided comfort with heated and ventilated seats and a padded driver’s area. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space and conveniences like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX also featured a panoramic sunroof and an ambient lighting system with nature-inspired themes, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile 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 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery, providing a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. All models were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability. It also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 hp and a 61-kilometre electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added driving modes and an adaptive sports suspension, enhancing its performance on winding roads. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport. Despite its dynamic improvements, the NX's engine lacked the refinement of its German rivals, and it was not suited for off-road adventures due to its limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin and large door bins, compensated for the limited space. The centre console was designed to hold a phone securely, with optional wireless charging and a standard USB-C port, though rear passengers lacked charging options.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed increased interior space, though it felt more intimate from the driver’s seat. Comfort was prioritized, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The F Sport trim provided better seat bolstering. Rear passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with practical storage and a panoramic sunroof. The NX offered 643 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,328 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps, alongside conventional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model also supported OTA updates, enhancing vehicle functions without dealership visits. It lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for activation.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX featured cloud-based services, digital key capability, and a comprehensive head-up display. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob, limiting its functionality.

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

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New technologies like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection enhanced safety. The NX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional features included adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and a panoramic view monitoring system.