2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of the Swedish brand's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a blend of elegance and innovation. Built on Volvo's SPA platform, the XC60 shared its design language with other Volvo models, featuring a sleek, two-box design with short overhangs and an athletic stance. The front grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, complemented by Thor's hammer-shaped LED headlights. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian charm with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, and the attention to detail in elements like the HVAC vents elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX retained a design reminiscent of its first-generation predecessor, with the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights being the most notable updates. The cabin, while crafted with the legendary Lexus refinement, still carried themes from the original GX. The GX's interior was quiet, with the V8 engine's roar barely audible. The GX offered a range of trims, including the Black Line Special Edition, which featured NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. Despite its dated design, the GX's cabin quality and comfort remained commendable.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further boosted power to 415 hp. The XC60's performance was characterized by its solid and secure feel on the road, with a quiet cabin and smooth suspension. Fuel consumption figures ranged from 11.1 L/100 km in the city for the T5 to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivered 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Despite its hefty curb weight of 2,325 kilograms, the GX managed a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system contributed to its off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms. The GX's fuel consumption was estimated at 14.5 L/100 km combined, with a slightly better result of 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced the GX's ride quality, making it more stable and secure.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system well-suited for winter conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, with 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60's towing capacity was rated at 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and clear visibility, with comfortable seats and ample interior padding. However, the switchgear was somewhat outdated, and the rear seat access was challenging due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, with a total of 328 litres behind it. With the third row folded, the GX offered 1,322 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,833 litres with the second row down. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading challenges.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system was intuitive for frequent iPad users, with a segmented screen for different functions. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed, but the dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology were highlights. Intuitive Parking Assist became standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. Volvo's decision to limit the top speed to 180 km/h further emphasized its safety-first approach.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on the Lexus Safety System+ for collision avoidance. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. While some advanced safety technologies were absent, the GX offered blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. The lack of intrusive driving aids contributed to a favourable driving experience.