2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while introducing a more characterful appearance. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines, increased chrome detailing, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim level, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with high-quality materials, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX underwent a more radical redesign, featuring a bold spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering increased passenger and cargo space. The interior design was simplified, with a focus on minimalism, although some controls were integrated into the large touchscreen, which could be challenging to use while driving. The NX's interior was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic moonroof available. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like bolstered seats and unique instrumentation, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90 provided ample power, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced two electrified versions, with the NX 350h hybrid producing 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offering 302 hp and an estimated 61 kilometres of electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine generating 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The NX 350 F Sport added performance-oriented features like adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels. The NX 350's turbocharged engine provided a rewarding driving experience, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. However, the engine's refinement fell short of German rivals, and the NX's handling impressed, particularly in the F Sport trim.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90's upright roof profile and optional power sunroof created a spacious feel, while storage space was limited. Cargo capacity for the T8 Recharge model was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room, with a cozy dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX offered a 14% increase in cargo space, with 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was user-friendly, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal analog controls. However, the text on some menus was difficult to read while driving, and the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen standard and a 14-inch screen optional. The system included 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 new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, and the NX offered a range of connected services and digital key capability. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and there was no tuning knob.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New technologies included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The NX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety features were available in packages, such as rear pedestrian detection and a panoramic view monitoring system.