2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a testament to Volvo's approach of easing traditional car owners into the electric vehicle (EV) world without drastic changes. From the outside, it closely resembled its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, maintaining the same basic shape and structure. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grill, replacing the airflow-dependent design of the gas version. Subtle details like the enlarged fuel-filler flap for the charge port, trim-specific alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes hinted at its electric nature. Inside, the XC40 boasted a Scandinavian design sensibility, offering an airy and roomy cabin despite its compact SUV classification. The harmonious dash elements and premium finishes underscored its luxury status.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid presented a more modern and minimalistic interior design. The RX 350h Luxury model featured beautiful Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance model had a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim. The RX's exterior design, however, remained somewhat unremarkable, with a blunt-nosed appearance and a visual imbalance due to its wheelbase stretch. Despite these design choices, the RX offered a comfortable and luxurious experience, with features like ten-way power-adjustable front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the overall feel.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, driving two permanent magnet electric motors for all-wheel drive (AWD). It delivered an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The XC40 Recharge also featured regenerative braking, which recaptured energy during deceleration to charge the battery. Drivers could engage one-pedal driving to maximize regenerative braking, making it a fun and efficient driving experience. The XC40 Recharge had a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with a DC fast-charging capability that could charge from 0-80% in 40 minutes.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid models: the RX 350h and the RX 500h F Sport Performance. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds. It was more fuel-efficient, averaging 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in around 6 seconds. However, it consumed more fuel, averaging 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control, enhancing its driving dynamics and making it a more engaging ride.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The front trunk, or "frunk," provided extra storage space, while the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks for modern essentials. The front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats, though a bit tight for a middle passenger, offered decent space for outboard passengers. The XC40 Recharge had a cargo capacity of up to 1,628 litres with the second row folded flat and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and space, with the RX 350h Luxury model offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger side bolsters. The hybrids' battery packs were placed under the back seat, providing excellent leg support and good legroom, though rear headroom was tight. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the back seat folded down, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with a host of tech features, including Pilot Assist, a heat pump for climate control, and a 9.3-inch centre-stack touchscreen with Android Automotive operating system. The system included Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth as standard. Over-the-air updates allowed for software improvements without visiting a dealership. However, the range and state of charge display, which showed a percentage rather than kilometres, could induce range anxiety.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring a subscription for connected services after trial periods. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. While the system generally worked well, it had some limitations, such as only displaying one screen menu at a time and lacking a tuning knob. The available head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel was a mixed experience, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a five-star overall rating for the gasoline version from the NHTSA. It featured an extensive list of standard safety equipment, including collision warning and avoidance, blind-spot information, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. The new sensor platform enhanced active safety features, and Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other connected Volvo vehicles.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction. Proactive Driving Assist maintained safe distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. While the system generally operated well, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though these were not tested.