2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making the transition from internal combustion engines to electric power as seamless as possible for consumers. From the outside, it closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid panel in place of a traditional grille, trim-specific alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes. The XC40's design was a nod to Volvo's Swedish roots, featuring Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion created by thin pillars. Inside, the XC40 boasted a spacious and airy cabin, with harmonious design elements and a premium feel that solidified its place in the luxury SUV category.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, presented a modern and sophisticated exterior with a spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design. The RX was shorter in height but broader and longer in wheelbase than its predecessor, offering more cargo space despite appearing smaller due to design tweaks. The interior was thoroughly modern, with fewer buttons and knobs, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The RX's cabin was available in various trims, offering a mix of artificial and genuine leather, with options for wood and aluminum dashboard trims, ensuring a luxurious experience for its occupants.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, driving two electric motors for all-wheel drive. 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 featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal drive option, enhancing its efficiency and driving experience. Its low centre of gravity, due to the battery placement, contributed to its stable handling. The XC40 Recharge had a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities. The gasoline models, T4 and T5, offered 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively, with fuel efficiency ratings of 9.3 and 9.4 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, produced 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The RX 350 AWD could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, offering a satisfying driving experience. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more secure and comfortable ride. The RX 350 AWD had an estimated fuel economy of 9.9 L/100 km combined, with real-world results slightly higher.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, providing additional storage space. Inside, the XC40 featured ample cubbies, USB power ports, and comfortable seating for front passengers, though the rear middle seat was less accommodating. The cargo area offered up to 1,628 litres of space with the rear seats folded, and the XC40 had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, with the Executive trim offering premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport 3 trim featured sportier seats and trim options. Both trims offered exceptional comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX 350's cargo area measured 838 litres with the rear seats up and 1,308 litres with them folded, an improvement over the previous generation but still modest for the segment.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with a range of tech features, including Pilot Assist for highway driving and a heat pump to extend its range. The infotainment system featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. It offered Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. The system supported over-the-air updates, though the range display, showing only a percentage of charge, could induce range anxiety.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system allowed for user profiles and streaming music through embedded apps. The RX also offered a Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional features like a head-up display and digital key technology. However, the inability to view multiple data panels simultaneously was a drawback.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with extensive standard safety features, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane-keeping assistance. Its top speed was electronically capped at 180 km/h. The XC40 Recharge also featured a new sensor platform and Volvo’s Connected Safety system, which shared road condition data with other connected Volvo vehicles.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also introduced semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. However, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were not as refined as expected.