2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo's 2022 XC60 featured subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes, and fresh wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Lexus NX underwent a significant redesign, available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was the focus of this review. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The model was longer, wider, and taller, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most NX models had NuLuxe simulated leather upholstery, with real leather available in the Executive Package. The F Sport trim stood out with a unique grille, body-colour fender trim, and sport-bolstered seats. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, with many functions integrated into a 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate quickly. Despite some confusion, physical controls for stereo volume and temperature adjustments remained, and the electronic shifter was user-friendly. The NX's quality was generally high, though the turn signal felt less refined.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard AWD in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized luxury over performance, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 hp and the NX 450h+ PHEV with 302 hp and an estimated 61 km of electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The NX 250 had a 2.5-litre engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft, using a CVT. Both models offered Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, with the F Sport adding Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the regular NX 350 was softer. 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. The NX's handling impressed, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom, tying with the Audi Q5. Legroom was average for the segment. Mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less capacity, at 597 litres and 1,396 litres, respectively. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. It offered comfort with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, standard in Canada. The F Sport trim provided better seat bolstering. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. Cargo space increased by 14%, with 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive OS, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded sound systems. The new OS integrated Android-specific features, with Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation. Android users could sync profiles, and the system supported OTA updates. iPhone compatibility was promised, though without Google profile syncing. The system's graphics were praised, with a new layout using sideways swiping for menu access. The digital cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. OTA updates kept the system current. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The navigation system included an off-line mode. Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands. Lexus offered a three-year trial of Drive Connect, including cloud-based navigation and Intelligent Assistant. Additional features included User Profiles, digital key capability, and a digital mirror. The tech impressed, though the 14-inch screen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including lane keep assist, lane departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional packages offered rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and more.