2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Lexus RX

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that conceals the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, maintaining a clean interior design with a new digital instrument cluster. While the B6 R-Design test car's aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats added flair, the overall interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued its modern and sporty design, retaining the aggressive exterior styling introduced in its 2020 facelift. The RX's sharp character lines and angular features created an eye-catching design, especially in the F Sport models, which boasted 20-inch wheels, black-housing mirrors, and unique front fascia. The RX's interior mirrored its exterior, offering luxury with a sporty touch in the F Sport trims. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport were less comfortable than expected, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger, delivering 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. All XC60s in Canada came with standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5 seconds, with the Polestar Engineered version boosting output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the RX 450h hybrid added two electric motors for a combined 308 hp. All RX models had an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX lacked sporty performance, with a subdued engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport's adaptive variable suspension and Sport+ drive mode offered little noticeable difference in handling. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, with a compliant ride and isolated road noise. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was 12.2 L/100 km city, 9.0 highway, and 10.8 combined, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. 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, while plug-in hybrids had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The standard two-row Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume, comfortably seating four adults. Front headroom was 1,001 mm, with 993 mm in the rear. The three-row RX 350 L had a 2/3/2 seating configuration, with limited cargo space of 210 litres with all seats up, expanding to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net, though the rear seats didn't fold completely flat.

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. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones, though without Google profile syncing. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch version available. The screen's positioning created access issues, with a lip obstructing icons. The touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive, complicating infotainment access. Despite these challenges, the RX offered quality tech features like six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings personalization.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received top safety 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 package combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional headlights but missed the "plus" designation. The NHTSA rated it four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests and four in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.