2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a reworked grille that housed sensors for driver-assist systems. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. The interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and significant ground clearance. The Black Line Special Edition returned with limited availability and exclusive paint colours. Despite its imposing front, the GX's dimensions appeared more compact from the side, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to other Toyota models. Inside, the GX featured a mix of luxury touches and an abundance of plastic materials, reflecting its low sales volume. The interior included heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

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, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 variant also included 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 and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60's acceleration times were slightly slower than the 2021 model, with the B5 reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized luxury over performance, offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge provided 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 offered a satisfying linear power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but lagged behind other SUVs in terms of fuel economy, with estimates of 16.2 L/100 km in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable and controllable roll through corners. The vehicle's driving dynamics were improved, with communicative road feel and strong brakes. The GX's 4WD system featured a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, providing a 40:60 front-to-rear split and adjusting based on wheel slip.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The 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 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. The vehicle retained physical controls, favouring hard buttons over haptic-touch interfaces. The centre console lid featured adjustable sliding mechanisms for comfort. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders. The third row was tight, suitable for occasional use. The GX's side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats, 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,832 litres with both rows down.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant voice control, Google Maps navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air updates were supported, and iPhone compatibility was promised. The system's graphics were praised, though Apple users might have differing opinions. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already appeared dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. However, the tech lagged behind newer Lexus models, with slower touchscreen response and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and more. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and optional off-road features enhanced its performance.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been crash-tested 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 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems. The Lexus Safety System+ offered automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX featured modern safety technology.