2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with new front fascia elements called "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The interior maintained its clean design, featuring a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, the overall interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned for the model year, presented a more minimalistic interior with fewer controls and a contemporary approach to textures and detailing. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, exuding luxury, 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, though not traditionally beautiful, was distinct with its blunt-nosed appearance and signature rear roof pillar design. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling details.

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 powertrain 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 of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while 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 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a more efficient RX 350h model with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It achieved 0 to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds and averaged 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of around 6 seconds. It included an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control. The RX 500h averaged 11.3 L/100 km in testing, falling short of its estimated 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 350h, however, averaged 7.4 L/100 km, making it the more fuel-efficient option.

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 RX Hybrid offered comfortable seating with the RX 350h Luxury model's ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were located under the rear seat, providing excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. Cargo space increased to 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with it folded, matching the standard RX 350 and improving over the previous RX 450h.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 featured a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. It supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility, though without Google profile syncing. The system's graphics were praised, and the new layout with sideways swiping was found sensible.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription payments for connected services after trial periods. The Lexus Interface offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Drive Connect providing cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. The system had some limitations, such as viewing only one screen menu at a time and suffering from reflections. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be problematic with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, 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 RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction. It also included lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Proactive Driving Assist was available, automatically slowing the RX to maintain safe distances. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though these were not tested.