2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched as a 2016 model on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, complemented by the distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for the year, came 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, with a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The new model was longer, wider, and taller, offering more space for passengers and cargo. The interior was minimalist, with a focus on simplicity, though some controls were integrated into the touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with sport-bolstered seats and unique interior features, while the overall design aimed for a more intimate and cozy feel.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge model boasted an electric range of up to 58 kilometres and impressive fuel efficiency. The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 hp and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 hp and a 61-kilometre electric range. The NX 350 had a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport offered additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 was smooth and responsive, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of some German rivals. Fuel consumption was reasonable, with the NX 350 achieving 9.5 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. Cargo capacity was generous, with up to 1,855 litres of space with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it suitable for light towing. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a standard panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme heat, and the XC90 was equipped for winter with heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The NX was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations and practical storage space. The NX's cargo capacity increased by 14%, with 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While intuitive, the system was occasionally glitchy, but Apple CarPlay improved its performance. The Advanced package included a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 offered multiple USB ports and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch standard touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability. While the technology was impressive, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system provided assisted driving on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New technologies included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The NX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The Emergency Driving Stop System was a notable feature, bringing the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive.