2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution from its boxy past to a more luxurious and sophisticated present. It retained its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while embracing upscale design elements. The XC90's exterior was marked by a sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches, giving it an athletic stance. The "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a touch of Swedish heritage, while the interior boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" aesthetic with natural wood and metal trim. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident in its leather-free options, although Nappa leather was still available for those who preferred it. The XC90's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, offering a comfortable and airy cabin with exquisite details like a crystal gear selector handle.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, especially with its aggressive exterior styling. The RX's character lines were razor-sharp, and its angular features were eye-catching without being excessive. The F Sport models added a performance-oriented appearance with 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with a sporty vibe in the F Sport trims. The cabin featured NuLuxe synthetic leather and Scored Aluminum trim, although the centre stack felt a bit dated. Despite its sporty aspirations, the RX prioritized comfort and cabin quietness, making it a pleasant companion for long drives.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, including the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Recharge model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied, with the Recharge model achieving an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 4.0 Le/100 km rating with a 29-kilometre EV range.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 came with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid added electric motors for a combined output of 308 hp. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of excitement in acceleration and engine sound. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and a Sport+ drive mode, but the differences in driving dynamics were subtle. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections with ease. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided ample cargo space, with up to 1,855 litres available with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it versatile for various needs. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with thoughtful storage solutions and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The climate control system performed admirably, even in extreme weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable environment year-round.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered a two-row configuration with 2,826 litres of passenger volume, comfortably accommodating four adults. The three-row L models had limited cargo space, with only 210 litres available with all seats upright. The RX's interior featured thoughtful design elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder. However, the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area's load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper design. Despite these limitations, the RX provided a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with a focus on luxury and convenience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen interface, offering intuitive smartphone-like gestures. However, the system was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with the former performing better in our tests. The XC90's digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced driver awareness. The Advanced package added a 360-degree camera system and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 included multiple USB ports for device charging and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims. The touchscreen's positioning was ergonomically challenging, and the touchpad interface was frustrating to use. Despite these issues, the RX offered a range of tech features, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The RX also provided premium audio systems, navigation, and climate control options. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle personalization.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning the Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. It received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.