2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's boxy past, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding, the XC90 was built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, showcasing a sleek and athletic design. The SUV's exterior featured a long roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, all contributing to its upscale appearance. Inside, the XC90 boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" aesthetic, with natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, continued into its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height but broader and longer in wheelbase than its predecessor. The RX's exterior featured a spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design, creating a modern yet familiar look. The interior was thoroughly modern, with fewer buttons and knobs, digital instrumentation, and a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. The RX offered high-quality materials, including NuLuxe artificial leather and genuine leather options, with a focus on comfort and sophistication. The RX 350 was available in various trims, each offering a unique blend of luxury and sportiness.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's driving experience was praised for its minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 achieving 10.1 L/100 km combined, the T6 at 10.8 L/100 km, and the Recharge offering an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 AWD was estimated to average 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving, with test results showing slightly higher consumption. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim offered a more secure and composed ride, thanks to its adaptive damping suspension. The RX 350's turbo engine provided satisfying performance, though it lacked the smoothness of the previous V6.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults found it lacking in legroom and support. The XC90 provided 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. The SUV's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme heat, and the XC90's AWD and heated features made it suitable for winter conditions.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided a comfortable cabin with sport seat bolsters in the F Sport 3 package. The RX 350 Executive featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The F Sport 3 offered a more serious cabin with simulated leather and sport-oriented features. Both models provided exceptional comfort, though taller passengers found headroom tight. The RX's cargo space measured 838 litres with the second row in place, expanding to 1,308 litres with the seats folded, offering improved but still limited capacity for the segment.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering intuitive smartphone-like gestures. While the system was occasionally glitchy, Apple CarPlay improved its performance. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims. USB ports were available for device charging.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface multimedia system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreens. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system included Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, user profiles, and streaming capabilities. The RX's infotainment was praised for its functionality, though it lacked the ability to display multiple data panels simultaneously. The Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and digital key technology were available, along with a colour head-up display.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and the Pilot Assist system. It received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a safe family vehicle.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance features like lane departure warning, motorcycle detection, and adaptive cruise control. New semi-autonomous technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, some features had limitations, such as the curve-speed reduction technology and HUD visibility issues with polarized sunglasses.