2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, standing tall at 1,885 millimetres. Its front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by massive headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with new paint options, including Eminent White Pearl and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to navigate technical driving.

Inside, the GX's interior was a mix of luxury and practicality, though it featured a disappointing amount of plastic. Despite this, it offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's low sales meant Lexus focused on easy manufacturing, maintaining a luxury price premium.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past designs. It had a purposeful yet understated front end, with an assertive grille and modern "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The XC90's dimensions remained rectilinear but far from the boxy designs of the past. Our test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Grey paint with rich undertones, adding depth to its appearance.

Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and beautiful look. The XC90's interior was a blend of wonderful materials, though it lacked ample cubby space for small items.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 provided a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. However, its fuel economy was less appealing, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The GX's 2,948-kilogram towing capacity was respectable, but it lagged behind other SUVs. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling and strong brakes, with a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its 4WD system.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This setup offered improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation, though the gains were minimal. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission provided quick acceleration, and its brakes inspired confidence. While lacking extensive off-road features, the XC90 delivered a refined driving experience with minimal road noise and a solid pedal feel.

The Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, featuring only USB-A. The GX's physical controls were a blessing for those preferring hard buttons over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with seats folded.

The Volvo XC90's interior was peaceful but lacked cubby space for small items. The second row was comfortable, though accessing the third row was challenging. With the third seat in place, the XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,856 litres with seats folded. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car, offering a pleasant driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, it felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system and various driving-focused technologies. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced its on-road and off-road performance.

The Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen ran on Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. While impressive, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating. The XC90 offered keyless entry as standard, with a head-up display as an option.

The 2023 Lexus GX lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it featured the Lexus Safety System+ with advanced driver assistance systems. Despite its older design, the GX included modern safety features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

The Volvo XC90 was renowned for safety, earning a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. It came standard with advanced safety tech, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology further enhanced its safety credentials.