2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was both familiar and fresh. It was shorter in height, broader in width, and had a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, yet maintained the same overall length. The SUV offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though it still lagged behind some competitors. Its appearance was more compact due to reduced rear overhang, softer design lines, and a floating roof effect created by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trim were available, and the RX came in various trims, including hybrid options.

The 2024 Volvo XC90, available in B6 and Recharge T8 models, was a luxury SUV that emphasized practicality, safety, and sustainability. The XC90 B6 featured a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid engine, while the Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid with an electric-only range of 53 kilometres. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy paint palette, with wheel designs up to 21 inches. Inside, the XC90's design was dated but rich in materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. It offered wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, with an Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim. The XC90 allowed for customization of paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to discerning buyers.

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. During testing, the RX 350 AWD demonstrated a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 7.3 seconds, with a fuel economy estimate of 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 350 Executive trim occasionally exhibited torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, offered a more secure and composed ride. Both models had 21-inch wheels and 235/50 all-season tires, with the F Sport 3's upgraded brakes providing superior pedal feel.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, delivering 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered a 53-kilometre electric-only range and a 0-100 km/h time of five seconds in Power mode. The XC90 Recharge T8's fuel economy was estimated at 8.9 L/100 km in hybrid mode, though real-world testing showed 9.6 L/100 km. The SUV's ride was firm on irregular pavement, and while it provided impressive grip, it lacked thrilling handling. The XC90's steering was not particularly sharp or communicative, and the brakes showed signs of fade during prolonged use.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3's sport seat bolsters providing extra support. The RX 350 Executive featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport 3 had black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX provided 838 litres of cargo space with the second row in place and 1,308 litres with it folded down.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a tight third-row seat. Cargo capacity was 1,854 litres with the third row folded and 2,426 litres with the second row down.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. Drive Connect offered Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, though it required a subscription after three years. The RX also had a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional digital rearview mirror and key technology. A head-up display was available, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system used Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium sound system options available. The XC90's infotainment system was intuitive, though the 12-inch digital instrumentation panel was not always user-friendly. A head-up display and surround-view camera were available.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also available, though some features had limitations.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, its ADAS features were not as advanced as some competitors. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, but it struggled with curves and lane markings. The XC90 lacked a hands-free driving system, and Pilot Assist made a significant error during testing.