2023 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Volvo XC60 presented a sophisticated and stylish appearance, with its sleek design and attention to detail. The test vehicle, a Recharge spec with the Ultimate package, showcased a Dark exterior theme complemented by Thunder Grey paint and blacked-out trim. The interior exuded classic Scandinavian minimalism, featuring black leather seats, wood trim, metal accents, and ambient lighting. The panoramic sunroof and Orrefors crystal gear selector knob added to the opulent feel. Despite its compact size, the XC60 offered a comfortable and luxurious cabin experience, with intuitive controls that became second nature after some driving time.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and high ground clearance. The Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, offering exclusive paint colours like Nori Green Pearl. The GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs, with big flared fenders and a hood that fell away from sight, enhancing its off-road capability. However, the interior was marred by an abundance of plastic materials, which detracted from its luxury badge. Despite this, the GX offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery, providing some luxury touches.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed for an estimated 58 kilometres of electric driving range. The XC60 offered various driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences. The XC60's acceleration was impressive, reaching 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. The vehicle's updates included a more powerful electric motor, enhancing its fun-to-drive nature. The XC60 Recharge achieved a fuel economy of 4.3 L/100 km on a 105-kilometre evaluation route, showcasing its efficiency.

The 2023 Lexus GX, on the other hand, was powered by a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. While the V8 provided a satisfying sound and linear power delivery, it lagged behind more modern engines in terms of performance and fuel efficiency. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was notable, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 L/100 km in the city and 14.5 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its body roll, but its driving dynamics were predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, as a compact crossover SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats offered exceptional comfort, with Nappa leather upholstery, heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The back seats were also comfortable, though legroom was limited for taller passengers. The XC60 provided 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,792 litres with the seats folded. Practical storage solutions included door panel bins and a ski pass-through panel. The power liftgate and air suspension made loading and unloading easier.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. The decision to retain hard buttons for controls was a practical choice, though the abundance of buttons required some acclimation. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders. However, the third row was tight and best suited for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both rows folded. The side-hinged trunk door required effort to open and limited access in tight spaces.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system. The system offered four years of complimentary access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The voice-recognition system was impressive, though it occasionally required specific phrasing. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system provided exceptional audio quality. The XC60's technology suite included a volume knob and steering wheel controls for easy operation.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. However, the system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging graphics and less crisp visuals. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and various driving aids for challenging terrains.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and lane-centring capability. Oncoming Lane Mitigation helped avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. While the XC60 Recharge had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA, the B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top marks. The IIHS awarded the XC60 B5 and B6 a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, with the possibility of carrying it forward for 2023.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured the Lexus Safety System+ with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, blind spot monitoring, and more. Despite its older design, the GX incorporated modern safety technology, enhancing its overall safety profile.