2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Volvo XC90

In Canada, the 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B6 and Recharge T8 model series, both featuring standard all-wheel drive. The B6 model came with a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering superior performance and efficiency, with an estimated electric-only range of 53 kilometres. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $71,550 to $94,500, excluding destination charges and fees. The Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim featured luxurious amenities such as massaging front seats, a premium headliner, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The exterior design was characterized by a subdued and earthy paint palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter, contrasting with the blacked-out trend. Inside, the XC90's design was somewhat dated but featured rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, embracing a more geometric styling with a less pronounced spindle grille and standard triple-beam LED headlights. The new design featured a more aggressive look with a vertically standing front end and a flat hood with humps above the front wheels for better off-road visibility. The GX's profile was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline for improved visibility. Lexus offered the GX in a single trim level with five packages: Premium, Overtrail, Luxury, Overtrail+, and Executive. The Luxury models focused on comfort with features like 22-inch wheels and illuminated doorsills, while the Overtrail packages emphasized off-roading with 18-inch wheels and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery. The GX's interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen display and physical controls for off-road features. Despite being less luxurious than some competitors, the GX was positioned as a premium SUV ready for rugged use.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge T8 offered 53 kilometres of electric-only driving, with an average fuel consumption of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The SUV could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds in Power mode. Recharging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 25 centimetres of ground clearance. However, the XC90's electric performance waned as the battery approached its minimum charge, and the gas engine would assist when necessary. The SUV's handling was not particularly thrilling, with firm ride quality and a less hushed cabin than expected for its price.

The 2024 Lexus GX replaced its previous V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The torque was available low in the rev range, making it suitable for off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission with confident operation and standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road capability. The GX accelerated well and had effective brakes, although the test conditions were favourable. Despite its size, the GX demonstrated controlled behaviour on-road, and its off-road capabilities were impressive, although not fully tested due to weather conditions.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims included features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their design could catch on clothing. The XC90 provided a comfortable driving position with good sightlines, although the climate control struggled in hot conditions. The SUV seated seven people, with a tight third-row seat for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 1,854 litres with it folded, and 2,426 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated than its predecessor, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. The first and second rows offered comfortable space for six-foot-tall adults, with 1,047 millimetres of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row was tight, suitable only for children, with 810 mm of legroom. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and 2,178 litres in total. Overtrail models provided even more cargo capacity, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 1,291 litres in total.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. It was compatible with Android devices and included Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2024 Lexus GX had a 14-inch touchscreen with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription service for voice commands. Remote Connect provided remote locking, unlocking, and vehicle diagnostics. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available in higher packages. The Lexus Interface was user-friendly, but subscription costs for features after the initial trial were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as some rivals. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, but it struggled with certain conditions and made a significant error during testing.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The GX's safety was enhanced by its modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS, although it had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.