2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in Canada 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 test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The exterior design was characterized by a subdued and earthy colour palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter. 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 TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs too bold. The TX came in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid model series, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and fees. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and upgraded ambient interior lighting. The interior, while luxurious, felt too dark with the Peppercorn colour scheme and black-grained trim. Despite this, the TX 350's interior was deemed luxurious enough for the Lexus badge.

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 XC90 offered 53 kilometres of electric-only driving in Pure mode, with a combined fuel economy of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres when driven as a hybrid. The SUV could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds in Power mode. Recharging was straightforward, taking 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 Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, offering up to 25 centimetres of ground clearance with the optional air suspension. However, the XC90's electric performance waned as the battery approached its minimum state of charge, and the ride quality was firm on irregular pavement.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to the torque. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control, and the steering was accurate with proper weighting. The interior was quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft. Overall, the TX 350's performance was adequate for typical driving situations.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was well-equipped even in Core trim, featuring 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 offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and upgraded interior lighting. The XC90 seated seven people, with a comfortable bench seat in the second row and a tight but accommodating third row. Cargo capacity was 1,854 litres with the third row folded and 2,426 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though not as welcoming as the front seats. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with stadium-style seating and large side windows. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially contributing to noise and vibration.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The XC90 included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional features like a head-up display and a surround-view camera. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the digital instrumentation panel's controls were not always intuitive.

The 2024 Lexus TX included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and optional features like a head-up display and a surround-view camera. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a 3-year subscription to Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive fidelity.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA in every assessment except rollover resistance, where it earned four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90's advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as some rivals, with Pilot Assist struggling in certain situations.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was also included, though it was not always transparent in its operation. The TX offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. Overall, the LSS+ 3.0 proved smooth and effective, though the TX slowed too dramatically when other motorists cut in.