2025 Lexus RX Hybrid 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 Ultimate trim, tested with seven-passenger seating, included luxurious features such as massaging front seats, a premium headliner, active air suspension, 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, and a Bright theme 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 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV with an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design was considered unremarkable, with a large front grille and a dramatic rear haunch swell. The RX Hybrid lineup included the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+ models, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The RX 350h was the base model, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp and the RX 450h+ offered an estimated 60 kilometres of electric-only range. All models featured standard all-wheel drive in Canada, with various package options. The RX's interior was contemporary, with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of baffling and brilliant. The RX avoided the single curved display trend, maintaining a distinct interior design.

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 via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90 offered 53 kilometres of electric-only driving in Pure mode, with a hybrid average of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres. In Power mode, it could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds. Recharging was straightforward, with options for a standard outlet or a faster 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 25 centimetres of ground clearance. However, the XC90's electric performance waned as the battery depleted, and the gas engine would assist when necessary. The SUV was quick but lacked thrilling handling, with a firm ride and some cabin noise.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance. The RX 350h had 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, while the RX 450h+ PHEV produced 304 hp and accelerated to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h was not fuel-efficient, averaging 13.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h's drivetrain was rewarding but had occasional hesitation. The adaptive damping suspension provided a firm ride, and the RX 500h was capable on twisty roads but lacked communication and dynamic satisfaction.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered a well-equipped interior, even in Core trim, 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 XC90 seated seven or six with captain's chairs, with a comfortable bench seat in the second row. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo capacity was up to 1,854 litres with the third row folded, expanding to 2,426 litres with the second row down.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and cargo space, with heated and ventilated front seats that felt snug due to enhanced bolstering. The automatic climate system's fan was loud, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat. The RX provided ample rear seat space, with power-reclining, heated, and ventilated seats. Interior storage was practical, though the rear centre armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row created 1,308 litres of cargo volume.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. 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 an available head-up display.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered high-tech features, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with a volume knob and large climate control dials. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a cloud-based navigation system. The RX 500h's optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounded great, though the steering wheel controls were distracting.

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 innovative, with features like Pilot Assist, which struggled with curves and lane markings. The XC90 included a large-animal detection system and a notification system for distracted drivers.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, a free service for up to ten years, and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which offered a range of ADAS features. Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) was mostly agreeable, and the RX Hybrid came with a surround-view camera. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS gave it a Poor rating in a frontal-impact test.