Volvo XC60 vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Volvo XC60 B5, available in Core, Plus, and Ultra trims, was a testament to Scandinavian design and luxury. The Ultra trim, especially with the Black Edition, showcased a sophisticated aesthetic with its new Forest Lake paint and 22-inch wheels, which added a commanding presence. The interior was a highlight, featuring plush Nappa leather, premium wood trim, and elegant metal speaker grilles, creating a serene and luxurious environment. Despite its minimalist design, the XC60's controls required some acclimatization, but the overall experience was one of calm and comfort, especially on long journeys.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a bold exterior with its large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights. The interior provided three colour options and ambient lighting, but the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with noticeable plastic elements. The redesigned door handles were more of a novelty than a necessity, and while the cabin was spacious, the focus on innovative features like the pressure-reactive door handles seemed misplaced. The TX's design was functional, but it lacked the refined elegance found in the XC60.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered a balanced performance with a 6.9-second sprint to 100 km/h. However, turbo lag and transmission hesitancy affected power delivery, and fuel efficiency was slightly below expectations, with real-world consumption at 9.5 L/100 km. The XC60 excelled in ride comfort, especially with the optional air suspension, but its steering and braking left room for improvement.

The Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, while the TX 500h hybrid variant boosted output to 366 hp. The TX 350's eight-speed automatic transmission and the TX 500h's six-speed automatic provided smooth shifts, with the latter benefiting from Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes allowed for customization, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response. While not a sports car, the TX offered a balanced ride, with the 500h's adaptive suspension and rear steering improving handling.

The Volvo XC60's interior was designed for comfort, with top-tier front seats offering heating, cooling, massage, and leg support. Rear seats, however, were less comfortable, with firm cushions and limited legroom. The XC60 provided 613 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. In-cabin storage was practical, though limited by the hybrid and suspension components under the cargo floor.

The Lexus TX excelled in interior space, with three-zone climate control and heated seats across all rows. The third row was notably spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 572 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 2,747 litres with seats folded. The TX's interior was functional, though some controls were cumbersome, and the centre console's dual-opening lid limited access.

The 2026 Volvo XC60 featured an updated infotainment system with an 11.2-inch touchscreen and Volvo Car UX software. Google built-in services, including Google Maps and Assistant, were standard, though some functions, like cycling through radio stations, were less intuitive. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit with a wired connection. The optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system offered exceptional sound quality, though at a premium price.

The Lexus TX's tech was a mixed bag. The 14-inch touchscreen was responsive, but some features, like satellite radio tuning, were less user-friendly. Steering wheel controls were multifunctional but confusing, and smartphone connectivity occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. The TX offered advanced parking features and ample charging options, though some tech required subscriptions.

The 2026 Volvo XC60, despite its reputation, did not earn top safety ratings from the IIHS due to an Acceptable side-impact crash test result. It featured advanced safety tech, including forward collision warning and intersection braking assist, but driver assistance systems like Pilot Assist were less refined compared to competitors. The XC60 did receive a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, offering comprehensive safety features like forward collision warning and lane tracing assist. While some features, like Proactive Driving Assist, were overly sensitive, the adaptive cruise control performed well. The TX received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and mixed ratings from the IIHS, with an Acceptable score in the small overlap front crash test.