Volvo XC90 vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2025 Volvo XC90 maintained its reputation for timeless elegance with a refresh that subtly modernized its classic design. The updated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights appeared more deliberate, and the grille's new asymmetrical slats added a sophisticated touch. The B5 AWD mild hybrid in Denim Blue and the T8 eAWD PHEV in Bright Dusk both showcased Volvo's "Bright" exterior theme, emphasizing chrome trim over fleeting trends. Large wheels filled the arches, enhancing the vehicle's stately presence. Inside, the XC90's interior remained comfortable and understated, with updates like a repositioned infotainment screen and a more symmetrical centre console. The introduction of new interior materials, including the eco-friendly herringbone weave textile, added to the vehicle's appeal.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, presented a bold and aggressive exterior with its large spindle grille and squinting LED headlights. The sporty profile was less extroverted, with smooth lines and body-coloured fender flares. F Sport elements, such as dark trim and 20-inch wheels, added to its road-focused design. Inside, the NX combined sportiness with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled toward the driver. The F Sport 3 model's interior boasted dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, creating a high-quality and sporty atmosphere.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 offered two powertrains in Canada, both with standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B6 mild hybrid, a turbo- and e-supercharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combined a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery, producing a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV provided up to 53 kilometres of pure electric range. The XC90's suspension featured Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology, enhancing ride comfort and stability.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, providing standard AWD and a total of 240 hp. The vehicle's handling was controlled but not sporty, with a firm suspension and adaptive dampers. The hybrid powertrain offered a 7.2-second 0 to 96 km/h acceleration time. The NX 350h's drivetrain felt slushy, and the engine droned under hard acceleration. The vehicle included steering wheel paddles for simulated downshifts, but they didn't mimic regular automatic transmission gear ratios.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's redesigned centre console improved practicality, with a wireless charging pad relocated to the area below the centre stack. This change freed up space for cupholders and kept the phone out of sunlight. The XC90 offered standard USB-C charge ports for the first and second rows, while third-row occupants had dedicated cupholders. The vehicle's three-row seating provided competitive space, with 922 mm of headroom and 810 mm of legroom in the third row. The XC90 excelled in front and second-row space compared to rivals like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Infiniti QX60.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model featured well-bolstered front seats with ample room for tall adults. The vehicle offered power seat and steering wheel adjustments, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The rear seat accommodated average-sized adults, with 950 mm of headroom and 917 mm of legroom. The NX's cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with the seats folded down. The vehicle's coupe-like roof shape contributed to its limited cargo capacity.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's infotainment system featured a larger touchscreen with sharper resolution and a new user interface. The system emphasized a fewer-taps approach, with key functions surfaced to the homescreen. The Android-based system included Google Built-In and standard Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Ultra package added a head-up display and a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system, offering four distinct listening modes.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. The vehicle included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The infotainment system was responsive, with a volume dial and embedded temperature controls for easy access. The NX offered a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system as an option.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and scored five stars overall in the 2024 NHTSA tests. The vehicle featured standard advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, and blind-spot information. The XC90 lacked a hands-free highway-driving system, unlike some competitors.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It earned four stars in the frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test from the NHTSA. The NX 350h included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, with features like blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system.