Lexus LX vs Volvo XC90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Lexus LX. ANCAP's published record does not give the Volvo XC90 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Lexus LX features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC90 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus LX stands out with ventilated seats, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo XC90. The Volvo XC90 counters with Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Lexus LX uses a Petrol producing 305kW and 650Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.

The Volvo XC90 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 making 183kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Lexus LX has the clear power advantage at 305kW vs 183kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus LX is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Lexus LX measures 5,100mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 147mm longer than the Volvo XC90 at 4,953mm (2,984mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 487L in the Lexus LX and 301L in the Volvo XC90, giving the Lexus LX a 186L advantage.

For towing, the Lexus LX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,400kg. That 1,100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Volvo XC90's turning circle is 0.8 m tighter, 12.0 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus LX costs about $3,392 a year (11.9 L/100km) and fuel for the Volvo XC90 about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,083 a year less for the Volvo XC90.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus LX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo XC90). Capped-price servicing: 4 years (Lexus LX), 5 years (Volvo XC90).

Where each one leads

The Lexus LX: more power (305kW against 183kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (487L against 301L) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,400kg).

The Volvo XC90: the lower starting price ($97,990 against $167,700) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,309 a year against $3,392).

The Verdict

Volvo XC90 scores higher, 67 vs 61

The Volvo XC90 scores 67 to the Lexus LX's 61 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Volvo XC90 ahead by 35 points), value (Volvo XC90 ahead by 25 points), performance (Lexus LX ahead by 25 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Volvo XC90 costs about $1,083 less (8.1 L/100km against 11.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 487L in the Lexus LX, 301L in the Volvo XC90.

Common questions