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HomeComparisonsLexus NX vs Volvo EX40
Spec Battle Updated 20 April 2026 5 min read

Lexus NX vs Volvo EX40

A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.

Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.

SpecLexusVolvo
Price (RRP)$71,700$69,990
Fuel typeHybridElectric
Range (WLTP)520km
Battery82 kWh
Power179kW185kW
0-100 km/h7.7s7.3s
Max DC Charge200kW
10-80% Charge Time28 min
Fuel Economy5 L/100km
Boot Space520L536L
Towing1,500kg1,500kg
Warranty4yr / 100k km5yr / Unlimited
ANCAP Safety5 StarsNo data

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Price Breakdown

The Lexus NX starts from $71,700 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX40 opens at $69,990. That makes the Volvo EX40 the more affordable entry point by $1,710.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $78,870 and $76,989 respectively.

The Volvo EX40 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus NX, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

Charging Times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

How long to charge

78kWh usable

Public DC

50kW charger · 0–80%

1h 15m

Ultra-rapid DC

up to 200kW · 0–80%

23 min

Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 200kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.

Feature Showdown

The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Lexus NX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volvo EX40 offers textile/leather blend.

Drivetrain

The Lexus NX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.

The Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Volvo EX40 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 179kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX40 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 220mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo EX40 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Volvo EX40 a 16L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo EX40 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Turning Circle

Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.

11.4m to 11.4m

TightestLexus NX NX350h LuxuryTightest turn at 11.4m, easiest U-turns and carparks
Lexus NX NX350h Luxury
11.4mTighter
Best
Volvo EX40 Ultra Single Motor Extended Range
11.4m
Best
Lexus NX NX350h Luxury
11.4m · Average

Based on 11.4m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways
Volvo EX40 Ultra Single Motor Extended Range
11.4m · Average

Based on 11.4m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways

Turning circle ratings

Under 10m, Excellent
10 to 11m, Good
11 to 12m, Average
Over 12m, Large
Compare U-turns side by side

Turning Circle · U-turn compare

kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars
Tap to add/remove
TightestLexus NXTightest turn at 11.4m, needs the least road to swing around
Lexus NXTightest11.4 m
Average△ 3-point
Volvo EX4011.4 m
Average△ 3-point
Scrub the turn

0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep

Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.

Under 10 m · Excellent 10–11 m · Good 11–12 m · Average Over 12 m · Large

Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.

True Cost to Own

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX40). The Volvo EX40 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus NX)—.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Lexus NX if: You or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.

Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.

The Verdict

The Volvo EX40 takes 6 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volvo EX40 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.

Common questions

Which is cheapest, Lexus NX and Volvo EX40?

The Volvo EX40 is the cheapest at $69,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus NX by $1,710.

Which is the most fuel-efficient?

The Lexus NX uses the least fuel at 5L/100km on the combined cycle.

Which is safest?

They are evenly matched — Lexus NX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.

Which has the most boot space?

The Volvo EX40 has the largest boot at 536L.

Which can tow the most?

The Lexus NX has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.

Which has the best warranty?

The Volvo EX40 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.

Which is the most powerful?

The Volvo EX40 makes the most power at 185kW. The Volvo EX40 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.

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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.

Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026

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