Lexus NX vs Volvo XC90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

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 NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-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 NX stands out with Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo XC90. The Volvo XC90 counters with panoramic roof and Bowers & Wilkins 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 XC90 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Lexus NX and 4-zone in the Volvo XC90.

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 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 Volvo XC90 has the clear power advantage at 183kW vs 179kW. 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, 293mm shorter 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 520L in the Lexus NX and 301L in the Volvo XC90, giving the Lexus NX a 219L advantage. The Volvo XC90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Volvo XC90 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 900kg 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 Lexus NX's turning circle is 0.6 m tighter, 11.4 m against 12.0 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 NX costs about $1,425 a year (5 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 $884 a year less for the Lexus NX.

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

Where each one leads

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $97,990), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 301L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,425 a year against $2,309).

The Volvo XC90: more power (183kW against 179kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 1,500kg).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 67

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Volvo XC90's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 28 points), safety (Lexus NX ahead by 25 points), value (Lexus NX ahead by 16 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $884 less (5 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Lexus NX, 301L in the Volvo XC90.

Common questions