2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. While maintaining its recognizable boxy profile and blunt front end, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, emphasizing its crossover nature. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with high-quality materials like matte-finish wood and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured sharp edges and a streamlined profile, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look. Built on the previous-generation Toyota RAV4 platform, the NX Hybrid was a step behind in engineering compared to its Toyota counterpart. The F Sport Black Line model added sporty elements like a larger mesh grille and dark-finish 18-inch wheels, complemented by the striking Grecian Water blue paint. Inside, the NX Hybrid's design, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional wood trim. The Black Line package added features like an F Sport heated steering wheel and aluminum pedals, but the overall material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model produced 250 horsepower, while the T6 increased output to 316 hp with turbocharging and supercharging. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Despite the impressive power, the small engine struggled with flexibility, and the XC90 often required the gasoline engine to assist even at low speeds. The XC90 excelled in luxury, with an optional air-suspension system providing a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. It also offered a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 194 horsepower. The NX 300h came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on efficiency than excitement. With a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds, it was not a performance vehicle. The Black Line package's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering remained numb. The NX Hybrid offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, but they made little difference in performance. The NX felt less refined than newer models based on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across its three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. A power moonroof and four-zone climate control enhanced the spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with the worst rear legroom in its class. The front seats offered good support, especially with the Black Line-specific bolstering. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility, but the dashboard design was functional. Cargo space was 16.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded, less than the gasoline NX 300 model. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was intuitive, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that minimized the need for analog controls. However, the text-heavy menus were challenging to read while driving, and the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, the system felt dated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. The base audio system was tinny, and upgrading to the Mark Levinson system was necessary for better sound quality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid also earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a robust array of standard safety features, although it lacked a 360-degree camera system.