2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding visual presence, thanks to its huge spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end looked ready to dominate the road, framed by massive headlights that added to its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX’s short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested it was built for tackling obstacles rather than just looking good.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a more refined and purposeful design. Its front end was stout and solid without being overly flashy, and the grille was assertive yet tastefully sized. The “Thor’s Hammer” headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The XC90’s dimensions leaned toward rectilinear, but it no longer resembled a rolling brick. Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones, adding richness and depth to its appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered a linear rise in noise and power as the accelerator was depressed. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn’t win many battles on paper, the V8’s sound and satisfaction were appealing to some. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX’s weight made it roll through corners, but its predictable and controllable roll, strong brakes, and communicative road feel were notable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system made it user-friendly in various conditions.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 engine, with a supercharger, turbo, and mild-hybrid tech, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The XC90’s eight-speed automatic transmission provided quick acceleration, and the vehicle handled well with minimal roll through corners. The XC90’s brakes were solid and confidence-inspiring. While it lacked extensive off-road features, the XC90’s simplicity in driving dynamics was appreciated.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a handy space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked USB-C ports, and the door pockets were small. The GX’s hard buttons were a blessing for those who preferred physical controls over touchscreens. The center console lid’s sliding mechanisms allowed for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with good legroom and headroom. The third row, however, was too tight for regular use. The GX’s side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open, and the cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, but the Scandinavian minimalism led to storage frustrations. There was no dedicated space for a cell phone, and the center console bin was small. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench seat, but removing the middle seat for captain’s chairs required an upgrade to the B6 engine and an additional $500. The third row was difficult to access and offered limited space. The XC90 provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, falling short of some competitors.

The 2023 Lexus GX’s infotainment system, revamped in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, with integrations like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as competitors. The GX’s off-road capability was impressive, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The natural-language recognition was excellent, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were filed within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The XC90’s minimalist design meant fewer physical buttons, which could be inconvenient for some functions. While these issues might fade with daily use, they were notable during testing.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite this, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was well-regarded for safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2022. It featured adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which helped maintain distance and lane position. These safety features were standard on the XC90.