Compare the2022 Volvo XC60VS 2021 Lexus NX Series

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages

Safety

© 1999 - 2025Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (“Advanta-STAR”). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2025/04/24

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Volvo XC60 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Lexus NX Series doesn’t offer pretensioners for the rear seat belts.

Both the XC60 and NX Series have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The XC60 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The NX Series’ child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The Volvo XC60 offers optional built in child booster seats. They’re more crash worthy than an added child seat because of their direct attachment to the seat. Lexus doesn’t offer the convenience and security of a built-in child booster seat in the NX Series. Their owners must carry a heavy booster seat in and out of the vehicle; XC60 owners can just fold their built-in child seat up or down.

The XC60 has standard Automatic Braking After Collision, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The NX Series doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Compared to metal, the XC60’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Lexus NX Series has a metal gas tank.

Both the XC60 and the NX Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volvo XC60 is safer than the Lexus NX Series:

	XC60	NX Series
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	125	209
Neck Injury Risk	22%	46%
Neck Stress	198 lbs.	509 lbs.
Neck Compression	15 lbs.	24 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	489/470 lbs.	480/609 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	178	355
Neck Injury Risk	28%	42%
Neck Stress	179 lbs.	295 lbs.
Neck Compression	55 lbs.	70 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	329/351 lbs.	442/307 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volvo XC60 is safer than the Lexus NX Series:

	XC60	NX Series
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	73	192
Abdominal Force	126 lbs.	148 lbs.
Hip Force	190 lbs.	352 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	185	317
Spine Acceleration	45 G’s	49 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	15 inches
HIC	237	542
Spine Acceleration	29 G’s	38 G’s
Hip Force	410 lbs.	828 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

The XC60’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the NX Series’ (12 vs. 6 years).

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the XC60 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the NX Series (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 15 percent more Volvo dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the XC60’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the XC60 has a standard 800-amp battery (850 T8). The NX Series’ 580-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

The battery on the XC60 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the XC60’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The NX Series’ battery is in the hot engine compartment.

Engine

The XC60 has more powerful engines than the NX Series:

	Horsepower	Torque
XC60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	250 HP	258 lbs.-ft.
XC60 B6 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder	316 HP	295 lbs.-ft.
XC60 T8 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid	400 HP	472 lbs.-ft.
XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid	415 HP	494 lbs.-ft.
NX 300h 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	194 HP	199 lbs.-ft.
NX 300 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	235 HP	258 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Motor Trend the XC60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Lexus NX Series:

	XC60	NX 300h	NX 300
Zero to 60 MPH	6.2 sec	8.3 sec	7 sec
Quarter Mile	14.7 sec	16.3 sec	15.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91.5 MPH	84.5 MPH	90.7 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the XC60 running on electricity gets better mileage than the NX Series:

			MPGe
XC60
	AWD	T8 Electric Motor	59 city/55 hwy
NX Series
			MPG
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/28 hwy
	AWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	33 city/30 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/28 hwy
		F Sport 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/27 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the XC60 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the NX Series:

			MPG
XC60
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/30 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/28 hwy
		2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cyl. Hybrid	24 city/27 hwy
NX Series
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/28 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/28 hwy
		F Sport 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/27 hwy

The XC60 B5’s maximum driving range in pure electric mode is 19 miles, about 12 times as far as the NX 300h’s 1.6 mile range.

Regardless of its engine, the XC60’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip with its optional disable switch. Lexus only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the NX Series 300h.

The XC60 has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the NX Series Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (18.8 vs. 14.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The XC60 has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the NX Series’ standard fuel tank (18.8 vs. 15.9 gallons).

The XC60 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The NX Series doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volvo XC60 higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Lexus NX Series (3 to 7). This means the XC60 produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the NX Series every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Volvo XC60, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the NX Series.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered’s brake rotors are larger than those on the NX Series:

	XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered	NX Series
Front Rotors	15.7 inches	12.9 inches
Rear Rotors	12.6 inches	11.1 inches

The XC60’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the NX Series are solid, not vented.

The XC60 stops much shorter than the NX Series:

	XC60	NX Series
70 to 0 MPH	169 feet	183 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	127 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	129 feet	142 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the XC60 has larger standard tires than the NX Series (235/60R18 vs. 225/65R17). The XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the NX Series (265/35R22 vs. 235/55R18).

The XC60’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the NX Series’ standard 65 series tires. The XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the NX Series F Sport’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XC60 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the NX Series. The XC60’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the NX Series.

Suspension and Handling

The XC60 T6/T8 has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The XC60’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The NX Series doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XC60’s wheelbase is 8.1 inches longer than on the NX Series (112.8 inches vs. 104.7 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the XC60 is 3.1 inches wider in the front and 3.2 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the NX Series.

The XC60 B6 AWD R-Design handles at .88 G’s, while the NX 300 F Sport AWD pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The XC60 B5 AWD Momentum executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the NX 300h AWD (26.6 seconds @ .64 average G’s vs. 27.8 seconds @ .63 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the XC60 w/Air Suspension has a 1.6 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the NX 300h (8.3 vs. 6.7 inches), allowing the XC60 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The XC60’s minimum ground clearance is 1.6 inches higher than on the NX 300 (8.5 vs. 6.9 inches).

Chassis

The design of the Volvo XC60 amounts to more than styling. The XC60 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .32 Cd. That is lower than the NX Series (.34) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the XC60 get better fuel mileage.

Passenger Space

The XC60 has 31.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the NX Series (103 vs. 71.6).

The XC60 has .9 inches more front headroom, 1.3 inches more front hip room, .9 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear headroom, 1.9 inches more rear legroom, 1.5 inches more rear hip room and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the NX Series.

Cargo Capacity

The XC60 has a much larger cargo volume than the NX Series with its rear seat up (21.6 vs. 17.7 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the XC60 easier. The XC60’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 26 inches, while the NX Series’ liftover is 31.2 inches.

Towing

The XC60’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the NX Series’ (3500 vs. 0 pounds).

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the NX Series, the XC60 R-Design/Inscription has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The XC60 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The NX Series doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The XC60’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The NX Series’ power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The XC60’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The NX Series’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the XC60 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The NX Series doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The XC60 offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The NX Series doesn’t offer headlight washers.

Both the XC60 and the NX Series offer optional heated front seats. The XC60 also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the NX Series.

The XC60 Inscription offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the NX Series.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volvo XC60 offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The NX Series doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The XC60 R-Design/Inscription’s optional Park Assist Pilot can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The NX Series doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the XC60 is less expensive to operate than the NX Series because it costs $527 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the XC60 than the NX Series, including $39 less for a water pump, $346 less for a muffler, $131 less for fuel injection, $983 less for a timing belt/chain and $16 less for a power steering pump.

See Available Inventory