Compare the2022 Lexus RXVS 2021 Volvo V90

The Lexus RX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The V90 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The RX offers optional Auto Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The V90 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the RX and the V90 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, 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.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Volvo covers the V90. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the V90 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RX’s reliability 41 points higher than the V90.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX first among midsize premium suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The V90 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 66 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 29th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 62 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 25th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Volvo is ranked 18th.

The RX 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 45 more horsepower (295 vs. 250) and 10 lbs.-ft. more torque (268 vs. 258) than the V90 T5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the RX 450h 3.5 V6 Hybrid CVT AWD gets better fuel mileage than the V90 T6 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder AWD (31 city/28 hwy vs. 21 city/32 hwy).

The RX Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the V90 (17.2 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The RX’s standard fuel tank has 3.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the V90 (19.2 vs. 15.9 gallons).

The RX 450h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The V90 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the RX’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the V90:

The RX has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The V90’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The front and rear suspension of the RX uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the V90, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

For greater off-road capability the RX has a 2.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the V90 (8.2 vs. 6.1 inches), allowing the RX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The RX has .7 inches more front headroom, 1.9 inches more front legroom, .2 inches more front hip room, .3 inches more front shoulder room, 1.1 inches more rear headroom, 2.1 inches more rear legroom, .4 inches more rear hip room and 1.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the V90.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the RX’s rear seats recline. The V90’s rear seats don’t recline.

A control in the cargo area automatically lowers or raises the RX’s optional rear seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The V90 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 32% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 11th.

The RX’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The V90 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the RX has standard extendable sun visors. The V90 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The RX offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The V90 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Consumer Reports® chose the Lexus RX as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Lexus RX outsold the Volvo 90 Series by almost 68 to one during the 2021 model year.