2026 Volvo XC60 vs Lexus RX 350

2026 Volvo XC60 vs. 2026 Lexus RX 350 at a Glance

  • Although the Lexus RX 350 is available with all wheel drive, the Volvo XC60 comes standard with AWD.
  • The Lexus brand has always been known for its value pricing, but the Volvo XC60 has a lower starting MSRP than the Lexus RX 350.
  • These two five-seaters may be similar in size, but the Volvo XC60 has additional interior space in key areas, such as front and rear legroom.
  • When it comes to cargo volume, the Volvo XC60 has more than 17 additional cubic feet of maximum load space than the Lexus RX 350.
  • The Volvo XC60 has a larger standard 11.2-inch infotainment display compared to the standard 9.8-inch screen in the Lexus RX 350.

Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350: Performance & Power

Let's start our Volvo XC60 vs Lexus RX 350 comparison with a look at performance. Both models come equipped with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Despite making more horsepower and torque than the standard Volvo XC60 setup, the standard gas-only engine for the Lexus RX 350 is slower to hit the 60 mph mark.

The Volvo XC60 also comes standard with AWD and a mild-hybrid powertrain-two things you'll have to upgrade your Lexus RX 350 to get-giving it an advantage in efficiency and handling.

You can expect up to an EPA-estimated 23/30 MPG (City/Highway) with the standard Volvo XC60 build whereas the FWD Lexus RX 350 is rated at 22/29 MPG (City/Highway) and doesn't even have AWD.

In terms of available powertrains, the Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid blows away anything the Lexus RX 350 has to offer, as evidenced in the chart below:

FeatureVolvo XC60Lexus RX 350Volvo XC60 Plug-In HybridLexus RX 350h
Starting MSRP$50,9953$51,1754$62,4453$53,4754
Engine2.0L turbo 4-cyl2.4L turbo 4-cyl2.0L turbo 4-cyl PHEV2.5L 4-cyl mild hybrid
Horsepower247275455246
Torque266 lb-ft317 lb-ft523 lb-ft233 lb-ft
DrivetrainAWDFWD or AWDAWDAWD
0-60 MPH6.5 sec7.6 sec (FWD)
7.2 sec (AWD)
4.5 sec7.4 sec
Max EPA-Est. MPG
(City / Hwy / Comb)
23 / 30 / 26122 / 29 / 252-37 / 34 / 365
Max EPA-Est. MPGe (Comb)--636-
Fuel Tank Capacity18.8 gal17.8 gal18.8 gal17.2 gal
Max Towing Capacity3,500 lbs73,500 lbs83,500 lbs73,500 lbs8
Wheelbase112.8 in112.2 in112.8 in112.2 in
Length185.4 in192.5 in185.4 in192.5 in
Seating Capacity5555
Max Cargo Room63.3 cu ft46.2 cu ft63.3 cu ft46.2 cu ft

Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350: Interior Comfort & Tech

Every new Volvo XC60 for sale comes equipped with an 11.2-inch infotainment display that lets you control Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in services. Audiophiles will appreciate the available 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

On the other hand, the Lexus RX 350 also starts out with smartphone integration, but you won't find Google services. It has a smaller 9.8-inch standard touchscreen, too, though a larger option is available. You can also equip your Lexus RX 350 with a premium Mark Levinson sound system, but it's an optional upgrade.

Both SUVs come standard with ample creature comforts, including heated front seats and leatherette seating. However, the Volvo XC60 has some unique appointments such as a standard crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors.

Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350: Safety

The Volvo brand is synonymous with automotive safety. It has been consistently awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ accolades between 2010 and 2024. The Lexus RX 350 has seen its share of accolades, but it did not test as well as the Volvo XC60 in certain crash test ratings.

The Volvo XC60 provides more standard driver-assistance systems than its competitor. You won't find systems like Slippery Road Alert, Whiplash Injury Protection or an Intelligent Driver Information System anywhere in the Lexus RX trim menu, all of which come standard with the Volvo XC60.

Test-Drive Your Next SUV at Volvo Cars of Little Rock

While there is no denying that the 2026 Lexus RX 350 is an excellent choice, it simply cannot outclass the upscale appointments and high-end performance provided by the 2026 Volvo XC60.

Stop by Volvo Cars of Little Rock-our team will happily answer any questions.