Matchup
Lexus RX vs Volvo XC60
The 2026 RX 350 AWD against the 2026 XC60 B5 Plus, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 3, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- The XC60 stops from 60 mph in 130 ft, 9 ft shorter than the RX (139 ft). TestedMotorTrendTestedMotorTrend
- Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the RX and 3 in the XC60. Simulatedfrom LexusSimulatedfrom Volvo
- In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the XC60 rates Good and the RX Poor. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- The XC60 gets to 60 mph 0.9 s sooner: 6.4 s against 7.3 s. TestedMotorTrendTestedCar and Driver
At a glance
| RX | XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $54,375PublishedLexus | $55,695PublishedVolvo |
| Powertrain | 2.4 L turbocharged four (T24A-FTS) with port and direct injection · Full-time electronically controlled AWD (75:25 to 50:50 front/rear) | 2.0 L turbo four (B420T11) + 48-V integrated starter-generator, mild hybrid · On-demand AWD (electronically controlled rear coupling) |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.3 sTestedMotorTrend | 6.4 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | no data | 166 ft (50.6 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 29.6 cu ft (838 L)PublishedLexus | 21.6 cu ft (612 L)PublishedVolvo |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Lexus | 3Simulatedfrom Volvo |
| Seats | 5Published | 5PublishedEdmunds |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/P/G | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/G/A |
Acceleration
The XC60 gets to 60 mph 0.9 s sooner: 6.4 s against 7.3 s.
| RX | XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 275 hp (205 kW)PublishedLexus | 247 hp (184 kW)PublishedVolvo |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft (430 Nm)PublishedLexus | 266 lb-ft (361 Nm)PublishedVolvo |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 7.3 sTestedMotorTrend | 6.4 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 7.3 sSimulatedfrom MotorTrend | 6.6 sSimulatedfrom Volvo |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | no data | 5.1 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 15.5 sTestedMotorTrend | 14.9 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
The XC60 stops from 60 mph in 130 ft, 9 ft shorter than the RX (139 ft).
| RX | XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | no data | 166 ft (50.6 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | 139 ft (42.4 m)TestedMotorTrend | 130 ft (39.6 m)TestedMotorTrend |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 381 ft (116.3 m)Simulatedfrom MotorTrend | 348 ft (106.2 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 291 ft (88.6 m)Simulatedfrom MotorTrend | 269 ft (81.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 177 ft (54.0 m)Simulatedfrom MotorTrend | 161 ft (49.2 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
No meaningful gap between the RX and the XC60 on what we can measure here.
| RX | XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 4★ · 15.5% riskTestedNHTSA | 4★ · 14.7% riskTestedNHTSA |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.25Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.26Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the XC60 costs about $216 a year less to run: $2,583/yr against $2,799/yr.
| RX | XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $2,799/yrDerivedEPA | $2,583/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver | 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Drag coefficient | 0.35PublishedLexus | 0.32PublishedVolvo |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
The XC60 held 0.85 g on the skidpad against 0.75 g for the RX.
| RX | XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.75 gTestedMotorTrend | 0.85 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.75 gSimulatedfrom MotorTrend | 0.85 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.24 gSimulatedfrom MotorTrend | 0.28 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 38.7 ft (11.8 m)PublishedLexus | 37.4 ft (11.4 m)PublishedVolvo |
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in (21 cm)PublishedLexus | 8.5 in (22 cm)PublishedEdmunds |
| Tires | All-season 235/60R19 · 235/60R19PublishedC/D specs | All-season 235/55R19 · 235/55R19PublishedEdmunds |
Space, luggage and fit
Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the RX and 3 in the XC60.
| RX | XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5Published | 5PublishedEdmunds |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom Lexus | 3Simulatedfrom Volvo |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 0Simulatedfrom Lexus | 0Simulatedfrom Volvo |
| Cargo behind the second row | 29.6 cu ft (838 L)PublishedLexus | 21.6 cu ft (612 L)PublishedVolvo |
| Cargo, seats folded | 46.2 cu ft (1,308 L)PublishedLexus | 63.3 cu ft (1,792 L)PublishedVolvo |
| Towing | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedCar and Driver | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedVolvo |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | +1.0 in (3 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | −0.1 in (0 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +3.4 in (9 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.2 in (5 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +6.5 in (16 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +5.0 in (13 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.9 in (7 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.1 in (5 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +2.1 in (5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.5 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | +0.3 in head · −2.2 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs | −0.4 in head · −1.8 in kneeSimulatedfrom Edmunds |
| Front head room, published | 38.1 in (97 cm)PublishedLexus | 38.0 in (97 cm)PublishedVolvo |
| Rear head room, published | 38.5 in (98 cm)PublishedLexus | 38.0 in (97 cm)PublishedEdmunds |
| Rear leg room, published | 37.4 in (95 cm)PublishedLexus | 38.0 in (97 cm)PublishedEdmunds |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the XC60’s hood hides the first 21 ft of road; the RX’s hides 29 ft.
| RX | XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 29 ft (8.7 m)Simulated | 21 ft (6.5 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 32%Simulated | 37%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
On low beams, the fastest you can drive the RX and still stop inside the lit road is 69 mph; in the XC60 it’s 57 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction).
| RX | XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | GoodTestedIIHS | AcceptableTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 335 ft (102.2 m)TestedIIHS | 235 ft (71.7 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 69 mph (111 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | 57 mph (91 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 453 ft (138.1 m)TestedIIHS | 517 ft (157.6 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the XC60 rates Good and the RX Poor.
| RX | XC60 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5★TestedNHTSA | 5★TestedNHTSA |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | PoorTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | AcceptableTestedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 4,394 lb (1,993 kg)TestedMotorTrend | 4,107 lb (1,863 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Lexus RX
- Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the RX and 3 in the XC60. Simulatedfrom LexusSimulatedfrom Volvo
- The RX has 8.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 29.6 cu ft against 21.6 cu ft. PublishedLexusPublishedVolvo
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the RX and still stop inside the lit road is 69 mph; in the XC60 it’s 57 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
- IIHS measured the RX’s low beams lighting the road 100 ft farther on a straightaway: 335 ft against 235 ft. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- IIHS rates the RX’s headlights Good and the XC60’s Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- In the IIHS side test the RX rates Good and the XC60 Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +1.0 in between head and headliner in the RX and −0.1 in in the XC60. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulatedfrom Edmunds
- The RX makes 28 hp more: 275 hp against 247 hp. PublishedLexusPublishedVolvo
- A 5-ft-11 rear passenger has +2.9 in of head room in the RX and +2.1 in in the XC60. Simulated, estimated inputsSimulatedfrom Edmunds
Volvo XC60
- The XC60 stops from 60 mph in 130 ft, 9 ft shorter than the RX (139 ft). TestedMotorTrendTestedMotorTrend
- In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the XC60 rates Good and the RX Poor. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- The XC60 gets to 60 mph 0.9 s sooner: 6.4 s against 7.3 s. TestedMotorTrendTestedCar and Driver
- From the driver’s seat the XC60’s hood hides the first 21 ft of road; the RX’s hides 29 ft. Simulated
- The XC60 held 0.85 g on the skidpad against 0.75 g for the RX. TestedMotorTrendTestedCar and Driver
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the XC60 costs about $216 a year less to run: $2,583/yr against $2,799/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The XC60 is rated 26 mpg combined by the EPA, 2 mpg better than the RX (24 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- On packed snow the XC60 can pull away at 0.28 g, against 0.24 g for the RX. Simulatedfrom MotorTrendSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
- Drivers see 37% of the ground within 33 ft of the XC60’s nose and 32% in the RX. Simulated
Other trims
- RX 350 AWD · on this page
- RX 350h F Sport Design
- XC60 B5 Plus · on this page
- XC60 T8 Ultra
Keep comparing
Sources
- MotorTrend: 2023 Lexus RX SUV of the Year review (test data: RX 350 FWD, RX 350h, RX 500h) (2023-10)
- MotorTrend: 2018 Volvo XC60 T5 and T6 First Test (2017-10)
- Lexus Canada: 2026 RX Product Information (dimensions, overhangs, Cd, gear ratios, weights, motors, battery, interior) (2026-10)
- Volvo Support US: XC60 vehicle dimensions (updated 03/30/2026) (2026-09)
- IIHS: 2026 Lexus RX ratings (crash tests apply to 2023–26 models) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Volvo XC60 ratings (crash tests apply to 2018–26 models) (2026-09)
- MotorTrend: 2023 Lexus RX350 F Sport First Test (RX 350 AWD F Sport Handling) (2023-01)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2018 Volvo XC60 T5 AWD (2018-05)
- Lexus: 2026 RX grades, starting MSRP, 0–60 estimates, top speed and fuel capacity; $1,550 RX delivery, processing and handling fee (Lexus pricing disclaimer) (2026-10)
- Volvo Cars USA: 2026 XC60 trims and starting MSRP (includes $1,395 destination) (2026-09)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Lexus RX 350 AWD (id 49858) and RX 350h AWD (id 49857) ratings (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 AWD and T8 AWD ratings (2026-09)
- Volvo Cars USA: 2026 XC60 mild hybrid specifications (B5 AWD) (2026-09)
- Edmunds: 2026 Volvo XC60 specs and features (prices, curb weight, tires, interior) (2026-09)
- Volvo Support: XC60 engine specifications (B420T11 B5 AWD) (2026-09)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Lexus RX 350 SUV AWD (VehicleId 21620) (2026-10)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Volvo XC60 SUV MHEV AWD (VehicleId 20876) (2026-09)
- Car and Driver: Tested: The Larger 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hits the Mark (XLE AWD and Hybrid Max Platinum) (2023-08)
- Volvo Car UK Media Newsroom: XC60 technical data (drag coefficient, frontal area, engine speeds) (2026-09)
- Car and Driver (Chrome Data): 2026 Lexus RX 350 features and specs (gear ratios, 3.33 axle, 19-in wheels and P235/60VR19 tires) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: 2026 Lexus RX review, pricing and specs (RX 350 not yet instrument-tested; towing) (2026-10)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.