2025 Volvo XC60 Vs. 2025 Lexus RX 350: Luxury SUV Showdown

Side by Side: The Luxury Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350

Comparing the Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350 reveals only one major similarity: They're both five-seat luxury SUVs. Beyond this, whether you're looking at the pricing or the panoramic roof options, the Volvo XC60 offers more and does it with a classier interpretation of what a luxury SUV should be. See the details below, and once you know that the Volvo XC60 is the right SUV for you, come to Volvo Cars Richmond for a test drive – we'll help you experience an elevated lifestyle.

The Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350 comparison begins with a hit to the Volvo SUV: It has less horsepower than the Lexus model. However, the actual performance specs are a dominant area for the Volvo XC60. Firstly, the Volvo XC60 has standard AWD, while the already more expensive Lexus RX 350 asks for even more money if you want all-wheel power.

As you can see in the chart above, the less-powerful Volvo XC60 outruns both the FWD and AWD versions of the Lexus RX 350 to 60 mph and then trounces both of those Lexus RX 350 configurations for fuel economy. So, the Volvo XC60 will be faster than and deliver at least one more EPA-estimated MPG in every category vs. every Lexus RX 350,^{3, 4, 5} and to make matters even worse for the Lexus SUV, the Volvo XC60 also boasts a 1.4-foot tighter turning circle for superior maneuverability.

With both SUVs reaching the same maximum towing capacity (3,500 pounds when properly equipped), we can only declare the performance round of the Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350 showdown a total victory for the Volvo model.

And in the measures that matter to SUV shoppers, the space-based Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350 comparison goes exactly the same way as the last round: The Volvo XC60 has one area that seems deficient, but it's immediately followed up by a spec sheet full of wins. By this, we mean that the far shorter exterior of a Volvo XC60 hints at a more cramped vehicle, and yet the opposite is true: The Lexus RX 350 interior has less legroom in each row and has pretty much the same side-to-side shoulder room as the smaller Volvo XC60 SUV.

Shockingly, a Volvo XC60 lease also exceeds the larger, less maneuverable Lexus RX 350 for overall cargo room, offering a significant 17.1 cubic feet of extra storage space, a difference encompassing more cubic footage than a typical sedan's trunk.

Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350 Reliability & Safety

As we've seen time and time again, like in our Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 comparison, a Volvo SUV goes farther with more peace of mind.

For example, both the Volvo XC60 and Lexus RX 350 have the same RepairPal.com reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.^{6, 7} But in IIHS crash-testing, the Lexus RX 350 got a "Poor" rating (the worst score that the IIHS hands out) in the updated version of the Moderate Overlap Front crash test,⁸ while the Volvo XC60 received a "Good" rating (the highest mark) for that same test.⁹

Considering that this means a Lexus RX 350 has a higher risk of injuring rear passengers' chests in a moderate overlap front collision,^{8, 9} and that the Volvo XC60 has additional safety features (like a Whiplash-Injury Protection System built into the seats), this round of the Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350 debate goes exactly like the last ones: a total win for the Volvo SUV.

See the New Volvo XC60 Up Close and Personal at Volvo Cars Richmond

Spec-sheet wins are only a signifier of a great vehicle. The full experience can only be felt in person once the intricate details, dynamic engineering, and beautiful styling of a Volvo SUV are right in front of you. So, to see it all and discover the full benefits by going on a test drive, head over to or contact our Volvo dealership to meet our new Volvo XC60 inventory today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Volvo XC60 or RX 350 offer better standard safety tech?

The Volvo XC60 and Lexus RX 350 are fairly equal for standard safety tech, with both SUVs offering a standard Blind-Spot Monitor, Lane-Keeping System, and Road Sign Info system. However, the true test of a car's safety is the actual engineering and craftsmanship. In IIHS testing, the Lexus RX 350 received far lower marks than the Volvo XC60 for the updated Moderate Overlap Front crash test.^{8, 9}

Which SUV provides a more refined cabin experience, the Volvo XC60 or the Lexus RX 350?

The Lexus RX 350 SUV's cabin experience can be described as "trendy," but do remember that trends are usually the opposite of refinement: They're the automaker chasing what's new rather than building upon what's already working. Compared to the rather "edgy" Lexus RX 350, the Volvo XC60 interior focuses on blending modern advancements with traditional craft and can be considered a more refined cabin experience.

Which SUV offers a more modern interior design: the 2025 Volvo XC60 or the 2025 Lexus RX 350?

Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350 interior design sees no compromise on modernity, but these SUVs take different approaches to style. The Lexus RX 350 embraces trendy "edginess" and lets its touchscreen dominate the visual landscape of its interior. Meanwhile, the Volvo XC60 makes zero sacrifices in terms of modern features yet surrounds them with a more familiar, friendly, and tactile interior design.

¹Prices shown are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), Base Price or Starting At price and excludes destination fees, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees.

²Starting MSRP includes the Delivery, Processing and Handling fee (DPH), which is subject to change at any time. Excludes manufacturer and dealer options, taxes, title and license, and dealer fees and charges. Dealer price will vary.

³EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/

⁴EPA-estimated 22 city/ 29 hwy/ 25 comb MPG rating for 2025 Lexus RX 350 FWD. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

⁵EPA-estimated 21 city/ 28 hwy/ 24 comb MPG rating for 2025 Lexus RX 350 AWD. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

⁶Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/volvo/xc60

⁷Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/lexus/rx350

⁸Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/lexus/rx-4-door-suv/2025

⁹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volvo/xc60-4-door-suv/2025