Volvo XC60 Vs. Lexus NX: Comparing Specs, Performance & Comfort
Expand or Narrow Your Inventory Search Using These Convenient Quick Links:
If you're looking for the ideal five-seater luxury SUV, our Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX guide puts two of the most popular models side by side. Where the Lexus NX offers an efficient, tech-savvy compact SUV with a flashy exterior, a peek inside the interior reveals a rather cramped reality. Meanwhile, the midsize Volvo XC60 delivers on its promises of a comfortable, tech-heavy interior designed to cater to your whole family.
Let's look at the highlights of these premium SUVs so you can come to Volvo Cars Sarasota to see the winner.
At a Glance: Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX
- The Volvo XC60 is more fun to drive than the Lexus NX; it makes more standard horsepower and torque, delivering a quicker 0-60 mph time in its base configuration than nearly every model in the entire 13-trim Lexus NX lineup.
- The Lexus NX has less legroom than the Volvo XC60 in both the front and back rows.
- The Volvo XC60 has more than 16 cubic feet of additional maximum storage space than the Lexus NX.
- The Volvo SUV provides a more robust top-tier model; the Volvo XC60 Ultra has ventilated Nappa leather upholstery and a Head-Up Display.
- The new Volvo XC60 is more powerful and better equipped than the Lexus NX.
Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX Specs
Before we dive into numbers, let's compare Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX trim options. The Volvo XC60 gives you four incredibly well-appointed trim options: Core, Plus, Ultra, and Ultra Black Edition. As you climb inside, you receive improved features and options, like the Head-Up Display on the Ultra trim. You'll utilize the B5 engine to reach impressive performance levels no matter the trim.
Meanwhile, the new Lexus NX lineup overwhelms a bit with seven different trim levels, from the base NX 250 to the most advanced NX 450h+ SPORT Handling AWD. These come with different drivetrains, optional packages to unlock luxury features, and extra features to pick your way through. Even normal luxury SUV options like a wireless charger require planning and additional fees.
Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX Performance
← Drag to scroll →
| Model | Volvo XC60 Core | Lexus NX 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder hybrid turbo | 2.5L I4 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Horsepower | 247 | 203 |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| EPA-estimated MPG (Cty / Hwy / Cmb) | 23 / 30 / 261 | 26 / 33 / 282 |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.8 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Fuel Type | Premium | Regular |
| 0-60 Time | 6.5 sec | 8.2 sec |
| Standard Features |
|
|
Let's look under the hoods of the 2025 Volvo XC60 vs. 2025 Lexus NX. The Lexus NX offers four different powertrains, while the new Volvo XC60 SUV provides one – plus the plug-in hybrid powertrain available in the Volvo XC60 Recharge, which is its own model with a similar trim lineup.
The B5 mild-hybrid powertrain is powerful, putting out 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque with every Volvo XC60. The Lexus NX engine, while slightly better for fuel economy, pales in comparison. Your smooth drive loses over 40 horsepower and 70 pound-feet of torque, greatly reducing the 0-60 time and smoothness on the road. The other two engine options fare better in the horsepower department, but not well – the NX 350h hybrid engine is weaker, while the highest-power 350 engine loses its fuel-efficient edge.
The Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX comparison for the plug-in hybrid models looks similar. The Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 powertrain provides a higher net horsepower than the 450h+ PHEV trim, at 455 horsepower vs. 304 horsepower.
Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX Dimensions
← Drag to scroll →
| Model | Volvo XC60 Core | Lexus NX 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 65.4 in | 65.4 in |
| Length | 185.4 in | 183.5 in |
| Width (without mirrors) | 78.7 in | 73.4 in |
| Headroom (Front / Rear) | 38 / 38 in |
|
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 41.5 / 38 in | 41 / 36.1 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Space | 63.3 cu ft | 46.9 cu ft |
The potent B5 engine carries a roomy cabin designed for family comfort. The Volvo XC60 gives your second-row passengers up to 38 inches of legroom, letting your family relax after school or on road trips. When you need more storage space, fold the back row for 63.3 cubic feet of cargo room. As the Volvo brand's midsize SUV, when you compare the Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC40, the Volvo XC60 gives you and your passengers ample space.
We can't say the same for the Lexus NX. Fold the back row of this model and reveal a rather tight 46.9 cubic feet of cargo space to work with. The passenger volume isn't much better: Avoid putting a grownup or teenager in the back row, as they'll have to contend with just 36.1 inches of legroom.
Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX Interior
Climb inside the roomy Volvo XC60 for a world of additional comfort. You start with standard leatherette seating surfaces and upgrade to ventilated Nappa Leather, enhancing your drive with a comfortable and luxuriant feel. Find your style with gorgeous leather interior colors like Blond, Charcoal, or Maroon.
The Lexus NX interior attempts to emulate this style by using many color options and NuLuxe upholstery, a synthetic option that's standard until you get to the hybrid trims. Some models let you upgrade to perforated leather instead, almost closing the gap in homeliness offered by the Volvo XC60.
Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX Tech & Safety
When it comes to technology, the Volvo XC60 knows comfort and safety is everything. You can experience four-zone climate control in the Ultra model, perfect for road trips and long days, while the Lexus NX prefers all models to keep a two-zone climate system.
A 12-inch instrument panel and optional Head-Up Display for the Volvo XC60 keep you informed about everything you need to drive safely. On the other hand, the Lexus NX prefers to put screen space into the infotainment console, with a smaller 7-inch multi-information display for the most critical aspects of your car and a Head-Up Display optional package.
Experience the Volvo XC60 in Person at Volvo Cars Sarasota
Now that you know the 2025 Lexus NX vs. 2025 Volvo XC60 comparison, are you ready to explore the smoother, roomier drive yourself? Visit our showroom and explore our new Volvo XC60 lease specials. We want you to experience what a high-end SUV offers at a price that fits your family plan.
If you're looking for a different future-facing drive, our new Volvo specials can help you drive home in a vehicle option that prioritizes your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Difference Between Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX
Is the Lexus NX the same size as the Volvo XC60?
You'll find two similarly sized five-seat SUVs when you check the Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX size comparison. However, the Lexus NX has a cramped 46.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, compared to the 63.3 cubic feet of space behind the front row of a Volvo XC60. Passenger space is similar, with the Volvo XC60 having almost 2 more inches of second-row legroom.
What is the 0-60 time for the Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX?
The Volvo XC60 boasts an excellent start-up time of 6.5 seconds, while the Lexus NX 0-60 time ranges from a slow 8.2 seconds to a solid 6.6 seconds, depending on the powertrain you select. Even the mid-range powertrain, the 2.4-liter turbo engine on NX 350 models, fails to outpace the Volvo XC60 0-60 mph time at 6.5 seconds.
What is more fuel-efficient: the Volvo XC60 or the Lexus NX?
The base trim of the Lexus NX and the hybrid NX models have slightly better fuel efficiency than the Volvo XC60. However, if you want similar power to the B5 powertrain of the Volvo XC60, you'll need the NX 350, which has lower fuel efficiency ratings than the Volvo XC60. The NX cannot emulate the smooth and powerful drive of the B5 powertrain without compromising fuel economy.
Contact Us Today
* Indicates a required field
1EPA 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/
2EPA-estimated 25 city/ 33 hwy/ 28 comb MPG rating for 2025 Lexus NX 250. 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.