Volvo XC60 Vs. Lexus NX: Comparing Specs, Performance & Comfort
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If you're looking for the ideal five-seater luxury SUV, our 2026 Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX guide puts two of the most popular models side by side. The compact Lexus NX puts up quite a fight against the midsize Volvo XC60, but at the end of the day, it's the Volvo SUV that comes out ahead in numerous ways.
Let's look at the highlights of these premium SUVs and how they stack up. After, we invite you to come to Volvo Cars Sarasota to see the winning – in our opinion – Volvo XC60.
At a Glance: 2026 Volvo XC60 vs. 2026 Lexus NX
- While the Lexus NX delivers a higher power output, the Volvo XC60 has a stronger towing capacity, a better MPG rating, and a quicker 0-60 mph time
- The Volvo XC60 is slightly larger than the Lexus NX, and it provides more passenger room in various areas and more maximum cargo volume
- In terms of technology, the Volvo SUV offers an 11.2-inch center display and a 12.3-inch driver display as standard; the Lexus SUV has a 9.8-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch multi-information display by comparison
- Standard amenities are more robust in the Volvo XC60, as it boasts wireless charging, fog lights, and an Orrefors® crystal gear selector knob, the latter two of which are not offered at all in the NX
Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX Specs
Before we dive into numbers, let's compare the 2026 Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX trim options. The new Volvo XC60 SUV gives you three incredibly well-appointed trims: Core, Plus, and Ultra. When you climb inside, you have access to a range of premium amenities, such as wireless charging and a panoramic roof. Higher trims add features like an air purifier and a Head-Up Display. Every variant runs on the same B5 engine.
Meanwhile, the gasoline-powered Lexus NX lineup has four trim levels: 350, 350 Premium, 350 Luxury, and 350 F SPORT Handling. Right off the bat, we see that it struggles to hold a candle to what the Volvo XC60 offers. The wireless charging and panoramic roof that are standard in the Volvo XC60 are only accessible through a package in the base NX trim, which means you have to pay up for these items.
Additionally, the Lexus NX comes standard with a 9.8-inch center touchscreen and a 7-inch multi-information display. The Volvo XC60 features an 11.3-inch center display and a 12.3-inch driver digital display as standard equipment. Similar to the Volvo SUV, however, the Lexus SUV offers one engine choice.
Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX Performance
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| 2026 Volvo XC60 | 2026 Lexus NX | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | 2.4L turbo 4-cyl |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Horsepower | 247 | 275 |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 23 / 30 / 261 | 28 / 21 / 242 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Max Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs3 | 2,000 lbs4 |
| 0-60 MPH Acceleration Time | 6.5 s | 6.6 s |
| Standard Features |
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Let's look under the hood of the 2026 Volvo XC60 vs. 2026 Lexus NX. The B5 mild-hybrid powertrain is powerful, putting out 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque in every Volvo XC60. The Lexus NX manages only slightly higher output with its standard 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Even with its greater performance specs, it leaps from zero to 60 mph slower than the Volvo XC60. The Volvo SUV also has a more impressive MPG rating, complemented by a larger fuel tank capacity.
Both SUVs are offered as plug-in hybrid variants, with the Volvo XC60 PHEV offering significantly more power. It churns out 455 horsepower, while the Lexus NX 450h+ only makes it to 304 net horsepower.
Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX Dimensions
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| 2026 Volvo XC60 | 2026 Lexus NX | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4 in | 183.5 in |
| Width (Without Mirrors) | 78.7 in | 73.4 in |
| Height | 65.4 in | 65.8 - 66.1 in |
| Max Headroom (Front / Rear) | 39.7 / 38 in | 38.3 / 38.5 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 41.5 / 38 in | 41 / 36.1 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Space (Min / Max) | 17 / 63.3 cu ft | 22.7 / 46.9 cu ft |
As we can see in the chart above, the Volvo XC60 takes the lead in numerous categories: front-row headroom, front- and second-row legroom, and maximum cargo volume. When it comes to passenger volume and cargo versatility, we deem the 2026 Volvo XC60 the champion.
If you're interested in seeing how the Volvo XC60 stacks up against a smaller model, compare the Volvo XC60 vs. Volvo XC40 in our guide.
Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX Interior
Slide behind the wheel of the 2026 Volvo XC60 for a world of comfort. It starts with standard quilted Nordico seating surfaces and upgrades to Nappa leather, enhancing your drive with a more luxurious feel. Find your style with gorgeous interior colors like Blond, Cardamom, Charcoal, and Navy Herringbone. All upholstery options are complemented by natural driftwood decor and a Blond headliner, as well as the Orrefors® crystal gear selector knob.
The 2026 Lexus NX interior attempts to emulate this style with various color options and standard NuLuxe upholstery, a synthetic leather. However, leather does become standard a couple of trim levels up. NuLuxe interior trim is equipped in the base models, while higher variants get Black open-pore wood or Dark Graphite aluminum.
Both SUVs feature a power-adjustable driver's seat with two-way lumbar support as standard equipment, but only the Volvo XC60 also has memory settings integrated. Additionally, while the Volvo XC60 and Lexus NX come with two-zone climate control, the Volvo SUV upgrades to a four-zone system in its top trim – the NX offers no other options.
Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX Tech & Safety
In the realm of technology, the Volvo XC60 knows comfort and safety are everything. The 12.3-inch driver digital display and available Head-Up Display for the Volvo XC60 keep you informed about everything you need to drive confidently. Meanwhile, the Lexus NX prefers to put screen space into the center stack, as it has a smaller 7-inch multi-information display across all trims. However, it also offers an available Head-Up Display.
Speaking of the center stack, the NX is standard with a 9.8-inch touchscreen, while the Volvo XC60 boasts an 11.2-inch display. Furthermore, the Volvo SUV comes standard with amenities like a wireless charger and afterrun parking climate; the former is offered in top trims of the NX and the latter is not available at all.
In terms of safety, the 2026 Volvo XC60 and 2026 Lexus NX feature similar systems. For example, the Volvo SUV has Road Sign Information and Oncoming Lane Mitigation, while the Lexus SUV offers Road Sign Assist and Lane Departure Alert. However, the Volvo XC60 also comes with Slippery Road Alert and fog lights, which you won't find at all with the Lexus NX.
Experience the Volvo XC60 at Volvo Cars Sarasota
Now that you know more about the 2026 Lexus NX vs. 2026 Volvo XC60, are you ready to explore the Volvo XC60? Visit our showroom and discuss our new Volvo XC60 lease specials and finance offers with us. We want you to help you get behind the wheel of this high-end SUV at a price that fits your lifestyle and needs.
However, keep in mind that we regularly run a range of new Volvo specials for all types of Volvo models.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Difference Between the Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX
Is the Lexus NX the same size as the Volvo XC60?
The Lexus NX is not the same size as the Volvo XC60, but it is close. The Volvo SUV is a bit longer and wider, and it has greater passenger space in numerous areas as well as a larger maximum cargo area. However, both seat five occupants and offer flexible seating arrangements. Contact us for further details about the Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX size.
What is the 0-60 time for the Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus NX?
The Volvo XC60 boasts a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds, while the Lexus NX 0-60 time is 6.6 seconds. Both are equally swift, but the Volvo SUV has the slight edge in acceleration. The Volvo XC60 features a 247-horsepower engine, and the Lexus NX comes with a 275-horsepower unit. While more powerful, the NX has a lower maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.
What is more fuel-efficient: the Volvo XC60 or the Lexus NX?
Overall, the Volvo XC60 is more fuel-efficient. It earns an EPA-estimated 23/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 Meanwhile, the Lexus NX achieves an EPA-estimated 28/21/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 To boot, the Volvo SUV has a larger fuel tank at 18.8 gallons; the Lexus SUV's fuel tank is just 14.5 gallons.
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1EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined. 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.
2Projected EPA-estimated 28city/21hwy/24comb MPG rating for 2026 Lexus NX 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.
3When properly equipped.
4Never tow beyond a vehicle's published towing capacities. Rating based on testing requirements prescribed in SAE J2807. Rating referenced in Owner's Manual may differ depending on testing standard used. Installation of accessories located near the rear bumper may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. Follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual.