2026 Volvo XC60 Vs. Lexus RX 350: See Which Luxury SUV Comes Out Ahead

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)¹ with the standard Volvo XC60 build, whereas the FWD Lexus RX 350 is rated at 22/29 MPG (City/Highway)² 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.

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	2026 Volvo XC60	2026 Lexus RX 350	2026 Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid	2026 Lexus RX 350h
Starting MSRP	$50,9953	$51,1754	$62,4453	$53,4754
Engine	2.0L turbo 4-cyl	2.4L turbo 4-cyl	2.0L turbo 4-cyl PHEV	2.5L 4-cyl mild hybrid
Horsepower	247	275	455	246
Torque	266 lb-ft	317 lb-ft	523 lb-ft	233 lb-ft
Drivetrain	AWD	FWD or AWD	AWD	AWD
0-60 MPH	6.5 sec	7.6 sec (FWD) 7.2 sec (AWD)	4.5 sec	7.4 sec
Max EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb)	23 / 30 / 261	22 / 29 / 252	-	37 / 34 / 365
Max EPA-Est. MPGe (Comb)	-	-	636	-
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal	17.8 gal	18.8 gal	17.2 gal
Max Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs7	3,500 lbs8	3,500 lbs7	3,500 lbs8
Wheelbase	112.8 in	112.2 in	112.8 in	112.2 in
Length	185.4 in	192.5 in	185.4 in	192.5 in
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5
Max Cargo Room	63.3 cu ft	46.2 cu ft	63.3 cu ft	46.2 cu ft

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

How important are interior amenities to you? 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, along with a high-performance audio system. 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 and a premium, 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 – you won't find it standard on any of the Lexus RX 350 grades.

Both SUVs come standard with ample creature comforts, including heated front seats and leatherette seating, while upgrades like leather upholstery are available. However, the Volvo XC60 has some unique appointments that you won't find anywhere in the Lexus RX lineup, such as a standard crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®.

Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350: Towing Capacity

Towing can be an important factor while shopping for an SUV. We must admit, this is one area where neither model holds an advantage. No matter which configuration you choose, both of these SUVs can tow up to 3,500 pounds.^7,8 However, it's worth noting that the Volvo XC60 includes a Trailer Light Check feature, which allows you to monitor their functionality right from the driver information display.

Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350: Dimensions & Cargo Space

Take a look at both of these two-row SUVs, and it's easy to see that they are similarly sized. That starts with both SUVs riding on a wheelbase that's just over 112 inches. The Lexus RX 350 is a bit longer and taller. However, the Volvo XC60 is about 3 inches wider, giving it a more stable feel on the road.

Despite their similar exteriors, the Volvo XC60 has some key wins when you move inside the cabin. For instance, the Volvo XC60 bests the Lexus RX 350 in terms of legroom: 41.5 inches vs. 41.1 inches in the front and 38 inches vs. 37.4 inches in the rear, respectively. The Volvo model also boasts significantly more maximum cargo space at 63.3 cubic feet compared to just 46.2 cubic feet for the Lexus automobile.

Volvo XC60 vs. Lexus RX 350: Safety

The Volvo brand is synonymous with automotive safety, and the Volvo XC60 is no exception. It has been consistently awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ accolades between 2010 and 2024.⁹ The Lexus RX 350 has seen its share of accolades from the IIHS as well,⁹ but it did not test as well as the Volvo XC60 in certain crash test ratings.

Both models also come with a robust list of standard driver-assistance technologies that help mitigate collisions, perform semi-autonomous functions, and aid you on every drive, though the Volvo XC60 provides more 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 Cary

While there is no denying that the 2026 Lexus RX 350 is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a two-row luxury SUV, it simply can't outclass the upscale appointments and high-end performance provided by the 2026 Volvo XC60. If you feel that either the Volvo XC60 or the Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid is right for you, we invite you to fill out a finance application.

While you're at it, you can browse our Volvo XC60 lease specials for flexible terms and competitive rates. If you're in the area, stop by Volvo Cars of Cary – our team will happily answer any questions you may have and show you firsthand what makes the Volvo XC60 so special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more fuel-efficient: the 2026 Volvo XC60 or the Lexus RX 350?

The 2026 Volvo XC60 and Lexus RX 350 have similar fuel ratings with their standard powertrains, though the Volvo SUV's efficiency is slightly higher. There's also a caveat: The Volvo XC60 achieves its higher efficiency with standard AWD, while the Lexus RX 350 falls behind despite having standard FWD. AWD iterations of the Lexus RX 350 have even lower ratings.

Does the new Volvo XC60 have a more powerful engine than the Lexus RX 350?

In terms of standard engines, the Lexus RX 350 has the slightly stronger option, though it's slower off the line than the Volvo XC60 despite its higher horsepower and torque ratings. Additionally, the Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid is significantly more powerful and fuel-efficient, as well as quicker, than the gas-only and mild-hybrid powertrains offered for the Lexus RX 350.

Which is the safer vehicle: the Volvo XC60 or the Lexus RX 350?

Currently, neither the 2026 Lexus RX 350 nor the Volvo XC60 has been evaluated by the IIHS, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration¹⁰ awarded both vehicles a five-star overall safety rating. That being said, the Volvo brand is known for its safety systems, and the Volvo XC60 comes standard with more driver aids than its competitor, such as Slippery Road Alert.

Compare Our Other Volvo Models

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 22 city/ 29 hwy/ 25 comb MPG rating for 2026 Lexus RX 350, 350 Premium, 350 Premium+, 350 Luxury, 350 F SPORT Design 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.

³Prices 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.

⁴Starting 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.

⁵EPA-estimated 37 city/ 34 hwy/ 36 comb MPG rating for 2026 Lexus RX 350h, 350h Premium, 350h Premium+, 350h Luxury, 350h F SPORT Design 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.

⁶Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for further information.

⁷When properly equipped.

⁸Never 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.

⁹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit www.iihs.org

¹⁰Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit www.nhtsa.gov