Lexus LX vs Volvo XC60
What's the difference?

Lexus LX

$164,305 - $185,905

2026 price

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Volvo XC60

$74,990 - $101,990

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Lexus LX

2026 Volvo XC60

By David Morley

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

10.0L/100km (combined)

7.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Enormous abilities bandwidth
Lots of safety and equipment
Dynamics belie its size

Tried and tested family practicality
Pretty road manners
Relative value for segment

Dislikes

Where's the plug-in version?
Driveline resonance
Camera-based rear-view mirror

Facelift is too subtle
Gremlins in media system
Big price jumps between trims

2026 Lexus LX Summary

The march away from diesel power and towards a petrol-hybrid future in off-roaders continues. Okay, so it’s a full-sized Lexus we’re talking about, but the off-road credentials of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series-based Lexus LX have never been in question, have they?

The full-sized, super-lux Lexus LX might never see the Simpson Desert or the Old Telegraph Track, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t tackle either with a fair degree of ease. So there’s no way Lexus would allow a new hybrid driveline to compromise any of that. Besides, this is the same driveline that will take the LandCruiser on its next step, so you better believe it’s the real deal.

Of course, the Lexus badge and somewhat frightening price tag also infer a high degree of plush and tech, and, let’s be honest, those elements are more likely to get a leading role in the LX’s day-to-day strut, as opposed to the walk-on part played by the off-road stuff.

So does all this make the LX one huge, high-tech mash up of conflicting priorities, then? That probably depends on how pragmatically you view motor vehicles generally, but one thing’s for sure, if the hybrid LX is paving the way for the next generation of LandCruiser powerplants and drivelines, then we’re all ears.

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2026 Volvo XC60 Summary

The Volvo XC60 has long been an understated achiever of the premium mid-size SUV crowd.

It doesn’t shout for attention like some of its rivals, but it’s built a reputation for quiet confidence and family-friendly practicality. For 2026, the XC60 Ultra B5 Dark keeps the same engine but has received a facelift in other areas. Is it enough to keep family buyers who want a mix of practicality and luxury happy?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Lexus LX 2026 Volvo XC60

Verdict

Huge specification in terms of convenience and safety gear are matched by an equally huge range of abilities in this vehicle. As well as rock hopping with the best of them, this is also a phenomenal touring rig and a more-than-capable off-roader. Of course, whether you can see yourself clambering up the side of a muddy creek crossing in $202,000 worth of vehicle is a personal matter, but rest assured, the Lexus will do it if you ask it to.

In the case of the hybrid LX, however, the vehicle now has an extra dimension to cover off, and from what we can see, it does take the efficiency and running costs of the big wagon to a new, better place. Mind you, that may only be the case if diesel continues to cost a dollar-a-litre more than petrol at the bowser.

The shift to petrol power also brings with it a level of mechanical background noise that we’re not entirely sure fits the Lexus legend, while additions such as the camera-based rear-view mirror system seems to be a conversation starter rather than an actual improvement.

Verdict

The facelifted Volvo XC60 Ultra B5 Dark is the car at school pick-up that doesn’t need to brag. It just gets on with things and it looks good doing it. It offers a strong mix of family-focused features, comfortable and composed road manners and thoughtful practicality throughout the cabin.

The updated media system is crisp and responsive, though it could use a few tweaks to be truly intuitive. Overall, the XC60 mild-hybrid remains a solid choice for families who value understated luxury, comfort and safety over flash. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does what it does well.

Lexus LX vs Volvo XC60 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus LX vs Volvo XC60
What's the difference?