2023 Lexus NX vs Volvo XC60

What's the difference?

As far as clichés go, attempting to make “a silk purse from a sow’s ear” couldn’t be more apt than when contemplating the original NX of 2014.

What was essentially the Lexus-fication of the vocal, fidgety and thirsty old Toyota RAV4 may have worked a treat sales-wise, but proved trickier when assessed against the lens of a BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 rival.

The earliest NX just wasn’t refined enough.

This was especially true following the reborn RAV4 arrival in 2019, proving to be embarrassingly more competent – even compared to most luxury midsized SUV alternatives.

Now, finally, the NX redesign has followed suit, moving on to a variation of the Toyota’s stronger, quieter and more advanced TNGA architecture (dubbed GA-K) as a starting base.

Speaking of which, let’s dive straight into the least-expensive version, the NX 250 Luxury 2WD auto, to find out if the most popular Lexus model in Australia has finally found its mojo.

Have you been tempted to hop into a fully electric SUV? With fuel prices the way they are, it’s understandable. But what if you’re not ready for the jump? What if you want the convenience of combustion with the ability to drive emissions free day-to-day?

A plug-in hybrid might be for you, and Volvo’s freshly updated XC60 offers a lot of appealing features in its electrified form.

It has to be more than just another plug-in hybrid, though, since the luxury mid-size SUV segment is one of the most competitive for this type of technology.

Does the new and improved XC60 Recharge have what it takes? Read on to find out.