Lexus RX350 vs Volvo XC60
What's the difference?

Lexus RX350

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2023 price

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Volvo XC60

$74,990 - $101,990

2026 price

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Summary

2023 Lexus RX350

2026 Volvo XC60

By Andrew Chesterton

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.4L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.7L/100km (combined)

7.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Functional, premium-feeling cabin
Vastly improved driving dynamics
A hybrid that is legitimately fun to drive

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

Dislikes

Lesser powertrains can feel exactly that
"Polarising" exterior design could be exactly that
Do we still need a petrol-only powertrain?

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

2023 Lexus RX350 Summary

This is a BIG moment for the Lexus RX in Australia. And I'm not just referring to the spindle grille that adorns the front-end of this all-new model (though it too is almost commercially massive).

I'm talking more about the vehicle itself, and its importance to the Lexus brand here. The RX is one of Lexus' best sellers in Australia, and so this new one – which welcomes a new platform, new powertrain options and an all-new F Sport Performance trim level – is a big deal.

So, does it live up to the hype (and to its German competition)? Join me as we figure all that out ahead of the RX's debut here in early 2023.

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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

2023 Lexus RX350 2026 Volvo XC60

Verdict

The RX is a big SUV that doesn't always look, or drive, like one, and – in 500h guise especially – can put a smile on a driver's face, too.

Gone are the cabin quirks and the polarising design elements (well, mostly...), and in their place you'll find a solid, premium-feeling family offering without much in the way of drawbacks.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

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 RX350 vs Volvo XC60 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus RX350 vs Volvo XC60
What's the difference?