Volvo EX30 vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?

Volvo EX30

$49,990 - $62,990

2026 price

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Lexus LS

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2023 price

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Summary

2026 Volvo EX30

2023 Lexus LS

By Marcus Craft

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Fuel Type

Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

10.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Decent on all surfaces
Impressive AWD capability
Free five-year/150,000km servicing plan

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Dislikes

19-inch rims
Squeeze back seat
No cover on panoramic glass roof

Feels a bit old-fashioned to drive
The hybrid would be nicer to be driven in
Dated multimedia software

2026 Volvo EX30 Summary

The EX30 Cross Country is the new adventure-focussed top-shelf variant in Volvo’s small electric SUV line-up.

This five-seat compact crossover has a dual-motor electric set-up, all-wheel drive, raised suspension, more ground clearance than a regular EX30 and an exterior that more than hints at its off-road aspirations.

But just how much potential does this Cross Country have as an all-wheel drive adventure machine?

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2023 Lexus LS Summary

Surprisingly, for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves, there are quite a few options available in the large luxury sedan market.

While on the whole sedans have fallen from favour, this niche corner of the market continues to let the three-box design thrive.

The options here have changed a bit in the last few years, though, so how does the Lexus flagship, the LS fit into the picture? I drove one around for a week to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volvo EX30 2023 Lexus LS

Verdict

There’s a lot to like about the Volvo EX30 Cross Country. It’s an impressive AWD EV. Nice to drive, comfortable and offering the extra driver confidence an AWD system brings.

It also looks good, has a decent stack of features onboard and has plenty of appeal for owners, especially in terms of servicing costs.

As an EV tourer, it has a reasonable driving range and offers enough in terms of AWD flexibility to appeal to those people who may like the idea of an all-electric adventure machine.

But it is small, has a limited scope of off-road capability and pricing is ranging upward for what it offers.

Verdict

The LS500 is the least logical version of the most logical option in the ultimate luxury sedan segment in which logic doesn’t often apply at all.

Take from that what you will, but if it was me being driven around I would definitely be opting for the hybrid version of the LS instead for its smooth electrified driving characteristics and lower operating costs.

Volvo EX30 vs Lexus LS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo EX30 vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?