Volvo XC60 vs Lexus UX250H
What's the difference?

Volvo XC60

$74,990 - $101,990

2026 price

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Lexus UX250H

$45,895 - $57,881

2023 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C200

Mercedes-Benz C300

Mercedes-Benz C350 E

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA250

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series

Summary

2026 Volvo XC60

2023 Lexus UX250H

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

—

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

4.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Noticeably improved ride and refinement
High-quality interior presentation
Strong performance combined with good economy

Dislikes

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

Tight rear-seat and luggage space
Poor side/rear vision
Grabby brakes

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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2023 Lexus UX250H Summary

Most cars get secretly cheapened as they travel through their model lifecycles.

Yes, while facelifts often usher in headline advances like updated electronics and more equipment to boost attention, in too many cases, engineers are forced to cut costs, especially where they cannot be very easily detected, such as with removed sound-deadening, inferior carpet quality and deleted minor items, like bonnet struts. Hello, latest Ford Ranger!

Every cent saved is extra profit made.

Now, we cannot tell at what level – if any – the penny-pinchers pilfered the Lexus UX for its Series II update last year, but the completely unexpected result is a small SUV/crossover that feels and drives noticeably better than before.

Keep reading to find out how and why.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volvo XC60 2023 Lexus UX250H

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.

Verdict

Most cars get worse as they age as their makers try and save pennies by scrimping on quality and features. But the reverse seems to be true for the Lexus UX.

The 250h Luxury 2WD we tested is the car that the brand should have launched with back in 2018, with an appealing balance of performance and economy, comfort and sporty handling, as well as refinement and features. The UX has finally come of age.

Volvo XC60 vs Lexus UX250H What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo XC60 vs Lexus UX250H
What's the difference?