Automakers like Lexus and Volvo continue to pack their crossover SUVs with features once reserved for the most expensive prestige sedans in the ongoing white-hot competition to attract buyers of small luxury SUVs. The comparison of the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2025 Volvo XC60 points that out with crystal clarity.
SUVs offer the promise of off-road adventures, scaling far-off hillsides where no other vehicles dare to go. That is not a vision that the Lexus NX or Volvo XC60 aspires to fulfill. But though you might never take either off the pavement on anything more challenging than a gravel driveway, they offer all-wheel drive (AWD) to improve traction in inclement weather. Despite their relatively short overall lengths, the NX and XC60 are also practical for transporting difficult-to-haul cargo that sedans can’t handle.
While adventure is in their DNA, today’s small luxury crossovers like the Lexus NX and Volvo XC60 are best suited to urban and suburban use. They offer advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), sophisticated connectivity, and available fuel-saving hybrid powertrain technology. Comfort and convenience features in these SUVs include heated and ventilated seats, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and concert hall-worthy premium sound.
The Lexus NX and Volvo XC60 have many similarities but also major differences. These differences are significant enough that one of the crossovers might be the perfect next vehicle for you, while the other would not serve you as well. That’s what this comparison of the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2025 Volvo XC60 is intended to ferret out.
2025 Lexus NX 350
The 2025 Lexus NX offers six trim levels: NX 250, NX 350 AWD, NX 350 F Sport Handling AWD, NX 350h AWD, NX 450h+ AWD, and NX 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD. The base NX 250, priced at $41,990, is the only trim with front-wheel drive (FWD), while all other trims feature standard AWD. The top-of-the-pyramid NX 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD starts at $63,505, making it the most expensive version of the Lexus crossover.
All 2025 NX SUVs have four years of complimentary roadside assistance without a mileage limit. LexusCare covers the first and second scheduled maintenance services at no cost. Buyers also receive a three-year Lexus Remote Connect trial, which includes a digital key and remote start. Lexus Wi-Fi Connect provides hotspot functionality with a 30-day/3-gigabyte free trial.
The 2025 Volvo XC60 lineup is powertrain dependent. The XC60 features the B5 mild hybrid, while the XC60 Recharge brings the T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) driveline. The XC60 offers Core, Plus, Ultra, and Black Edition trims, while the XC60 Recharge offers all four plus the Polestar Engineered trim. All-wheel drive is standard across the 2025 XC60 lineup.
The B5 Core is the least expensive of the 2025 XC60s, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $48,345. The high-performance plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge Polestar Engineered sits at the top of the lineup with a starting list price of $76,545.
Volvo covers XC60 owners with roadside assistance coverage for four years with no mileage limit, and it is eligible for the Volvo Tow for Life program that provides complimentary towing for breakdown with no age or mileage restrictions. In addition, the XC60 offers complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 30,000 miles. A free four-year subscription to the Volvo Digital Services package is another perk.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The Lexus NX is less expensive, while the Volvo XC60 offers a high-performance PHEV model the NX can’t match.
2025 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8
The Lexus NX ranks highest in the Compact Premium SUV segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership.
The NX does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2025 Lexus NX offers a standard four-year or 50,000-mile warranty and a powertrain warranty of six years or 70,000 miles. Additionally, Lexus covers hybrid components for eight years or 100,000 miles.
The Volvo XC60 does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the 2024 VDS or the 2024 IQS. Its bumper-to-bumper and hybrid systems warranties match the NX’s. Its powertrain warranty isn’t quite as long as the Lexus: four years or 50,000 miles.
Advantage: Lexus NX
Why? The NX ranks highest in its segment in vehicle dependability and offers a longer powertrain warranty.
2025 Lexus NX 250
The 2025 Lexus NX offers a variety of powertrain options. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque powers the base NX trim. The NX 350s have a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 275 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque. The 350h AWD features a hybrid powertrain generating a combined 240 hp, while the 450h+ trims boast a PHEV drivetrain producing 304 hp and offering 37 miles of electric-only range. Lexus makes automatic transmissions standard across the 2025 NX lineup.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the base FWD NX 250 at 28 mpg in combined driving, while the 350h hybrid gets 39 mpg. Although the EPA has yet to rate the 2025 NX 450h+ PHEVs, Lexus estimates their combined efficiency at 84 MPGe.
The 2025 Volvo XC60 offers two powertrain choices. The XC60 features the Volvo B5 mild-hybrid system, which consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with a small electric motor. It delivers 247 hp and 266 pound-feet of torque. The XC60 Recharge uses the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors, providing a combined 455 hp and 523 pound-feet of torque. Because of this, the XC60 Recharge is one hot hybrid.
As you’d guess, the XC60 Recharge PHEV gets the top EPA mileage rating for the 2025 XC60 lineup with a 63-MPGe combined rating. The XC60 with the base turbo four-cylinder plus mild-hybrid assist delivers 25 mpg combined.
Advantage: Neither
Why? The NX offers better fuel economy across the range, but the XC60 delivers more base and top-of-the-line power.
2025 Volvo XC60 Recharge T8
At this point, it is reasonable for any consumer to expect a brand-new vehicle to include the following safety features:
So, how do the NX and XC60 stack up? Let's take a look.
The 2025 Lexus NX treats buyers to an impressive array of standard ADAS in the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0). Although blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are not part of LSS+ 3.0, they are standard on all 2025 NX trims. Beyond the usual ADAS features, the NX includes adaptive cruise control with navigation-assisted Curve Speed Management and lane-centering assistance. A surround-view camera system, front cross-traffic warning, and lane-change assistance are optionally available.
As of this writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to release an overall safety rating for the 2025 Lexus NX. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to rate the 2025 model’s crashworthiness. However, the structurally similar 2024 NX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the Institute for the 2024 calendar year.
The 2025 Volvo XC60 offers the ADAS features outlined above as standard across the lineup. Other standards include traffic-sign recognition and automatic emergency steering designed to prevent or mitigate cross-lane head-on collisions. Rear parking assistance, adaptive cruise control, and the Pilot Assist traffic and highway driving-assistance system are not available in the Core trim but are standard on the Plus and above. The Plus and higher trims also add a head-up display and a surround-view camera.
While it hasn’t yet evaluated the 2025 model, the NHTSA awarded the structurally similar 2024 Volvo XC60 a five-star rating, its highest recognition. As of this writing, it has yet to rate the XC60 Recharge’s crashworthiness. Meanwhile, the IIHS named the 2024 XC60 a Top Safety Pick for the 2023 calendar year but did not extend that rating for 2024. Currently, there’s no word on the 2025 XC60’s safety ratings from the Institute.
Advantage: Volvo XC60
Why? Both models have impressive safety credentials, but the 2025 XC60 has the highest-possible five-star rating from the NHTSA, while it has yet to rate the 2025 NX.
2025 Lexus NX 350 F Sport
The 2025 Lexus NX features the internally developed Lexus Interface infotainment system. All trims, except the 450h+ models, come with a 9.8-inch touchscreen display, with an optional upgrade to a 14-inch touchscreen. The only display in the 450h+ trims is the more prominent 14-inch screen. The NX’s infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a three-month SiriusXM Platinum satellite radio trial.
The 2025 NX offers Lexus Remote Connect, enabling remote engine start, vehicle health reports, and service scheduling, along with a three-year trial of Drive Connect, providing cloud-based navigation, a digital assistant, and destination services. Additionally, all 2025 NX trims include a 30-day/3-gigabyte trial of Wi-Fi Connect for in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.
The NX's digital e-Latch door-opening system works with the vehicle's safe-exit assistance system to prevent occupants from inadvertently opening a door when a car, bicyclist, or jogger is approaching from behind.
The 2025 Volvo XC60 features a 9-inch touchscreen running an Android-based infotainment system with Google Built-in. It offers Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM, which are available with a three-month trial. It features familiar Google applications like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. The screen size seems small in this era, and the system can be a bit balky. The Ultimate trims get a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a super-premium Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system is optional.
Volvo fits all 2025 Volvo XC60s to give access to the brand's Digital Services array of connectivity. Active for four years, the package gives instant access to Google apps and provides the Volvo On Call app and a wireless phone charger. Volvo includes all data for navigation, voice assistance, and app usage.
The optional Bowers & Wilkins high-fidelity audio system is arguably the most elaborate audio system offered in a compact luxury SUV. It features 15 hi-fi speakers, 15 channels of reproduction, and employs a “fresh air” subwoofer. The system delivers a booming 1,410 watts of power and includes four room modes: Concert Hall, Jazz Club, Individual Stage, and Studio. Sadly, there is no Singing in the Shower mode.
Advantage: Lexus NX
Why? The NX offers two screen sizes larger than the XC60’s screen, and the Lexus system is easier to use.
2025 Volvo XC60 Recharge
The five-passenger 2025 Lexus NX boasts a modern interior design using high-quality, soft-touch materials. Its digital instrument panel is easy to read at a glance, and the automatic climate control features separate knobs for temperature settings—a user-friendly touch. Most NX SUVs come with synthetic leather seats, while the 450h+ trims offer genuine leather and upscale open-pore wood trim. Both a tilt-and-slide moonroof and a panoramic glass roof are available.
The NX includes eight-way power-adjustable front seats, with power lumbar support for the driver. Heated front seats are standard across all trims, and heated and ventilated seats are widely available throughout the lineup. Standard on the NX 350 F Sport Handling AWD, buyers can add a fast-response heater to several trims.
The NX provides 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A power-operated rear liftgate is standard, with an optional version that includes a kick sensor.
The 2025 Volvo XC60 and XC60 Recharge are four-door, five-passenger SUVs. All feature Volvo’s understated take on interior design. Some may find the cabins a bit stark, but others might praise the straightforward controls and interesting choice of materials. The Core trim features cloth upholstery, while the upper trims have leather seats and wood trim. The performance Polestar Engineered XC60 Recharge features leather-and-textile seats, aluminum trim, and the signature yellow seat belts.
The XC60 offers plenty of cabin space for five adults with exceptionally supportive seats. Heated eight-way power-adjustable front bucket seats are standard on the XC60 up and down the lineup. The Ultimate trim offers heated and ventilated front seats with four-way power lumbar support, a driver’s-side power cushion extension, and power side bolsters.
The XC60 provides 22.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seat. With the rear seatback folded, it offers 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space. A power-operated liftgate is standard on all trims, and the Ultimate trim provides a power outlet in the cargo compartment.
Advantage: Volvo XC60
Why? The XC60 offers more overall cargo space and exceptionally comfortable front seats.
If you’d like to learn more about these premium crossover SUVs, be sure to read our expert reviews of the Lexus NX, NX Hybrid, Volvo XC60, and Volvo XC60 Recharge. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please remember that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on June 26, 2024, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of MotorTrend, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack currently hosts the Sports Byline Network program "America on the Road," available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Audacy, Amazon Music, and other outlets.
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