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Lexus RX vs Volvo XC60

2026 Lexus RX vs 2026 Volvo XC60 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lexus RX

2026 Lexus RX

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS4 – 2Lexus RX wins 4 of 6 categories
Volvo XC60

2026 Volvo XC60

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Lexus RX is more fuel-efficient: 36 vs 28 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $650 a year less in fuel for the Lexus RX (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Lexus RX is the bigger car, about 8 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus RX has had fewer recall campaigns (26 vs 35).

The two cars

The 2026 Lexus RX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,288 lb (350 4dr SUV).

The 2026 Volvo XC60 is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,120 lb (4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2022 RX and the 2024 XC60 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2017 RX and the 2022 XC60.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
Fuel
Plug-in Hybrid, Hybrid
2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

36 MPG
Best combined MPG
28 MPG
37 city
City / highway MPG (best)
28 city
$2,300
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$2,950

Performance & space

275 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
455 hp
5
Seats (most)
5
192.5 in
Length
185 in
75.6 in
Width
74.8 in
67.3 in
Height
65.4 in
4,288 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,120 lb

Safety & reliability

12
Driver-assist features standard
13
3
Recalls (2026)
3
26
Recalls, all years since 2005
35
12
Owner complaints (latest year)
16

Interest

22,684
Wikipedia views, 30 days
11,570

Buying used

2022
Best used year
2024
2017
Year to avoid
2022

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus RX if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (36 vs 28 MPG)
  • You want more room (8 in longer)
  • You put reliability history first (26 vs 35 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Volvo XC60 if…

  • You want more power (up to 455 vs 275 hp)
  • You want something easier to park (8 in shorter)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Lexus RX

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Modest powerUp to 275 hp, versus about 355 hp for similar 2026 models.

2026 Volvo XC60

  • Strong performanceUp to 455 hp, versus about 275 hp for similar 2026 models.
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 Lexus RX specs →Full 2026 Volvo XC60 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →