2021 Lexus NX vs 2021 Volvo XC40 Comparison
Take a closer look at how these two popular compact crossovers match up.
Compact Crossover Showdown
While a refreshed Lexus NX is coming very soon, the current-gen model is still selling quite well and holding up against the competition. That includes one of its staunchest opponents, the Volvo XC40. Thus, it's worth taking a closer look at how these two compact crossovers match up in their current form.
Photos: Lexus
Well Equipped
The XC40, like the NX, has a very distinct look in a class that's often ripe with boring designs. A trio of trims are available - Momentum, Inspiration, and R-Design - each offering a varying level of equipment, though even the base Momentum comes with plenty of goodies including a leather interior, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 12.3-inch driver display and 9-inch infotainment screen, and an 8-speaker sound system.
Photos: Volvo
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 NX vs the Volvo XC40 right here in the ClubLexus forum.
The Contender
The NX is no slouch in terms of content either and offers plenty of style, comfort, and excellent build quality, as well as a 14-speaker Mark Levinson with Harman Kardon Clari-fi technology, along with a whisper quiet cabin and Lexus' legendary reliability and resale value.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 NX vs the Volvo XC40 right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Powertrains
The NX comes equipped with Lexus' 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine, which produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is backed up by an 6-speed gearbox. The XC40 also comes with a 2.0-liter turbo I-4 for the front-wheel-drive version, which produces 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while opting for AWD nets you an upgraded 2.0 that produces 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. Both versions are also backed up by an 8-speed transmission.
Photos: Volvo
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 NX vs the Volvo XC40 right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Measuring Up
The NX is rated by the EPA to return 22 miles-per-gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for a combined rating of 25 mpg. Meanwhile, the RWD XC40 provides 23 mpg in the city, 32 on the highway, and 26 combined. Both vehicles have a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Despite their similar exterior dimensions, the Volvo does beat out the NX in both passenger volume and cargo space, however.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 NX vs the Volvo XC40 right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Even Contest
The XC40 also starts out at a cheaper $34,695 versus the NX's base price of $38,535, though buyers are sacrificing quite a bit of power to save that money. Volvo also doesn't offer a hybrid version of the XC40, something buyers can opt for with the NX. Otherwise, it's a pretty even contest between these two rivals.
Photos: Volvo
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 NX vs the Volvo XC40 right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Tough Choice
Thus, it's tough to pick a winner between these two. The XC40 is certainly a good value for the money, has a nicely designed interior, and provides a satisfying driving experience. But if you favor a smooth and quiet ride, high build quality, great resale value, and a long list of standard features, the NX would be the choice here.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 NX vs the Volvo XC40 right here in the ClubLexus forum.
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