Lexus RX 450H Vs. Volvo XC90 Hybrid: Comparison

Order Your Volvo XC90 Hybrid Today

If you thought the Lexus RX 450h was the way to go, you might want to read this Lexus RX 450h vs. Volvo XC90 Hybrid page first. Volvo Cars is committed to a greener future, but we're also focused on making sure that luxury vehicles remain luxury vehicles. This page is your buyer's guide for these flagship models, and after you review the facts, we're pretty sure you'll order your Volvo XC90 Hybrid today. See why, below.

Lexus RX 450h vs. Volvo XC90 Hybrid: To Plug In, or Not

Whether your next green SUV is a hybrid or plug-in hybrid will determine quite a bit about its capabilities and your subsequent enjoyment. Nowadays, most plug-in hybrids are referred to simply as hybrids. But those powertrain configurations are very different. Let's take a look at the two types of hybrid:

• Hybrid Vehicles - A hybrid vehicle operates on a powertrain that is a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric engine. Drivers simply get in and go, and the vehicle "figures out" how to drive in the most efficient way.
• Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles - A modern plug-in hybrid vehicle (or PHEV) can operate intuitively, just like its hybrid ancestor. There are a few chief advantages of a PHEV, however. With a PHEV, like the Volvo XC90 Hybrid SUV, a driver can select a fully electric drive on demand. The total electric range of a PHEV is usually enough to satisfy the needs of most local errands and in-town commutes.

In addition to the luxury of choosing an emission-free drive, the batteries built into a PHEV are more powerful. Not only are there horsepower gains, but also greater efficiency with mpg. For instance, the Lexus RX 450h mpg comes in at 30, whereas the Volvo XC90 Hybrid SUV offers a whopping 55 MPGe.¹ Under the microscope, this means that the Lexus RX 450h is using about 3.3 gallons every hundred miles, while the Volvo XC90 Recharge hybrid sips a dainty 1/10 gallon for every hundred miles traveled according to the EPA. Additionally, this efficient fuel consumption results in fewer carbon emissions and lower annual fuel costs.

Lexus RX 450h vs. Volvo XC90 Hybrid: Specs, Power, and More

The Lexus RX 450h generates 308 horsepower thanks to its V-6/electric motor combination. This powerplant is bolted up to a single-speed CVT automatic transmission, hoping that one size will fit all when it comes to your comfort and capability needs. On the other hand, the T8 hybrid powertrain found in the Volvo XC90 Recharge, with her T8 engine, gives you 400 horsepower mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with drive modes for lousy weather, off-road, and comfort, as well as a mode that you can fully customize.

Hitting the road with a trailer? The Lexus RX 450h towing capacity might require you to leave a few things at home. With the ability to pull only 3,500 lbs behind it, the Lexus 450h falls short of the strength found in the Volvo XC90 PHEV. The Volvo XC90 Recharge allows you to take advantage of 5,000 lbs worth of gear when properly equipped.

And what about life on the road with your family? Which vehicle is safer? The Lexus RX 450h is a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and boasts 5-Stars from the NHTSA, but when all-wheel drive is added, that status falls to 4-Stars. The Volvo XC90 Hybrid retains her 5-Star rating from the NHTSA throughout the entire model range (as well as her Top Safety Pick status with the IIHS). So have you made up your mind yet with respect to the Lexus RX 450h vs. Volvo XC90 Hybrid shootout? If you're thinking subsequent information might stack the conversation more toward Volvo Cars, you'd be right.

Lexus RX 450h vs. Volvo XC90 Hybrid: A Spotlight on Value

We hear the question, "Well, what does she come with?" quite a bit. At Volvo Cars, the answer is, "Quite a lot." You don't have to spring for the top model to get all the high-end features. So let's take a look at some key features. The Volvo XC90 Hybrid gives you standard leather, seating for seven, adaptive LED headlights, semi-autonomous driving, run-off-road protection, a 12.3" digital driver display, a 9" touchscreen infotainment center, a panoramic glass roof, wireless charging, and three-year/36k-mile complimentary maintenance (among others). Does the Lexus RX 450h give you all that as standard equipment? Nope. When you add it on as options to the RX 450h, will it cost more than the Volvo XC90 does? Yup.

Considering the starting Lexus RX 450h price of $48,020 MSRP,² you've got to wonder where the value is. You'll quickly add up the options to get competitive with the Volvo XC90 PHEV, and then you'll still have to pay for maintenance. That's like going out for a nice dinner and getting charged to use the wine glass.

Talk to a specialist at O'Steen Volvo Cars, your signature Volvo dealer in Jacksonville. We'll show you how the Volvo XC90 Hybrid goes toe-to-toe with anything else you might be researching.

A Spotlight on the Lexus RX 450h Interior

Credit where credit is due. You'll find a few more exterior color options with the Lexus and several handsome interior leather & wood-inlay combinations to choose from. If you're looking for the snazziest of the bunch, we think the money is well spent on the Lexus RX 450h F Sport. But then again, considering all the value you'll find with Volvo Cars, you might want to consider our Volvo XC90 R-Design Plug-In Hybrid.

With spacing and comfort on the mind, the Lexus RX 450h dimensions fall short by a few inches all the way around compared to the Volvo XC90 Hybrid. This reduces cargo capacity on the Lexus and reduces room for the head, hips, shoulders, passengers, and many other key areas. If you're paying for a luxury vehicle, do you really want to sacrifice anything?

Lexus RX 450h vs. Volvo XC90 Hybrid: FAQs

If you still have more questions, then, hopefully, this handy FAQ section will get you squared away with some of our most popular inquiries regarding these two models.

How much should I pay for a Lexus RX 450h?

The Lexus RX 450h has a starting MSRP of $48,020.² Depending on your selected options, accessories, maintenance packages, and trim level, you can easily tack on another $10K-$12K to that figure.

How long do the batteries last in a Lexus RX 450h?

The manufacturer states that a battery will last you anywhere between three and five years. However, many factors can affect battery life, such as driving habits, weather, extreme temperature, and of course, maintenance.

How long does the Volvo XC90 hybrid battery last?

According to the manufacturer, the battery in a Volvo XC90 Hybrid is designed to last for the life of the vehicle. Beyond that, Volvo Cars includes a comprehensive warranty on hybrid battery components for eight years or 100k miles.

How many miles per gallon does the Volvo XC90 hybrid get?

With a depleted battery, the Volvo XC90 Hybrid gets a combined 27 mpg rating from the EPA.³

Do hybrids qualify for a tax credit?

Yes, the hybrids from Volvo Cars do. The credit is based on battery size and varies from model to model. Not all OEMs have a qualifying vehicle, so please check with the government's website for the latest information.

We hope that you've seen how the Volvo XC90 Hybrid T8 vehicle saves you in more ways than one.

Lexus RX 450h vs. Volvo XC90 Hybrid: Conclusions

Life in Jacksonville, FL, means that you need to be driving a car that you can be proud of. Fortunately, the Volvo XC90 Hybrid for sale checks all of the boxes. She's beautiful, value-packed, safe, luxurious, and immensely capable. Considering the fact that so much comes included with the Volvo XC90 Hybrid, is there really anything else to compare her to? Oh. Right. Did you know that if you order one from us, you can receive her at the factory with a complimentary flight for two to Europe from Volvo Cars? Please email us for more.

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¹This is an electric vehicle. Since electricity is not measured in gallons, a conversion factor is used to translate the fuel economy into miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe). EPA-estimated 55 combined MPGe. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle battery-package/condition, and other factors. For more information, including information on MPGe, see www.fueleconomy.gov.

²MSRP excludes delivery, processing, and handling fee of $1,075, which may be subject to change at any time. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Dealer price will vary.

³For more information, please visit the official US government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov.