Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 27 advantages that the Volvo XC60 AWD has over the Lexus RX AWD.

Engine

The standard engine in the XC60 AWD 3.0L I6 is more powerful, with more horsepower than the standard engine in the RX 4x4, 300 HP vs. 270 HP.

The XC60 AWD's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the RX 4x4's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:

			RPM's to Peak Torque		RPM's to Peak HP
	XC60 AWD		2100		5600
	RX 4x4		4700		6200

With 325 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in XC60 AWD 3.0L I6 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the RX 4x4, which has 248 lb-ft of torque.

The XC60 AWD, with it's standard engine, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the RX 4x4 with it's standard engine, 14.1 to 16.1. Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle.

Corrosion Warranty

Volvo's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Lexus's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).

			Corrosion Warranty Months
	XC60 AWD		120
	RX 4x4		72

Cost to Own

The base MSRP on the XC60 AWD is less than the base MSRP on the RX 4x4 as shown in the table below.

			Base Price MSRP
	XC60 AWD T6		39,450
	RX 4x4		40,475

Airbags

Both the XC60 AWD and the RX 4x4 feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

Restraints

The XC60 AWD features a Optional child safety seat(s) which meet specific federal standards designed to protect a child in the event of an accident. This feature is Not Available in the RX 4x4.

General Safety

The XC60 AWD is equipped with Standard AWD.

A Standard locking fuel door/cap on the XC60 AWD is a safety feature that prevents unwanted access to the vehicle's fuel tank. This safety feature is Not Available on the RX 4x4.

Cornering lights are activated with the vehicle's turn signal and provide additional lighting in the direction the vehicle is turning. These supplemental lights are more more commonly found on the XC60 AWD than the RX 4x4, as shown below:

			Cornering Lights
	XC60 AWD T6		Optional
	XC60 AWD T6 Platinum		Optional
	XC60 AWD T6 Premier Plus		Optional
	XC60 AWD T6 R-Design		Standard
	XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Platinum		Standard
	XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Premier Plus		Standard
	RX 4x4		Not Available

High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the XC60 AWD (T6 R-Design, T6 R-Design Platinum, T6 R-Design Premier Plus) but Optional RX 4x4. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.

Interior Space

The XC60 AWD has more interior space than the RX 4x4 in the following areas:

			Head Room, Rear
	XC60 AWD		38.1 in.
	RX 4x4		37.7 in.

Cargo Space

The XC60 AWD features Standard locking interior storage compartments, useful for carrying important information and/or protecting small valuables stored inside the vehicle. Locking interior storage is Not Available in the RX 4x4.

Payload and Towing

The XC60 AWD has a higher towing capacity than the RX 4x4, meaning it can pull a larger total weight - trailer and contents.

			Tow Capacity, Std
	XC60 AWD		3,300 lbs.
	RX 4x4		1,500 lbs.

General Suspension

The XC60 AWD (T6, T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus) features a Optional adaptive variable suspension that can electronically sense and adapt to changing road surface conditions to provide optimum vehicle handling characteristics. This type of suspension is Not Available in the RX 4x4.

Chassis

The XC60 AWD, with its higher minimum ground clearance, 9.1 in. vs. 7.3 in., is more capable than the RX 4x4 of traversing rough terrain without problems.

The XC60 AWD is shorter than the RX 4x4 , 182.2 in. vs. 187.8 in., so it will be easier to handle and maneuver.

The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the XC60 AWD is greater than that of the RX 4x4. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.

			Track, Front
	XC60 AWD		64.3 in.
	RX 4x4		64.2 in.

The XC60 AWD's wheelbase is longer than the RX 4x4's, 109.2 in. vs. 107.9 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.

Wheels and Tires

The XC60 AWD (T6 R-Design, T6 R-Design Platinum, T6 R-Design Premier Plus) comes standard with lower profile, 45 series tires (height to width ratio), which may provide better handling than the 60 series tires standard on the RX 4x4.

Additional Features

The XC60 AWD has a Standard front power memory seat. This feature allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. A front power memory seat is Optional in the RX 4x4.

Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Standard in the XC60 AWD but is Optional in the RX 4x4.

The XC60 AWD (T6 Platinum, T6 R-Design Platinum) features a Standard navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Optional in the RX 4x4.

With a Standard power sunroof, a touch of a button is all XC60 AWD owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the RX 4x4 as a power sunroof is Optional.

The XC60 AWD (T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus, T6 R-Design Platinum, T6 R-Design Premier Plus) offers a Standard power trunk lid as a convenience. A power trunk lid is Optional on the RX 4x4.