Volvo XC90 Vs. Lexus RX 350

2026 Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX 350 at a Glance

The Volvo XC90 comes with more standard and more impressive features, such as a panoramic roof and a heated steering wheel
Overall, the Volvo XC90 boasts a higher power output, a higher towing capacity, and a higher MPG rating
The Volvo XC90 is slightly larger and offers an additional row of seating, creating space for up to seven, while the Lexus RX 350 accommodates only five in its two-row configuration
The Lexus RX 350 has an overwhelming number of trim options, while the Volvo XC90 is user-friendly and easy to navigate with three feature-rich choices

The Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX 350 matchup pits two premium luxury SUVs against one another. Both of these vehicles have a lot to offer drivers, but which is the better choice for you and your loved ones? We at Principle Volvo Cars San Antonio are confident that once you see the impeccable specs of the three-row Volvo SUV, you'll have an easy decision ahead of you. Let's delve deeper into the 2026 Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX 350, examining their respective features, performance ratings, dimensions, trims, and more.

Both SUVs are known for offering refined comforts and top-end technologies. However, the Volvo XC90 arguably delivers a more well-rounded package.

Standard highlights of the new 2026 Volvo XC90 include a panoramic roof, four-zone climate control featuring an air purifier and remote cabin pre-cleaning, quilted Nordico upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a heated steering wheel, and heated front and rear seats; the driver's seat also incorporates memory settings.

Conversely, the new 2026 Lexus RX 350 has multi-zone climate control with an air filter and NuLuxe upholstery. While this SUV also boasts heated front seats as standard, memory settings are only offered in top trims, as are a panoramic moonroof or panorama glass roof and heated rear seats. Plus, only a digital rearview mirror is equipped in higher trims. One ultra-luxe amenity the Volvo XC90 has that the RX 350 fails to provide is a crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®.

Furthermore, the Volvo XC90 comes standard with an 11.2-inch center display in every trim. The Lexus RX 350, by comparison, is equipped with a 9.8-inch touchscreen as standard. Both SUVs feature a 12.3-inch driver display.

Compare the Lexus RX 350 and Volvo XC90 powertrains, and you'll see why the Volvo brand's innovations are celebrated year after year. The B5 and the B6 mild-hybrid engines of the Volvo XC90 both come with standard all-wheel drive for supreme traction and confidence, as well as an automatic transmission. The B6 AWD configuration adds a supercharger to the turbocharged engine found in the B5 AWD variant, raising the horsepower output from 247 to a whopping 295 ponies.

The most powerful choice, however, is the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid variant, using the T8 powertrain. It pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a battery-and-motor system that generates 455 horsepower. As you whip by sedans and other SUVs on the highway, their drivers will wonder how your three-row family vehicle is also so powerful.

As we compare the 2026 Volvo XC90 and the 2026 Lexus RX 350 specs, we find that the Lexus vehicle has two powertrain options. However, they are less compelling than those of the Volvo XC90. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine makes 275 horsepower, but you won't get the advantage of mild-hybrid capability. Meanwhile, the hybrid engine option drops you down to 246 combined horsepower, falling just short of the standard Volvo XC90 motor. Not even the Lexus RX 350 F SPORT models can achieve the same level of Volvo XC90 prowess when equipped with the B6 powertrain.

In the Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX 350 battle, the Volvo SUV continues to dominate the performance category with its more favorable towing and MPG ratings, which are found in the chart below. It even reaches 60 mph in as little as 6.4 seconds with the B6 powertrain or a swift five seconds flat with the PHEV variant. The RX 350, on the other hand, can get to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds at its quickest.

Our next stop on the Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX 350 tour is the dimensions of these vehicles. As you can see in the chart below, the Volvo XC90 is a couple of inches taller, wider, and longer than the Lexus RX 350. The size difference makes sense, as all Lexus RX SUVs only seat five people, whereas the Volvo XC90 seats up to seven. Although both SUVs have ample space, the Volvo XC90 is a clear winner in terms of passenger seating and transport.

While the exterior differences amount to mere inches, the Volvo XC90 offers significantly more cargo room. You'll have up to 85.7 cubic feet of space behind the first row of the Scandinavian-inspired model - the Lexus vehicle, on the other hand, has a maximum cargo volume of just 46.2 cubic feet. Front and rear legroom numbers are extremely competitive, but the Volvo XC90 ultimately takes the lead by including the extra row of seating. Plus, the Volvo SUV offers a choice between six- and seven-occupant seating; the RX 350 only offers a five-passenger layout.

The more economical use of space in the Volvo XC90 offers more bang for your buck without forcing people into a cramped cabin. If you want details about how the Volvo XC90 stacks up against another luxury SUV, check out our Volvo XC90 vs. Acura MDX comparison.

The base model of the Volvo XC90 is a bit more expensive than that of the Lexus RX 350. This makes sense, though, as it comes stacked with a larger seating capacity, the famous Volvo durability, more performance potential, and more upscale amenities. When you consider upgrading to either model's peak performance specs - where the Lexus RX 350 falls short of the Volvo XC90 in just about every meaningful category - you'll find that the price difference is minute.

When we compare the Lexus RX 350 and Volvo XC90, we notice that the former has a much more convoluted list of trims, as you can see from the lineup below:

2026 Lexus RX 350 FWD
2026 Lexus RX 350 AWD
2026 Lexus RX 350 Premium FWD
2026 Lexus RX 350 Premium AWD
2026 Lexus RX 350 F SPORT Design FWD
2026 Lexus RX 350 Premium+ FWD
2026 Lexus RX 350 F SPORT Design AWD
2026 Lexus RX 350 Premium+ AWD
2026 Lexus RX 350 F SPORT Handling AWD
2026 Lexus RX 350 Luxury FWD
2026 Lexus RX 350 Luxury AWD
2026 Lexus RX 350h AWD
2026 Lexus RX 350h Premium AWD
2026 Lexus RX 350h F SPORT Design AWD
2026 Lexus RX 350h Premium+ AWD
2026 Lexus RX 350h Luxury AWD

This dizzying array of options includes very minor performance changes and massive feature jumps. High-end trims often don't even include the most impressive tech options - requiring further research into add-on packages to unlock your preferred model. The Volvo XC90 is built in three simple-to-understand and robust trims with the option to equip either the B5 or B6 powertrain:

2026 Volvo XC90 Core
2026 Volvo XC90 Plus
2026 Volvo XC90 Ultra

You don't need to work too hard to get the model you want with the correct seating options, features you love, and safety enhancements that make you and your passengers feel secure.

If our Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX 350 comparison has convinced you that the Volvo SUV is the way to go, be sure to consider our Volvo XC90 lease deals. Leasing a vehicle lets you drive a new car with a short commitment and for a competitive monthly payment. We are also happy to discuss your financing opportunities.

2026 Volvo XC90 Mild-Hybrid
Engine	B5 or B6
Horsepower	247 (B5) 295 (B6)
Torque	266 lb-ft (B5) 310 lb-ft (B6)
Quickest 0-60 Time	6.4 s
Max Towing Capacity	5,000 lbs¹
Max EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy)	23 / 30³
Seating Capacity	6 or 7
Length	195 in
Width (without mirrors)	79.1 in
Height	69.9 in
Max Cargo Space	85.7 cu ft
Standard Interior Benefits	Panoramic roof 4-zone climate control Heated front and rear seats High-performance audio system 11.2-in touchscreen Heated steering wheel
Shop Model:	Volvo XC90 For Sale

2026 Lexus RX 350
Engine	2.4L 4-cyl
Horsepower	275
Torque	317 lb-ft
Quickest 0-60 Time	7.2 s
Max Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs²
Max EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy)	22 / 29⁴
Seating Capacity	5
Length	192.5 in
Width (without mirrors)	75.6 in
Height	67.3 in
Max Cargo Space	46.2 cu ft
Standard Interior Benefits	Multi-zone climate control Heated front seats Lexus premium sound system 9.8-in touchscreen

Pros & Cons of the 2026 Volvo XC90

Pros

Ample towing capacity
Array of standard upscale amenities
3 spacious rows of seating
Approachable three-trim lineup
Large cargo area

Cons

3rd row may be cramped for taller passengers
Lack of physical buttons with the infotainment system

What Reddit Users Say About the Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX 350

You don't have to take our word for it. Drivers like you who've turned to Reddit can attest to the quality of the Volvo XC90 with examples of how they and their families benefit from the premium three-row model. If you want to hear about the Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX 350 specifically, check out some of the comments below!

cuteman

"I was looking at the RX350 also but it's much smaller, infotainment was significantly worse, lower power, etc."

pugspaw1

"Gauging the actual product itself- the Volvo is better- better creature comfort, the ride is better, etc"

Niso81

"They are both solid vehicles with some of the best dependability in their class. it comes down to personal preferences."

In our eyes, the Volvo XC90 is the victor of our 2026 Lexus RX 350 vs. Volvo XC90 comparison. It offers better value, stronger performance, more impressive standard features, and a more refined style. Our dealership has the new Volvo XC90 for sale alongside a plethora of other new and used vehicles. Reach out today about a test drive at Principle Volvo Cars San Antonio.

Expert Opinion

Rivalries are healthy. The Volvo XC90 and Lexus RX 350 have been direct competitors for a while, but that isn't entirely the story anymore: The Lexus RX 350 was redesigned, and for some reason, Lexus designers chose to discontinue its three-row configuration. Now, it's a competitor mainly in terms of luxury spirit, but the Volvo XC90 outdoes it there, too, and once again outclasses it in terms of technology. This is purely subjective, but many local drivers and I vastly prefer the sleek and minimalist Volvo XC90 design over the edgy and over-styled Lexus RX 350.
Bryan Barton, General Manager

The Volvo XC90 is slightly longer, taller, and wider than the Lexus RX 350. This sizing translates into a seating capacity of up to seven people, unlike the five seats in the Lexus SUV. Enjoy the 195-inch length, 79.1-inch width, and 69.9-inch height of the Volvo XC90 when you take it for a spin. It also boasts a larger total cargo area.

Volvo Cars is a champion of road-ready safety and security. The Volvo XC90 and the Lexus RX 350 have a suite of safety features, but the Volvo SUV brings more. While each has a Road Sign Information system and a Lane Keeping Aid, the Volvo XC90 also boasts standard Pilot Assist, a semi-automated system, and whiplash injury protection, with no equivalents in the Lexus lineup.

The Volvo XC90 has more total cargo space than the Lexus RX 350. The Lexus model features 29.6 cubic feet behind its second row and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Volvo XC90 has less room with all seats up, due to the ever-handy third row, but a more generous 85.7 cubic feet if you fold the second and third rows.

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¹When properly equipped.

²Never tow beyond a vehicle's published towing capacities. Rating based on testing requirements prescribed in SAE J2807. Rating referenced in Owner's Manual may differ depending on testing standard used. Installation of accessories located near the rear bumper may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. Follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual.

Volvo XC90 Vs. Lexus RX 350

2026 Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus RX 350 at a Glance