Compare Lexus RX 500h Vs. Acura MDX Vs. Volvo XC90 Recharge

Our Volvo XC90 Hybrid Review

For over 20 years, the Volvo XC90 SUV lineup has made a name for itself, catering to families that know the importance of safety, luxury, performance, versatility, and unique styling. The new Volvo XC90 Recharge makes 455 horsepower, offers all-electric driving capabilities, and starts at $71,900 MSRP.¹ The following trims are available:

• Volvo XC90 Recharge Core
• Volvo XC90 Recharge Plus
• Volvo XC90 Recharge Ultimate

While the middle trim focuses more on balanced luxury, the highest trim goes to the extreme with its standard luxury features and includes unique blacked-out styling options. You can find impeccable appointments on any model; even on the base trim of the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid, standard equipment includes:

• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Google built-in infotainment services
• Wireless device charging
• 10-speaker high-performance sound system
• Panoramic moonroof with power open/close and sunshade
• Genuine Walnut wood interior trim
• Interior ambient lighting system
• Leather-trimmed seats
• Heating and two-way power lumbar support for front seats
• Power driver's seat memory
• Remote engine start
• Four-zone automatic climate control with particle-reducing air purifier
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Volvo Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving capabilities
• Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Alert
• Oncoming Lane Mitigation with steering assistance
• Front and rear parking assist
• Lane Keeping Aid
• 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels

Three years or 36,000 miles of scheduled maintenance (whichever comes first)² is complimentary with this model. Let's see what the other OEMs have to offer.

The Lexus RX Hybrid Review

It's only fair that we flesh out competitive models in this hybrid SUV comparison to help save you time. The Lexus RX Hybrid lineup includes several models, but we'll focus on its closest competitor to the Volvo XC90 Recharge: The Lexus RX 500h. Like the Volvo SUV in question, this model is the most powerful (making 366 horsepower) and well-equipped of its lineup.

However, the Lexus RX lineup does not include a third row of seats or all-electric driving in any of its models.

The Lexus RX 500h does offer an upscale feel for its starting price of $63,350 MSRP³, though it is less spacious and feature-packed than the Volvo XC90 Recharge. You can compare the Lexus RX Hybrid vs. Volvo XC90 Hybrid lineup and find standard leather seats and genuine Walnut wood interior trim on the Volvo SUV's side but leather and aluminum trim on the Lexus SUV's side.

Moreso, the Lexus RX 500h does not offer Volvo XC90 Recharge upgrades like available massaging front seats and Nappa leather upholstery. Nor does it provide a standard equivalent to the Volvo Pilot Assist.

Additionally, the Lexus RX Hybrid lineup only comes with two complimentary maintenance services that must be performed within one year or 10,000 miles ⁴ of new.

With lower cargo, passenger, and towing capacities, plus a slower 0-60 mph time and a lack of all-electric driving capabilities when compared to the Volvo XC90 Recharge, the Lexus RX 500h immediately falls behind in the Lexus RX Hybrid vs. Acura MDX vs. Volvo XC90 Hybrid comparison.

The Acura MDX Review

The Acura MDX inhabits an odd place in our Lexus RX Hybrid vs. Acura MDX vs. Volvo XC90 Hybrid comparison. While a hybrid version was previously available, the MDX now fights with gas power alone.

For this model year, a naturally-aspirated or turbocharged V-6 engine (with 290 or 355 horsepower, respectively) will power the Acura MDX. FWD will come standard. Meanwhile, the Lexus RX 500h and Volvo XC90 Recharge offer standard AWD, proper electrification, and more horsepower.

Even though the Acura brand shares reliable underpinnings supplied by the Honda company, it offers a lower complimentary maintenance period of two years/24,000 miles,⁵ leaving customers with less coverage than if they had chosen a new Volvo SUV but more than what the Lexus brand offers.

If we had to look at things from a value perspective, we'd pit the Lexus RX Hybrid vs. Acura MDX Hybrid first since both are luxury arms of mass-market OEMs. Between the two, from the above stats mentioned, we'd pick the Lexus RX Hybrid for the fact that it has more power and actual hybrid efficiency. With that said, the Acura MDX does have the advantage of a stronger towing capacity and a third row of seats; the Lexus RX lineup is two-row only.

The Acura MDX can also be optioned with massaging front seats, but the Lexus RX cannot; the Volvo XC90 Recharge offers this option, but the Acura MDX also lacks available Nappa leather upholstery.

Comparing Lexus RX Hybrid vs. Acura MDX vs. Volvo XC90 Hybrid performance, we see that the Acura MDX is actually the slowest of the bunch.

Thanks to the kick of electrification and grip of standard AWD, the Volvo XC90 Recharge does 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds, and the Lexus RX 500h does 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. With its standard engine and AWD, the Acura MDX has a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds;⁶ its optional turbo engine lowers that run to 5.5 seconds.⁶