Summary
- Engine & Specs: Tie. The Volvo XC90 offers exceptional fuel efficiency at base, while the Lexus has a stronger available hybrid engine.
- Seating & Space: Lexus TX Wins. The Lexus TX is the larger SUV, though the Volvo XC90 still provides competitive space in a more nimble body.
- Interior & Comfort: Volvo XC90 Wins. The Volvo XC90 has a more memorable elevated cabin with Scandinavian flair.
- Features & Tech: Tie. Each model boasts its own advantages, though the Volvo XC90 wins in sophisticated standard appointments.
- Safety & Reliability: Volvo XC90 Wins. While both can be reliable with proper service and care, the Volvo XC90 is a multi-year Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.1
| Specification | Volvo XC90 | Lexus TX |
| Engine Options |
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| Horsepower | 247 - 295 | 275 - 366 |
| Torque | 266 - 310 lb-ft | 317 - 406 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto, 6-speed auto avail |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD, AWD avail |
| 0-60 MPH Time | 6.5 - 7.3 sec2 | 6.1 - 8 sec |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) |
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| Standard Fuel Tank Size | 18.8 gal | 17.1 - 17.8 gal |
| Length | 195 in | 203.1 - 203.5 in |
| Width | 75.7 in | 78.3 in |
| Height | 69.8 in | 70.1 in |
| Seating Configurations | 7 (6 avail) | 7 (6 avail) |
| Cargo Space (Trunk / Max) | 10.6 / 70.1 cu ft | 20.2 / 97 cu ft |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs7 | 5,000 lbs8 |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd) | 40.9 / 37.0 / 31.9 in | 41.6 / 39.5 / 33.5 in |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd) | 38.9 / 38.5 / 36.3 in | 40 / 38.5 / 37.2 in |
| Standard and Available Interior Highlights |
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| Standard and Available Exterior Highlights |
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| Factory Warranty | 4-yr / 50,000-mi9 | 4-yr / 50,000-mi9 |
| 2026 Volvo XC90 | Used Lexus TX |
2027 Lexus TX vs. 2027 Volvo XC90: The Luxury 3-Row Model for You
Our Volvo XC90 vs. Lexus TX guide is designed to bring you the relevant info you need to decide on a three-row luxury SUV. Both iterations are built for large families, but the Volvo XC90 stands out with its impressive Scandinavian cabin, more nimble character, and safety feature lineup that helps it earn multiple IIHS Top Safety Pick awards for previous model years.1 Join Haley Automotive Group as we dive into the details of how and why the Volvo SUV is the better option than the Lexus TX.
Engine & Specs
Without considering the plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90, the Lexus TX has the edge in horsepower and torque. However, the Volvo SUV has more competitive 0-60 times and conquers all but the hybrid Lexus TX in fuel efficiency.
Volvo XC90: All Volvo XC90 models use mild-hybrid technology, so you can expect 25 MPG (Combined) with the standard configuration3 or 23 MPG (Combined) with the higher-output B6 powertrain.4 Notably, the B6 powertrain creates up to 295 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds.2 This piece does not cover the options in our new Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid inventory, which offers even more horsepower, additional torque, better MPG ratings, and all-electric range.
Lexus TX: The Lexus TX brings less standard fuel efficiency, at 23 MPG (Combined).5 Its base fuel economy is similar to the Volvo XC90 B6, but it has standard FWD as well as slower acceleration times than the B5.
Seating & Space
Both variants can seat up to seven people. The Lexus TX is the larger of the two SUVs, offering more cargo and interior space, while the Volvo XC90 still provides competitive leg and head space.
Volvo XC90: The new Volvo XC90 for sale seats up to seven and is a shorter, yet nimbler SUV by 8.1 inches in comparison to the Lexus TX. Despite this significant difference in length, the Volvo XC90 has comparable legroom in all three rows, with 31.9 inches in the third row. Its overall cargo space is 70.1 cubic feet, enough for moving days, camping trips, or tailgating preparations.
Lexus TX: Similar to the Volvo SUV, the Lexus TX comes standard with seven seats, with an available six-seat option. As a result, it does have better cargo space, legroom, and headroom; however, its larger body can make parking and navigating busy city streets more challenging.
Interior & Comfort
Both models boast a comfortable interior, but the Volvo XC90 brings elegant Scandinavian design to your journeys, making the miles melt away.
Volvo XC90: Nordico upholstery or Nappa leather seating provides a homey feel to your interior. Brown, Light, or Grey Ash decorative trim panels and a carefully crafted headliner further the appeal of your Scandinavian home away from home, as does the Volvo-exclusive crystal gearshift knob by Orrefors®. You also get four-zone climate control as standard fare.
Lexus TX: The Lexus TX has leatherette or leather-trimmed upholstery, depending on your selected trim level. The cabin offers a more corporate and standardized design – a feeling furthered by the lack of truly unique pieces like a crystal gear selector knob. Three-zone climate control is standard, meaning less adjustability for passenger comfort.
Features & Tech
While each model shines in its own way, the Volvo XC90 boasts more standard features and technology.
Volvo XC90: The Volvo XC90 excels immediately; check out the matrix-design LED headlights, standard heated front and rear seats, and high-level interior illumination. A high-end Harman Kardon® premium sound system is available on the Plus trim, along with an integrated center booster cushion (for seven-passenger configurations). The Ultra level introduces features like memory for your passenger seat, a power-adjustable side support, and an optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins® sound system.
Lexus TX: The Lexus TX provides excellent technology, including a 14-inch center screen or a Mark Levinson® sound system. However, it doesn't have standard access to heated second-row seats and requires additional investment for Thematic Ambient Illumination and a memory system.
Safety & Reliability
Both SUVs can be reliable with proper maintenance and care and are equipped with modern safety and driver-assistance tech; however, recent model years of the Volvo XC90 have earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick title,1 while the Lexus TX won no awards from the IIHS.1
Volvo XC90: The Volvo XC90 boasts standard safety elements like BLIS™ and Volvo Pilot Assist, alongside options like a 360-Degree Camera and Front, Side, and Rear Park Assist. This confidence-inspiring SUV has also won multiple Top Safety Pick awards from the IIHS.1
Lexus TX: The Lexus Safety Suite+ 3.0 is comprehensive, but many features, including a Head-Up Display and Panoramic View Monitor, are hidden behind add-on packages. Unlike the Volvo model, the Lexus has not won any awards from safety organizations like the IIHS,1 which means it falls short in certain criteria that may be important to you and your family.
Conclusion
Choose the Volvo XC90 if you want a truly luxurious SUV that offers better standard MPG, features, and elevated style.
Choose the Lexus TX if you want a more practical SUV that has more cargo and interior space.
Pros & Cons of the Volvo XC90
Pros
- Smaller, more nimble frame
- Better standard fuel economy
- Standard AWD
- Stronger standard features
- Higher-rated safety
Cons
- Less cargo space
- Less standard horsepower
- Less third-row legroom and headroom
Pros & Cons of the Lexus TX
Pros
- More cargo space
- More leg and head space
- More horsepower
- Available six-speed automatic
Cons
- Lower standard fuel economy
- Must upgrade for AWD
- Fewer standard luxury amenities
- Certain features hidden behind packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better fuel economy: the Volvo XC90 or Lexus TX?
The Volvo XC90 is more fuel-efficient, thanks to the mild-hybrid B5 and B6 engines. Even when comparing the AWD Volvo SUV to the Lexus TX FWD, the Volvo XC90 offers better fuel economy – 25 MPG (Combined)3 vs. 23 MPG (Combined).5 To compete, the Lexus TX requires its expensive hybrid engine.
Which is more comfortable in the back seat: the Volvo XC90 or Lexus TX?
Both models have a comfortable rear row, although the Lexus TX contains more legroom and headroom that could accommodate taller adults. The Volvo XC90 is right behind with 31.9 inches of legroom and 36.3 inches of headroom, making its third row better suited for children and smaller adults and teens.
Which offers a 7-seat variant: the Volvo XC90 or Lexus TX?
The Volvo XC90 and Lexus TX have a seven-seat variant as well as a six-seat option. They both have seven seats by default, with a three-seat second-row bench and a two-seat third row. The six-seat configuration has captain's chairs.
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org.
2This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/volvo/xc90/2027
3EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/29 MPG highway/25 MPG combined (2.0L turbo 4-cyl B5 AWD). Your actual range 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. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
4EPA estimated range is 20 MPG city/26 MPG highway/23 MPG combined (2.0L turbo, supercharged 4-cyl B6 AWD). Your actual range 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. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
5EPA-estimated 21 city/ 27 hwy/ 23 comb MPG rating for 2027 Lexus TX 350. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov.
6EPA-estimated 27 city/ 28 hwy/ 27 comb MPG rating for 2027 Lexus TX 500h F SPORT Performance Premium AWD. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov.
7When properly equipped.
8Never 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.
9Whichever time/mileage designation comes first. Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.