Verdict
The Lexus NX costs RM395,888, a RM67,000 premium over the RM328,888 Volvo XC60, yet the Volvo answers with a stronger 246 hp and 350 Nm engine, reaching 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. The NX counters with 520 litres of boot space, seven airbags and a 200 km/h top speed, plus two motors rather than one. For Malaysian family use, the XC60’s 2,865 mm wheelbase, panoramic glass roof and integrated rear booster cushions are meaningful gains; the NX is the better choice for those who prioritise cargo room and its fuller safety count.
Pick the Lexus NX if you want the larger 520-litre boot, seven airbags, 20-inch wheels and a 200 km/h top speed.
Pick the Volvo XC60 if you want to save RM67,000 while gaining 246 hp, 350 Nm, a 2,865 mm wheelbase and a panoramic glass roof.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus NX RM395,888; Volvo XC60 RM328,888.
- Engine output: Lexus NX 184 hp and 221 Nm; Volvo XC60 246 hp and 350 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Lexus NX 7.7 seconds; Volvo XC60 6.9 seconds.
- Wheelbase: Lexus NX 2,690 mm; Volvo XC60 2,865 mm.
- Boot space: Lexus NX 520 litres; Volvo XC60 483 litres.
- Kerb weight: Lexus NX 1,765 kg; Volvo XC60 2,450 kg.
NX
- 520-litre boot is 37 litres larger.
- Seven airbags versus six.
- 200 km/h top speed and 20-inch alloy wheels.
- Costs RM67,000 more.
- Its 184 hp and 221 Nm trail the Volvo’s 246 hp and 350 Nm.
- Shorter 2,690 mm wheelbase and no panoramic glass roof.
XC60
- 246 hp and 350 Nm, with a 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 175 mm longer wheelbase with 40:20:40 rear seats and integrated booster cushions.
- Panoramic glass roof, Bowers & Wilkins audio and six parking sensors at each end.
- 483-litre boot is 37 litres smaller.
- Six airbags versus the Lexus NX’s seven.
- 2,450 kg weight is 685 kg higher, and top speed is 180 km/h versus 200 km/h.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM395,888 | RM328,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM830 | RM428✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing and hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with MHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | 2,487 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 184 hp at 6,000 rpm | 246 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 221 Nm at 4,300 rpm | 350 Nm at 1,500 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | 87.5 mm × 103.4 mm | 82 mm × 93.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 10.8 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 133 hp✓ | 13 hp |
| Motor Torque | 208 Nm✓ | 30 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-Speed Direct Shift | 8-Speed Geartronic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.7 seconds | 6.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,708 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,902 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Weight | 1,765 kg | 2,450 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | 71 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres✓ | 483 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R20 | — |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R20 | — |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 Run-flats | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, with Integrated Boosters |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), TPMS | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | 3 LED Projectors | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split Folding with integrated 2-stage booster child seat cushions for the outer seats |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System with Lexus Climate Concierge | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Powered Sunshade for Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Audio | 14" Lexus Premium Audio Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 10 Speakers | 11.2" Central Display with Android Automotive OS, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Start | Keyless Knob Twist |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Active Cruise Control with Steering Assist |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Panoramic View Camera | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Qi Wireless Charger, Smart Card Key | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used NX & XC60 for sale
NX vs XC60 FAQ
Is the Lexus NX or Volvo XC60 better?
The Volvo XC60 is the stronger all-round buy on these specifications: it is cheaper, faster, more powerful and has a 175 mm longer wheelbase. Choose the Lexus NX instead if its larger boot, seven airbags and 200 km/h top speed matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus NX costs RM67,000 more than the Volvo XC60: RM395,888 against RM328,888.
Which SUV is better for carrying luggage and rear passengers?
The Lexus NX has the larger boot at 520 litres versus 483 litres. The Volvo XC60 has the longer 2,865 mm wheelbase versus 2,690 mm, plus 40:20:40 rear seats with integrated booster cushions on the outer seats.
