Lexus UX and Volvo XC40 Compared by AutoGuide

Lexus UX attempts to take down the larger, faster, and more expensive, Volvo XC40.

Compact Luxury Crossover. This vehicle segment didn’t even exist a mere 20 years ago. Now they are taking over. Vehicles like the Lexus UX and Volvo XC40 have left an indelible mark on the car-buying landscape. But which is better?

AutoGuide set out to answer just that in their latest review. Author Evan Williams walks us through his thoughts on each vehicle. He breaks down their strengths and weaknesses and gives us the lowdown on which he feels takes the cake.

Interior & Cargo Space

Here the XC40 outshines the UX. While it’s clear the vehicles are vastly different in overall size, head, leg, and cargo room still matter. 

“The Lexus is three inches longer, three inches shorter in wheelbase, and about five inches less in height than the XC40. That makes it far more cramped inside,” says AutoGuide. “The Lexus UX has as much as three inches less headroom than the XC40. Rear legroom is similarly smaller, and if you want to fit adults in the back, they’d best not be anywhere near six-feet tall.”

The UX offers little else in terms of cargo capacity. It falls short in every metric when compared to the XC40. “Volvo, on the other hand, is happy to advertise the 47.2 cubic feet of space for stuff with the back seats folded. Its cargo opening is also much taller and more square, which means that fitting big boxes, or even something like a cooler for drinks, is a much easier affair.”

Interior/Technology

Lexus prides itself on having some of the most desirable interiors of any brand. AutoGuide feels that, even here, the XC40 has the advantage. “Where Lexus gives you door panels that are massive and dull hunks of plastic, and a purple infotainment system, Volvo gives you yet another of its delectable Scandanavian interiors. Simple yet complex, with air vents that look a bit too much like the nose of an Edsel,” continues AutoGuide. 

When it comes to the entertainment systems, the UX and XC40 are similarly difficult to use, mentions Autoguide. But, the XC40’s Sensus system is one of the better systems around they believe. “Especially thanks to the portrait-orientation of the screen and having just three main menu screens, one of which is a summary.” Both vehicles offer Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto, which eases driver usability.

“Likewise, the [XC40] seats, especially the suede-centers available on certain trims, are extremely comfortable, supportive, and look amazing. Next to this, the red leather seats Lexus offered in the F-Sport trim just seem crass.”

To round out the tech, both the UX and XC40 come with a load of modern safety features. AutoGuide believes that Lexus wins this segment for most of these features coming as standard equipment.

Powertrains

“Even in this small segment, what moves you is important. Lexus offers up two different options for the UX, the four-cylinder UX 200 and the UX 250 Hybrid. With just 169 hp on tap, the UX 200, which comes only as a front-driver, is a little short in the get-up and go department,” says AutoGuide. “With the only drive option a CVT that doesn’t exactly bring out the best in this little engine, the UX feels sluggish, in stark contrast to the aggressive looks of the F-Sport trim that’s available.” AutoGuide goes on to mention that the hybrid model does add 13hp, but more importantly far more torque, plus AWD.

In the XC40 both the T4 and T5 trims come with AWD. The T4 engine pulls 187 hp, 221 lb-ft out of a 2.0-liter turbo-four-cylinder. AutoGuide mentions that it “moves as well as the UX hybrid.” But, the real power boost is to be had with the T5 trim. The T5 comes with a 248 hp 2.0L engine that makes 258 lb-ft of torque.

“That one scoots the XC40 along downright briskly, and it’s an engine that’s quick to respond,” reports AutoGuide. “Even better, it’s available with optional Polestar Optimization Software, from Volvo’s performance brand, which gives it just three extra ponies, but loads more character and much more power and torque under the curve. Delightful turbo squeals and a tearing whoosh when you get on the right-hand pedal make this one of the best in the segment.”

Fuel Economy

“Not surprisingly, the model with less power and a hybrid option fares better here. That’s 29 mpg city and 37 highway for the UX 200, versus 23/31 in the XC40 T4. Step up to the hybrid and things get even further apart, with the EPA estimating the UX 250h to get a whopping 41 city, 38 highway.” While the XC40 is no slouch in fuel economy, turbos are turbos. The T4 and T5 share the same fuel economy rating, but the more aggressive nature of the T5 will certainly change that if you let it.

The UX is the clear winner in this segment.

Price

Price is, of course, our last segment of comparison. The XC40 has an entry point of $34,345. $2,045 more than the base-model UX. A fully-loaded XC40 T5 Inscription will run you $45,800. “Pricier,” says AutoGuide “but a bit of a bargain since it adds more active safety features, a more premium interior, more impressive performance, and a branded audio system: the UX doesn’t offer the Lexus-staple Mark Levinson system.”

The UX 200 starts from $32,300. A great entry price for a luxury vehicle. “The UX 250h starts from $34,350, a hybrid F Sport is $36,350, and a hybrid Luxury trim is $39,550. Tick all the boxes and you’re under $44,000.” 

Ultimately the price vs. value is a decision the consumer has to make, but Autoguide sides with the XC40 here.

Conclusion

“The UX offers much better fuel economy, especially in hybrid form, with bodywork that will get you noticed. It also has the Lexus reputation for reliability behind it, something that is always difficult to ignore,” says AutoGuide. The benefits of the XC40 are simply too much to pass up in their minds. “The XC40 feels special each time you get in and drive… which is very important in any luxury segment. It also has more AWD availability, far more space for people and stuff, and arguably better styling.” 

“That said, we think the Volvo XC40 wins this comparison test. You won’t mind putting the extra fuel in it after you go for a drive.”