A small luxury SUV brings the easy driveability of a compact car with the utility of an SUV. Among our favorites in this class are the 2024 Volvo XC40 and 2024 Lexus NX. With plenty of refinement and technology, there’s a lot to love about these premium SUVs.
These two are technically in different classes, but you may find yourself cross-shopping them since they’re so similarly priced. The Volvo XC40 is a subcompact luxury SUV, while the Lexus NX fits in the compact segment.
Let’s check out these two luxury SUVs and find the right one for you.
2024 Volvo XC40
Most Volvo models these days, including the 2024 Volvo XC40, are powered by the same base engine. Fortunately, it’s a good one, and it can also be had as an all-electric model, which we’re not reviewing here.
In addition to the satisfying turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard on the XC40. This powerplant is strong, putting out 247 horsepower and boasting a 0 to 60 time of 6.1 seconds. That’s pretty good for a small SUV in this class. Perhaps most importantly, it adheres to Volvo’s simple, clean Scandinavian design aesthetic — another of the brand’s hallmarks. Pricing starts at $41,995, including the destination charge.
Volvo XC40 Highlights
Smart storage: The XC40 has a folding load floor, which allows for some small storage away from prying eyes. When a section is folded up, it forms a couple of grocery bag holders, which can keep your items from sprawling out all over the cargo area as if they were in the midst of a jailbreak.
Hey Google: Almost every manufacturer has a partner in the infotainment space, and Google is Volvo’s dance partner. This infotainment operating system includes Google Maps, which can be activated by saying, “Hey Google.” It also allows for over-the-air updates. This high-tech SUV also has pairs of USB-C ports front and rear. More apps can be added through the Google Play store, including Waze.
Pilot Assist: Volvo offers Pilot Assist as part of its adaptive cruise control feature. It helps make steering corrections to keep the XC40 SUV in its lane. While it’s not a hands-free system, it can make a long trip a little less taxing.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the XC40 models for sale near you.
2024 Lexus NX
Lexus may be the most successful luxury brand added by a mainstream automaker ever. Acura’s done well, and Genesis is a comer, but Lexus gets Toyota’s reputation for quality and adds a bounty of premium flourishes.
The Lexus NX is the brand’s offering in the popular compact SUV class. As with other Lexus vehicles, the NX is a comfortable and plush driving partner with strong resale value. It’s easy to see why the 2024 Lexus NX is popular.
There aren’t big changes for the 2024 model from 2023, mainly changes to interior color schemes. Pricing starts at $40,605, including the destination charge. The Lexus NX is also available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid.
Lexus NX Highlights
Outstanding resale value: The Lexus NX has stronger resale values than its rivals, a typical Lexus trait. The brand has won our Best Resale Value Award many times. Recouping more money when you sell or trade can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next vehicle.
Sound system: The NX offers the option of a rich 17-speaker/1,800-watt surround-sound system from Mark Levinson, a premium brand one can find in many other Lexus vehicles.
Extra touches: The NX features a luxury package of options that includes hands-free tailgate operation, perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and front/rear parking sensors with automatic emergency braking.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the NX models for sale near you.
Similarities
Small luxury SUVs are pervasive in the market, and aside from having nice interiors with similar amounts of passenger space, these two vehicles are pretty different in terms of styling, powerplants, and more.
Conclusion
The Volvo has the style and panache of a European luxury vehicle, and we’re partial to its lively turbocharged engine with standard AWD. The more affordable and efficient Lexus is a more practical option with a longer warranty and fantastic resale value. Weigh your desires and needs, including interior space, to help determine which is best for you.
| 2024 Volvo XC40 | 2024 Lexus NX | |
| Starting Price | $41,995 | $40,605 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 247 hp @ 1,800 rpm | 203 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 24 city/30 highway/26 combined mpg | 26 city/33 highway/28 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD; hybrid; plug-in hybrid | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/50,000 miles | 6 years/70,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.4 inches | 105.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 174.8 inches | 183.5 inches |
| Width | 75.2 inches | 73.4 inches |
| Height | 56.9 inches | 65.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 feet | 38.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.0 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.1 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.1 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.9 inches | 56.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.3 inches | 54.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 16.0/57.5 cubic feet | 22.7/46.9 cubic feet |
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