VS
At a Glance
Power
179 kW
340 kW
Torque
239+e Nm
709 Nm
Fuel
5.0 combined l/100km
1.6 combined l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
2250 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.7 s
4.8 s
Engine
2494 cc
1969 cc
Choosing between the Lexus NX and the Volvo XC60 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Lexus NX delivers 179 kW while the Volvo XC60 produces 340 kW. On fuel, the NX returns 5.0 combined l/100km while the XC60 uses 1.6 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 264 900 for the NX and R1 500 700 for the XC60. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
179 kW
340 kW
Torque
239+e Nm
709 Nm
0-100 kph
7.7 s
4.8 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2494 cc
1969 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
supercharger + turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.0 combined l/100km
1.6 combined l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
71 l
CO2 Emissions
114 combined g/km
37 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4660 mm
4688 mm
Width
1865 mm
1902-2117 mm
Height
1670 mm
1658 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2865 mm
Ground Clearance
195 mm
216 mm
Kerb Weight
1790-1870 Kg
2158 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
520 l
468-817-1395 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
500 Kg
2250 Kg
Safety
Euro NCAP Rating
—
5
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
100000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery K
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volvo XC60
3 / 4 categories
Performance
XC60
Fuel Economy
XC60
Value
NX
Practicality
XC60
Pros & Cons
Lexus NX
Lower starting price (R1 264 900)
Higher fuel consumption (5.0 combined l/100km)
Less power than rival (179 kW vs 340 kW)
Volvo XC60
More powerful engine (340 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.6 combined l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2250 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.8 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the NX or XC60?
The NX uses 5.0 combined l/100km and the XC60 uses 1.6 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The XC60 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the NX or XC60?
The NX produces 179 kW and 239+e Nm of torque while the XC60 delivers 340 kW and 709 Nm of torque. The XC60 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the NX and XC60?
The NX starts from R1 264 900 and the XC60 from R1 500 700. The NX is cheaper by R235 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the NX or XC60?
The NX has a braked towing capacity of 500 Kg and the XC60 can tow 2250 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the NX or the XC60?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.