VS
At a Glance
Power
227 kW
300 kW
Torque
227+e Nm
670 Nm
Fuel
1.3 combined l/100km
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
500 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.3 s
4.7 s
Engine
2487 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Lexus NX and the Volvo EC40 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Lexus NX delivers 227 kW while the Volvo EC40 produces 300 kW. On fuel, the NX returns 1.3 combined l/100km while the EC40 uses 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 414 600 for the NX and R1 396 800 for the EC40. 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
227 kW
300 kW
Torque
227+e Nm
670 Nm
0-100 kph
6.3 s
4.7 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2487 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
electric
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.3 combined l/100km
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
82 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
29 combined g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4660 mm
4440 mm
Width
1865 mm
1873-2034 mm
Height
1670 mm
1591 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2702 mm
Ground Clearance
195 mm
171 mm
Kerb Weight
1990-2070 Kg
2210 DIN / 2185 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
520 l
404-1310 + 31 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
500 Kg
1800 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7
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
—
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 battery
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volvo EC40
3 / 4 categories
Performance
EC40
Fuel Economy
NX
Value
EC40
Practicality
EC40
Pros & Cons
Lexus NX
Better fuel economy (1.3 combined l/100km)
Less power than rival (227 kW vs 300 kW)
Higher starting price
Volvo EC40
More powerful engine (300 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 396 800)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (18.7 kWh/100km l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the NX or EC40?
The NX uses 1.3 combined l/100km and the EC40 uses 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The NX 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 EC40?
The NX produces 227 kW and 227+e Nm of torque while the EC40 delivers 300 kW and 670 Nm of torque. The EC40 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the NX and EC40?
The NX starts from R1 414 600 and the EC40 from R1 396 800. The EC40 is cheaper by R17 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the NX or EC40?
The NX has a braked towing capacity of 500 Kg and the EC40 can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the NX or the EC40?
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.