VS
At a Glance
Power
173kW@3200
224kW@5600
Torque
317Nm@4800
440Nm@2100
Fuel
6.3
10.7
Towing
2000
2000
0-100 km/h
7.8
6.9
Engine
3456
2953
Choosing between the LEXUS RX and the VOLVO XC60 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The LEXUS RX delivers 173kW@3200 while the VOLVO XC60 produces 224kW@5600. On fuel, the RX returns 6.3 while the XC60 uses 10.7 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R801 200 for the RX and R600 600 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
173kW@3200
224kW@5600
Torque
317Nm@4800
440Nm@2100
0-100 kph
7.8
6.9
Top Speed
200
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3456
2953
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
TRANSVERSE INLINE 6
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3
10.7
Fuel Consumption Urban
6.6
15.2
Fuel Consumption Highway
6
8.1
Fuel Tank Capacity
65
70
CO2 Emissions
148
249
Dimensions
Length
4770
4644
Width
-1885
1891-2120
Height
1690
1713
Wheelbase
2740
2774
Ground Clearance
175
230
Kerb Weight
—
1835
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
2000
Load Capacity
825
1450
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
10
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
48
60
Warranty Distance
100000
100000
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
XC60
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
LEXUS RX
Better fuel economy (6.3)
Higher starting price
VOLVO XC60
Lower starting price (R600 600)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.9s)
Higher fuel consumption (10.7)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or XC60?
The RX uses 6.3 and the XC60 uses 10.7 on the combined cycle. The RX 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 RX or XC60?
The RX produces 173kW@3200 and 317Nm@4800 of torque while the XC60 delivers 224kW@5600 and 440Nm@2100 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the RX and XC60?
The RX starts from R801 200 and the XC60 from R600 600. The XC60 is cheaper by R200 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RX or XC60?
The RX has a braked towing capacity of 2000 and the XC60 can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RX 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.