VS
At a Glance
Power
173kW@3200
340 kW
Torque
317Nm@4800
709 Nm
Fuel
6.3
1.6 combined l/100km
Towing
2000
2250 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.8
4.8 s
Engine
3456
1969 cc
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 340 kW. On fuel, the RX returns 6.3 while the XC60 uses 1.6 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R801 200 for the RX and R1 460 800 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
340 kW
Torque
317Nm@4800
709 Nm
0-100 kph
7.8
4.8 s
Top Speed
200
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3456
1969 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
supercharger + turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3
1.6 combined l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
6.6
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65
71 l
CO2 Emissions
148
37 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4770
4688 mm
Width
-1885
1902-2117 mm
Height
1690
1658 mm
Wheelbase
2740
2865 mm
Ground Clearance
175
216 mm
Kerb Weight
—
2158 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
468-817-1395 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
2250 Kg
Load Capacity
825
—
Safety
Euro NCAP Rating
—
5
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
48
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
100000
100000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volvo XC60
3 / 4 categories
Performance
XC60
Fuel Economy
XC60
Value
RX
Practicality
XC60
Pros & Cons
LEXUS RX
Lower starting price (R801 200)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3)
Volvo XC60
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 RX or XC60?
The RX uses 6.3 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 RX or XC60?
The RX produces 173kW@3200 and 317Nm@4800 of torque while the XC60 delivers 340 kW and 709 Nm 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 R1 460 800. The RX is cheaper by R659 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 2250 Kg. 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.