VS
At a Glance
Power
273 kW
183 kW
Torque
460+e Nm
350 Nm
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
2400 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.2 s
6.9 s
Engine
2393 cc
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 273 kW while the Volvo XC60 produces 183 kW. On fuel, the RX returns 6.5 l/100km while the XC60 uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 797 900 for the RX and R1 116 300 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
273 kW
183 kW
Torque
460+e Nm
350 Nm
0-100 kph
6.2 s
6.9 s
Top Speed
210 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2393 cc
1969 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
71 l
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
173 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4890 mm
4688 mm
Width
1920 mm
1902-2117 mm
Height
1695 mm
1658 mm
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2865 mm
Ground Clearance
183 mm
216 mm
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
1840 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
612 l
483-832-1410 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
2400 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
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
5
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
100000 Km
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RX
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
XC60
Practicality
XC60
Pros & Cons
Lexus RX
More powerful engine (273 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.2 ss)
Higher starting price
Volvo XC60
Lower starting price (R1 116 300)
Higher towing capacity (2400 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (183 kW vs 273 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or XC60?
The RX uses 6.5 l/100km and the XC60 uses 7.6 l/100km 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 273 kW and 460+e Nm of torque while the XC60 delivers 183 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The RX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RX and XC60?
The RX starts from R1 797 900 and the XC60 from R1 116 300. The XC60 is cheaper by R681 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 Kg and the XC60 can tow 2400 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.