![](\"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/volvo-xc90-phev-vs-lexus-tx-phev-why-buy-review.jpg\")
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Good three-row luxury SUVs aren\u2019t hard to find, but only a few offer plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Volvo XC90 introduced its plug-in hybrid variant for the 2016 model year and has remained one of the top choices in the segment ever since.<\/p>\n
Today, the competition is growing, with Lexus, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz now offering their own plug-in hybrid alternatives. Still, a subtle update for the 2026 model year helps the XC90<\/a> stay competitive\u2014and even more appealing\u2014in an increasingly crowded PHEV market.<\/p>\n Compared to one of its closest rivals, the Lexus TX 550h+, the Volvo XC90 offers more power, more features, and a lower starting price. While the Lexus holds an edge in areas like technology and electric-only driving range, the XC90 ultimately stands out as the stronger luxury plug-in of the two.<\/p>\n Here’s why Volvo still beats out Lexus.<\/p>\n The Volvo XC90 doesn\u2019t look dramatically different for 2026\u2014and that\u2019s a good thing if you were already a fan of its minimalist design. Subtle updates to the grille, including a new cross-pattern mesh, along with refreshed “Thor\u2019s Hammer” running lights, give the front end a slightly sharper look. Buyers also get a few new wheel options, including the stylish 21-inch diamond-cut design on this tester.<\/p>\n Interior updates are similarly understated. While the overall layout remains the same, new touches like Nappa leather seats with a Navy Herringbone weave pattern and upgraded accent materials on the dash and door panels elevate the XC90\u2019s already excellent cabin.<\/p>\n Design is always subjective, but in my view, the XC90\u2019s distinctive detailing and sculpted profile are far more appealing than the TX\u2019s boxy shape and awkward front-end styling. And the interior remains a step above Lexus.<\/p>\n Volvo<\/a> updated the XC90\u2019s infotainment system for 2025 with a sleek new 11.2-inch vertically oriented display. The Android-based touchscreen is clean, responsive, and intuitive, offering built-in features like Google Assistant and Google Maps for seamless navigation and voice control.<\/p>\n Complementing the center display is a crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster positioned ahead of the steering wheel. It offers a range of customization options and can project Apple Maps when using CarPlay. However, Apple CarPlay still isn\u2019t wireless\u2014you\u2019ll need to plug in to connect your device. For a 2026 model-year vehicle, that\u2019s unfortunate.<\/p>\n Lexus has really nailed its latest infotainment setup, and the TX is no exception. Its 14.0-inch screen is sharp and well-organized, with an intuitive home layout that\u2019s easy to navigate. Plus, wireless Apple CarPlay is standard. The Volvo simply can\u2019t match the Lexus in this respect.<\/p>\n If you’re looking for a sporty three-row SUV, the XC90 isn’t it. This T8 Ultra model is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a twin-charged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. Despite its output, the XC90 still manages up to 27 miles per gallon and offers 32 miles of electric-only range.<\/p>\n Performance is solid. The XC90 has enough punch for quick highway merges and confident passing, and in pure EV mode, it\u2019s perfect for puttering around town in complete silence.<\/p>\n The steering is light, and while the chassis feels composed, it\u2019s best not to push it too hard through corners. Ride quality is excellent\u2014the suspension handles road imperfections with ease, and the cabin remains impressively quiet, even at highway speeds.<\/p>\n In the first and second rows, the XC90’s all-around comfort rivals anything in the class. But if you’re\u00a0trying to squeeze someone into the third row, it’s a tight fit. The XC90’s 31.9 inches of rear legroom and 36.3 inches of headroom are down on the TX’s 33.5 inches of legroom and 37.2 inches of headroom.\u00a0<\/p>\n Even with the TX 550h+\u2019s plug-in hybrid system, Lexus can\u2019t quite match Volvo\u2019s performance. The TX produces 406 horsepower compared to the XC90\u2019s 455, and it feels less refined in handling and overall ride quality. That said, the TX PHEV does edge out the Volvo slightly in electric range, offering 33 miles of EV driving versus the XC90\u2019s 32. But if it’s third-row space you’re after, the TX is better here.<\/p>\n The standard Volvo XC90 starts at $62,345, putting it on par with\u2014or even below\u2014many competitors in the luxury three-row SUV segment. The plug-in hybrid T8 model starts at $77,495. This fully loaded Ultra trim, including destination, is priced from $84,695 and climbs to nearly $90,000 with options.<\/p>\n The Lexus TX is actually more affordable at the entry level, with a base price of $57,090. However, the plug-in hybrid TX 550h+ is slightly more expensive than the XC90 T8, starting at $80,960. Although the XC90 does get pricier than the Lexus once you start digging into options.<\/p>\n The Volvo XC90 is an excellent SUV, regardless of which powertrain is under the hood. The ever-popular three-row is stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped. The plug-in hybrid powertrain offers solid performance and impressive efficiency to go with it.<\/p>\n Even with strong competition\u2014like the Lexus TX\u2014the XC90 remains tough to beat.<\/p>\n Lexus TX PHEV<\/a> Good three-row luxury SUVs aren\u2019t hard to find, but only a few offer plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Volvo<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3397,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3395"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3395"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3395\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3403,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3395\/revisions\/3403"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3397"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Design: Swedish Minimalism Enhanced<\/h2>\n
![\"2026](\"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-volvo-xc90-plug-in-hybrid-review.jpg\")
\nPhoto by: Jeff Perez \/ Motor1<\/p>\nHow Does It Compare to the Lexus TX?<\/h3>\n
Technology: Almost Excellent<\/h2>\n
![\"2026](\"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-volvo-xc90-plug-in-hybrid-review-1.jpg\")
\nPhoto by: Jeff Perez \/ Motor1<\/p>\nHow Does It Compare to the Lexus TX?<\/h3>\n
Driving & Comfort: Luxury Over Performance<\/h2>\n
![\"2026](\"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-volvo-xc90-plug-in-hybrid-review-2.jpg\")
\nPhoto by: Jeff Perez \/ Motor1<\/p>\nHow Does It Compare to the Lexus TX?<\/h3>\n
Pricing: Expensive But Not Outrageous<\/h2>\n
![\"2026](\"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2026-volvo-xc90-plug-in-hybrid-review-3.jpg\")
\nPhoto by: Jeff Perez \/ Motor1<\/p>\nHow Does It Compare to the Lexus TX?<\/h3>\n
Volvo XC90 PHEV Verdict<\/h2>\n
Competitors<\/h3>\n
\nMazda CX-90 PHEV<\/a>
\nMercedes-Benz GLE PHEV<\/a>
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