Verdict
The Volvo XC60 is the stronger value case in Malaysia: at RM328,888, it costs RM67,000 less, yet its 246 hp and 350 Nm mild-hybrid turbo reach 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, 0.8 seconds ahead of the Lexus NX. Its 2,865 mm wheelbase is 175 mm longer and it brings a panoramic roof, Bowers & Wilkins audio and integrated rear child boosters. The NX counters with a larger 520-litre boot, 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats and a head-up display, but its RM830 annual road tax is RM402 higher. Choose the Lexus for its specific cabin and practicality gains, not outright value.
Pick the Lexus NX if you want the larger 520-litre boot, ventilated front seats, head-up display and 200 km/h top speed.
Pick the Volvo XC60 if you want to spend RM67,000 less for quicker 6.9-second acceleration, a 175 mm longer wheelbase and family-focused rear-seat features.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus NX RM395,888; Volvo XC60 RM328,888.
- Performance: NX 184 hp/221 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds; XC60 246 hp/350 Nm and 6.9 seconds.
- Road tax: NX RM830 per year; XC60 RM428 per year.
- Wheelbase and boot: NX 2,690 mm and 520 litres; XC60 2,865 mm and 483 litres.
- Wheels: NX 20-inch alloys with 235/50R20 tyres; XC60 19-inch 5-double-spoke alloys.
- Fuel tank: NX 55 litres; XC60 71 litres.
NX
- 520-litre boot, 37 litres larger than the XC60's.
- Ventilated front seats, head-up display and 64-colour ambient lighting.
- 200 km/h top speed and 20-inch wheels with run-flat tyres.
- RM67,000 more expensive than the XC60.
- Slower 7.7-second 0-100 km/h time versus 6.9 seconds.
- RM830 annual road tax versus RM428.
XC60
- RM67,000 lower purchase price with 246 hp and 350 Nm.
- 2,865 mm wheelbase, panoramic glass roof and integrated rear child boosters.
- Bowers & Wilkins audio, 360-degree camera and six front and rear parking sensors.
- 483-litre boot is 37 litres smaller than the NX's.
- No ventilated front seats, head-up display or steering-wheel electric adjustment.
- 180 km/h top speed is 20 km/h below the NX's 200 km/h.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM395,888 | RM328,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM830 | RM428✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing and hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with MHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | 2,487 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 246 hp✓ |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 87.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 10.8 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 133 hp✓ | 13 hp |
| Motor Torque | 208 Nm✓ | 30 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-Speed Direct Shift | 8-Speed Geartronic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.7 seconds | 6.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,708 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,902 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Weight | 1,765 kg | 2,450 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | 71 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres✓ | 483 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R20 | — |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R20 | — |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 Run-flats | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, with Integrated Boosters |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), TPMS | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | 3 LED Projectors | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split Folding with integrated 2-stage booster child seat cushions for the outer seats |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System with Lexus Climate Concierge | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Powered Sunshade for Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Audio | 14" Lexus Premium Audio Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 10 Speakers | 11.2" Central Display with Android Automotive OS, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Start | Keyless Knob Twist |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Active Cruise Control with Steering Assist |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Panoramic View Camera | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Qi Wireless Charger, Smart Card Key | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used NX & XC60 for sale
NX vs XC60 FAQ
Is the Lexus NX or Volvo XC60 better?
The Volvo XC60 is the better buy on price, acceleration and wheelbase: it is RM67,000 cheaper, reaches 100 km/h 0.8 seconds sooner and has a 175 mm longer wheelbase. The Lexus NX suits buyers who prioritise its 520-litre boot, ventilated seats and head-up display.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus NX costs RM395,888 and the Volvo XC60 costs RM328,888, so the Lexus is RM67,000 more expensive. The XC60 also has lower annual road tax, at RM428 against RM830 for the NX.
Which has the larger boot and longer wheelbase?
The Lexus NX has the larger boot at 520 litres, compared with 483 litres for the Volvo XC60. The XC60 has the longer wheelbase at 2,865 mm, 175 mm more than the NX's 2,690 mm.