VS
At a Glance
Power
300 kW
232kW@5850
Torque
537 Nm
440Nm@3900
Fuel
18.4 kWh/100km l/100km
13.5
Towing
750 Kg
2250
0-100 km/h
4.4 s
7.3
Engine
electric cc
4414
Choosing between the Lexus RZ and the VOLVO XC90 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Lexus RZ delivers 300 kW while the VOLVO XC90 produces 232kW@5850. On fuel, the RZ returns 18.4 kWh/100km l/100km while the XC90 uses 13.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 958 000 for the RZ and R746 800 for the XC90. 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
300 kW
232kW@5850
Torque
537 Nm
440Nm@3900
0-100 kph
4.4 s
7.3
Top Speed
180 Km/h
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
4414
Engine Layout
—
TRANSVERSE V 8
Cylinders
—
8
Fuel Type
electric
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
18.4 kWh/100km l/100km
13.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.8
Fuel Tank Capacity
76.9 kWh l
80
CO2 Emissions
—
317
Dimensions
Length
4805 mm
4798
Width
1895 mm
1898
Height
1635 mm
1784
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2857
Ground Clearance
200 mm
218
Kerb Weight
2165 Kg
2193
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
522 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
750 Kg
2250
Load Capacity
—
1837
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 battery
12
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
VOLVO XC90
3 / 4 categories
Performance
RZ
Fuel Economy
XC90
Value
XC90
Practicality
XC90
Pros & Cons
Lexus RZ
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (18.4 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
VOLVO XC90
Better fuel economy (13.5)
Lower starting price (R746 800)
Higher towing capacity (2250)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RZ or XC90?
The RZ uses 18.4 kWh/100km l/100km and the XC90 uses 13.5 on the combined cycle. The XC90 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 RZ or XC90?
The RZ produces 300 kW and 537 Nm of torque while the XC90 delivers 232kW@5850 and 440Nm@3900 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the RZ and XC90?
The RZ starts from R1 958 000 and the XC90 from R746 800. The XC90 is cheaper by R1 211 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RZ or XC90?
The RZ has a braked towing capacity of 750 Kg and the XC90 can tow 2250. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RZ or the XC90?
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.