Lexus RX vs Volvo XC90
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 61% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| RX | XC90 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 516 500 | R 1 555 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 26 506/m | R 27 188/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 79% |
| Retained after 3 years | 61% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 922 704 | R 919 608 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 593 796 | R 635 892 |
| Value after 5 years | R 685 985 | R 672 233 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Lexus RX →
The RX has been Lexus SA's large SUV since the early 2000s and pioneered the luxury hybrid SUV locally with the RX 400h. The current generation is sold mainly in hybrid form from around R1.5 million. It sells steadily to loyal repeat buyers who value refinement and dependability over badge prestige.
Known for: quiet hybrid family luxury
Volvo XC90 →
Volvo's seven-seat flagship has been sold here since 2003 and is now in its long-running second generation, priced from about R1.56m. First-generation cars are plentiful and cheap on the used market, with the D5 diesel the sensible pick. A T8 plug-in hybrid tops the current range.
Known for: seven-seat family luxury and safety tech
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Lexus RX or the Volvo XC90?
They are close to inseparable: 61% vs 59% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Lexus RX loses about R 593 796 over three years and the Volvo XC90 loses about R 635 892. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Lexus RX runs about R 26 506 per month and the Volvo XC90 about R 27 188, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.