2019 Mazda CX-5 vs 2020 Volvo XC90
Overview | |
MSRP$24,350 | MSRP$48,350 |
Listings823 | Listings295 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2019 Mazda CX-5 Reviews SummaryIn a segment dominated by some pretty intimidating competitors like the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Subaru Forester, the Mazda CX-5 has been slowly winning over consumers year after year with good looks and a best-in-class driving experience. But rather than resting on its laurels, Mazda has updated the CX-5 just one year into its second generation, improving handling with an updated version of its G-Vectoring Control system, increasing connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and boosting power with a turbocharged engine for two new top-tier trims—the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature. | |
2020 Volvo XC90 Reviews SummaryThe XC90 has been one of our favorite family shuttles for 18 model years. This 3-row Volvo continues for 2020 as it was during its 2016 redesign, which brought dramatic new design language, chassis architecture, electrified powertrains, infotainment, and semi-automated driving capability. Among midsize SUVs, the XC90 is among the few I would recommend without any hesitation. Families who can afford to splurge will find a stylish and pampering truck that's built upon decades of safety research, which very few automakers can match. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 250 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower250 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City25 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway30 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 250 hp I4 |
Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower250 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City25 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway30 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space30.9 cu ft | Cargo Space15.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3541 lbs | Curb Weight4375 lbs |
Height66.2 in | Height69.9 in |
Length179.1 in | Length195.0 in |
Width83.3 in | Width84.3 in |
Wheelbase106.2 in | Wheelbase117.5 in |
Maximum Payload1034 lbs | Maximum Payload1210 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity4000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $24,350 | $48,350 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.3 out of 10Read full review | 8.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | In a segment dominated by some pretty intimidating competitors like the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Subaru Forester, the Mazda CX-5 has been slowly winning over consumers year after year with good looks and a best-in-class driving experience. But rather than resting on its laurels, Mazda has updated the CX-5 just one year into its second generation, improving handling with an updated version of its G-Vectoring Control system, increasing connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and boosting power with a turbocharged engine for two new top-tier trims—the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature. | The XC90 has been one of our favorite family shuttles for 18 model years. This 3-row Volvo continues for 2020 as it was during its 2016 redesign, which brought dramatic new design language, chassis architecture, electrified powertrains, infotainment, and semi-automated driving capability. Among midsize SUVs, the XC90 is among the few I would recommend without any hesitation. Families who can afford to splurge will find a stylish and pampering truck that's built upon decades of safety research, which very few automakers can match. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 2.0L 250 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 250 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 25 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 30 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 2.0L 250 hp I4 |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 250 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 30 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 30.9 cu ft | 15.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3541 lbs | 4375 lbs |
Height | 66.2 in | 69.9 in |
Length | 179.1 in | 195.0 in |
Width | 83.3 in | 84.3 in |
Wheelbase | 106.2 in | 117.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1034 lbs | 1210 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | 4000 lbs |
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Volvo XC90 is rated 10 out of 10.
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is described as the best-looking, best-driving midsize crossover on the market. The base Sport trim offers impressive features like LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a comprehensive safety suite. Move up to the Touring and Grand Touring trims for additional luxury and technology features. The top-tier Signature trim offers added luxury with ambient cabin lighting, real wood trim, and a 360-degree camera.
The 2020 Volvo XC90 is praised for its modern design and luxurious features. The R-Design trim features blacked-out grille bars, 22-inch rims, and "Thor's hammer" LED headlights. The interior boasts high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and a well-organized Sensus infotainment system. The XC90 offers generous legroom, integrated booster cushions for young children, and up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
















The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Volvo XC90 is rated 7 out of 10.
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 offers a range of trims with the base engine delivering 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims feature a turbocharged engine with up to 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The CX-5 also features improved handling with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus system.
The 2020 Volvo XC90 offers three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T6 model delivers 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the T8 plug-in hybrid offers 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The XC90's safety ratings are impeccable, with top scores from the NHTSA and IIHS.
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Volvo XC90 is rated 8 out of 10.
The CX-5 offers captivating looks, spirited performance, and useful space. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims offer amenities expected in higher-priced vehicles. The 2020 Volvo XC90 features a well-organized Sensus infotainment system, seven seats as standard, and an integrated booster cushion for young children.
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 7 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Volvo XC90 is rated 8 out of 10.
The CX-5 now offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard on higher trims. The MazdaConnect infotainment system is attractive and responsive, and the GT Premium package adds advanced tech features. The 2020 Volvo XC90 features Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system, and a phenomenal Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power.
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Volvo XC90 is rated 10 out of 10.
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 comes with a comprehensive i-ActiveSense safety suite as standard across the range. The 2020 Volvo XC90 offers top scores from the NHTSA and IIHS, with standard safety features including forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a driver-attention monitor.
CarGurus highlights

The 2020 Volvo XC90 scores slightly higher than the 2019 Mazda CX-5. Therefore, the overall recommendation is to choose the 2020 Volvo XC90 for its modern design, luxurious features, impeccable safety ratings, and advanced technology.
Choose the 2019 Mazda CX-5 if:
- You prioritize captivating looks, spirited performance, and a range of luxury amenities at a great price.
- You are looking for a midsize crossover with comprehensive safety features and a well-organized infotainment system.
- You want a vehicle that offers a tremendous deal in terms of cost-effectiveness and refinement.
Choose the 2020 Volvo XC90 if:
- You seek a modern design, luxurious features, and impeccable safety ratings in a midsize SUV.
- You value advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system and a high-quality stereo system.
- You are looking for a vehicle that offers unique style, unparalleled safety, and immense comfort, making it a good value compared to its competitors.
CarGurus highlights

The 2020 Volvo XC90 scores slightly higher than the 2019 Mazda CX-5. Therefore, the overall recommendation is to choose the 2020 Volvo XC90 for its modern design, luxurious features, impeccable safety ratings, and advanced technology.
Choose the 2019 Mazda CX-5 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize captivating looks, spirited performance, and a range of luxury amenities at a great price.
- You are looking for a midsize crossover with comprehensive safety features and a well-organized infotainment system.
- You want a vehicle that offers a tremendous deal in terms of cost-effectiveness and refinement.
Choose the 2020 Volvo XC90 if:
Shop Now- You seek a modern design, luxurious features, and impeccable safety ratings in a midsize SUV.
- You value advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system and a high-quality stereo system.
- You are looking for a vehicle that offers unique style, unparalleled safety, and immense comfort, making it a good value compared to its competitors.

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.








































