2019 Volvo XC40 vs 2019 Mazda CX-5

The XC40 boasts standout styling with an upright appearance, providing ample head- and legroom. It comes in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, each offering unique design elements and features. The XC40's interior is well-equipped, with a large 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment display and premium materials.

The CX-5 is praised for its best-looking, best-driving midsize crossover design. It offers a range of trims, with the top-tier Signature trim featuring added luxury elements such as ambient cabin lighting, real wood trim, and a 360-degree camera. The base Sport trim also surprises with unexpected features like LED headlights and a 7-inch touchscreen.

Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, the XC40 delivers 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offers brisk acceleration, well-weighted steering, and responsive turn-in. The XC40 provides various drive modes, including Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, and Off-Road, catering to different driving preferences.

The CX-5 offers a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque in lower trims. The top-tier trims feature a turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering up to 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The CX-5's handling has been improved with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control system.

The XC40 impresses with its smart use of space, providing ample front-seat head- and legroom. It features innovative storage solutions, including a removable trash bin in the center console and a large tray with a wireless charging pad. The rear seats offer surprising legroom, and the hands-free power liftgate and clever cargo area design enhance practicality.

The CX-5 offers useful space with adequate passenger legroom and a healthy amount of cargo capacity. The top-tier Signature trim delivers a level of design and refinement typically found in higher-priced vehicles, with amenities like ambient lighting, real wood trim, and a frameless rear-view mirror.

The XC40 features a large touchscreen with a portrait layout, housing most vehicle controls. The Sensus system integrates various functions, including stereo, phone, climate control, and navigation. The available Multimedia Package enhances the system with a navigation system and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay now standard on most trims, the MazdaConnect infotainment system offers attractive and responsive functionality. The GT Premium package adds advanced features like a head-up display, power-folding mirrors, and heated and ventilated front seats.

The XC40 comes standard with a comprehensive array of safety features, including airbags, tire pressure monitoring, whiplash protection, road-sign information updates, and City Safe automatic braking. Optional packages add advanced safety technologies such as blind-spot detection, cross-traffic alert, and a semi-autonomous driving system with adaptive cruise control.

The CX-5 offers a standard i-ActiveSense safety suite across the range, including automatic headlights, wipers, and high beams, lane-departure warning and assist, adaptive cruise control, and a forward-collision warning and mitigation system. The top-tier Signature trim adds advanced features like a 360-degree camera and parking sensors.