2019 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Mazda CX-30

2019 Volvo XC40
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Mazda CX-30
2020 Mazda CX-30
$21,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mazda CX-30
$21,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Volvo XC40 emerges as a compelling choice, excelling in safety, technology, and cost effectiveness.

Overview

MSRP

$33,700

MSRP

$21,900

Average price

$24,065

Average price

$20,461

Listings

111

Listings

202
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Poor visibility
Pros
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • The wheels are too shiny

2019 Volvo XC40 Reviews Summary

If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance.

Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world.

This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices.

Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out.

2020 Mazda CX-30 Reviews Summary

Based on the Mazda3 platform, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 compact crossover offers two distinct advantages over the car on which it is based. The first is extra ground clearance for navigating snowstorms and light-difficulty trails. The second is easier entry and exit because the CX-30 sits higher off the ground. In exchange for these benefits, the CX-30 dilutes the brilliant design and driving dynamics for which the Mazda3 is revered. But it still looks and drives better than most of its competition.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 187 hp I4

Engine

2.5L 186 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

187 hp @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower

186 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

33
2019 Volvo XC40
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mazda CX-30
2020 Mazda CX-30
$21,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mazda CX-30
$21,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Volvo XC40 emerges as a compelling choice, excelling in safety, technology, and cost effectiveness.

Overview
MSRP
$33,700
$21,900
Average price
$24,065
$20,461
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.3
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Poor visibility
Pros
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • The wheels are too shiny
Summary

If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance.

Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world.

This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices.

Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out.

Based on the Mazda3 platform, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 compact crossover offers two distinct advantages over the car on which it is based. The first is extra ground clearance for navigating snowstorms and light-difficulty trails. The second is easier entry and exit because the CX-30 sits higher off the ground. In exchange for these benefits, the CX-30 dilutes the brilliant design and driving dynamics for which the Mazda3 is revered. But it still looks and drives better than most of its competition.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 187 hp I4
2.5L 186 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
187 hp @ 4700 rpm
186 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
23
25
MPG Highway
33
33
Look and feel
2019 Volvo XC40
9/10
2020 Mazda CX-30
8/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 earns a 9 out of 10 from CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Mazda CX-30 receives an 8 out of 10. 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 CX-30's design is marred by excessive cladding, but its interior exudes luxury and comfort. It offers various trims with different levels of features and amenities.
Performance
2019 Volvo XC40
7/10
2020 Mazda CX-30
6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Mazda CX-30 6 out of 10 in terms of performance. The XC40 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offers responsive acceleration, well-weighted steering, and a balanced suspension. The CX-30 is powered by a smooth and refined 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, providing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It offers a comfortable driving experience but may feel slower and less agile compared to the XC40.
Form and function
2019 Volvo XC40
9/10
2020 Mazda CX-30
7/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 receives a 9 out of 10 for form and function, while the 2020 Mazda CX-30 scores a 7 out of 10. The XC40 impresses with its spacious and cleverly designed interior, offering ample front-seat and backseat legroom, along with innovative storage solutions and a practical cargo area. The CX-30 provides a comfortable and elegant interior but falls short in terms of rear-seat space and cargo capacity.
Technology
2019 Volvo XC40
8/10
2020 Mazda CX-30
7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 8 out of 10 for technology, while the 2020 Mazda CX-30 scores 7 out of 10. The XC40 features a large touchscreen with a user-friendly interface, integrating various vehicle controls and offering seamless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CX-30's infotainment system, while comprehensive, may have a steeper learning curve and lacks a touchscreen, aiming to minimize distractions while driving.
Safety
2019 Volvo XC40
7/10
2020 Mazda CX-30
10/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 receives a safety rating of 7 out of 10, while the 2020 Mazda CX-30 earns a perfect 10 out of 10. The XC40 comes with a comprehensive set of safety features, including advanced driver-assistance systems and a strong safety structure. However, it has some visibility and shifter design issues that may impact safety. In contrast, the CX-30 excels in safety, offering a generous list of standard safety technologies, impressive crash-test ratings, and excellent crashworthiness.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Volvo XC40
7/10
2020 Mazda CX-30
8/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 7 out of 10 for cost effectiveness, while the 2020 Mazda CX-30 scores 8 out of 10. The XC40 offered a unique ownership model called Care by Volvo, simplifying the leasing process and bundling insurance costs. However, the CX-30 provided exceptional value for its price, offering a refined and sophisticated driving experience, along with a generous list of safety features and excellent crash-test scores.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.