2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

During the 2020 Mazda CX-30's development, a decision was made to cover its lower perimeter with thick gray plastic cladding. This choice was widely considered a misstep, as it made the 18-inch wheels appear too small and gave the vehicle a perpetually lifted look. Reducing the cladding by half would have significantly improved the styling. Despite this, the CX-30's design was otherwise commendable, especially the interior, which felt luxurious above the midpoint of the cabin. Below that, hard plastic was prevalent, but given the price, it was expected. The CX-30 started at $21,900, with higher trims offering additional features and all-wheel drive as a $1,400 upgrade.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design. Maintaining traditional Volvo styling elements like a boxy profile and rectangular grille, the XC90 added softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a cohesive design language across the brand.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a smooth 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite its competitive figures, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds and lack of a turbocharged engine option limited its performance. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, especially with paddle shifters in the Premium trim, made the most of the available power. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance, suitable for light off-roading. Compared to the Mazda3, the CX-30 felt slower and less agile, but it ranked high among small crossovers for driving dynamics. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 23.9 mpg in testing, with a smaller gas tank reducing its range.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model featured a turbocharged engine with 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, producing 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was standard on the T6 and T8. Despite the power, the small engine struggled with flexibility, and the XC90 often required the gasoline engine for acceleration. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and quietness, with a 5,000-pound towing capacity for most models.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered ease of entry and exit due to its high ground clearance. Inside, the upscale and elegant interior provided a comfortable driving environment, though the rear seat was cramped with limited legroom. Cargo space was also limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than many competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC90, available in six or seven-seat configurations, provided average headroom and legroom for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The interior felt spacious due to the power moonroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, though storage space was limited. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, near the bottom of the segment.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 featured an 8.8-inch static display for its infotainment system, avoiding a touchscreen to improve driver focus. However, the controls were not always intuitive. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available from the Select trim, with higher trims offering a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, though the text was sometimes hard to read while driving. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The CX-30 received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS with Premium trim.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering.