2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint, with its blue hue, contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing the vehicle's luxurious feel. The interior boasted high-quality materials, including leather, aluminum, and optional carbon-fiber trim, with seats that offered exceptional comfort and support, even on long journeys.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo featured a bold design with shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, along with thick matte black body cladding. This design gave the CX-30 a light and agile appearance, as if it were floating over the wheels. The CX-30's higher ground clearance compared to the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based, made it stand out. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3's quality materials, complementary tones, and textures, creating an upscale vibe. The addition of a chrome accent around the engine start button and a standard frameless rearview mirror added to the premium feel. However, the rear seats were cramped for adults, and the storage space was limited compared to the Mazda3 hatchback.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune upgrade boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight negated the speed benefits, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel octane. Torque was impressive at 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm or 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm, providing effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, with an average of 24.1 mpg during testing. The i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced handling, distributing power effectively to the rear wheels. However, the CX-30's added height and weight affected its handling compared to the Mazda3. The Off-Road mode and 2.5 inches of extra ground clearance made it capable on rough terrain, but the torsion-beam rear suspension design occasionally resulted in a bouncy ride.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though it still had some quirks. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for defrosters, volume, and seek controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable only for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo provided exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way power adjustment and a driver-focused interior layout. Both front seats were heated, but ventilated seats were not available. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, though the rear seats were cramped for adults. Storage space was generous for a small SUV, but the location of the optional wireless smartphone charger in the center console storage bin was inconvenient. The CX-30 offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, slightly less than the Mazda3 hatchback.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, providing an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map between analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo's 8.8-inch infotainment system display was not a touchscreen, operated instead by physical controls and voice commands. The system required acclimation, and the process of changing radio stations was cumbersome. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided access to digital assistants, and the CX-30 Turbo included three free years of Mazda Connected Services. Premium and Premium Plus trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter's headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The CX-30 Turbo came equipped with a full suite of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive front lighting, front and rear parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The mobile 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification system added an extra layer of safety.