2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a smooth and stylish vehicle that stood out with its sleek design, even when stationary. Unlike many automakers that favored deeply-creased hoods and chiseled grilles, Mazda opted for a more refined look. The base CX-5 Sport featured automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims like the Touring and Grand Touring added features such as rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and auto-leveling LED headlights. The top-tier Signature model boasted Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, making it a premium offering.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a modern and upscale design, moving away from the boxy shapes of its predecessors. The XC90 had a poised stance with a sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized its athleticism. The interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" with natural wood and metal trim, and exquisite details like a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, although Nappa leather was still available for those who preferred it. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a standard laminated panoramic moonroof.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base engine was a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available in higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The most fuel-efficient version was the FWD model with the non-turbo engine, achieving 25 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. The turbo engine provided a spirited driving experience, especially in Sport mode, but the stiff suspension could be a drawback for some.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came with three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model had a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined the supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T5 models were available with FWD or AWD, while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. The T8 had an EV range of up to 36 miles and achieved 66 MPGe. The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV despite its size, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery from the electric motor.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's design allowed it to fulfill most family needs comfortably. The seating position and comfort level were typical for its size, but rear legroom was limited. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats and a tether connector on the middle rear seat. Climate controls were straightforward and easy to use. However, the larger shifter took up passenger space, and the infotainment system controls were not in the most intuitive position. Cargo space was below average for the segment, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations. The third row was suitable for kids but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior had ample storage space, and the air-conditioning system performed well even during a heat wave. The standard laminated panoramic moonroof added to the airy and spacious feel of the cabin.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen. While the screen size was impressive, the operating system was not user-friendly. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favorites was a drawback, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The infotainment controls were not in the most intuitive position, making it difficult for shorter drivers to use.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The system allowed for familiar smartphone gestures like pinch, pull, and swipe, but it was sometimes slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered easy customization. The $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display and a 360-degree surround view camera system. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system, which provided excellent surround sound staging. The XC90 also had multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot with a complimentary trial subscription.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, lane keep assist, and a rearview camera. Additional features like a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and traffic sign recognition were available. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's tradition of prioritizing safety. It included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to keep the car in its lane and at a set speed with minimal driver intervention. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.