2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Its minimalist interior, featuring high-quality materials such as Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, provided a premium feel, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen seamlessly.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 embraced a sleek, smooth design, standing out with its understated elegance. The base Sport model included features like automatic LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims like the Touring and Grand Touring added luxury touches such as leatherette seats and dual-zone climate control. The top-tier Signature model boasted Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, elevating its premium appeal. The CX-5's interior materials were of high quality, though the design leaned towards a more traditional layout compared to the XC40's modern minimalism.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted dual electric motors for a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, emphasizing luxury and comfort over raw speed, with a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged version of the same engine, available on higher trims, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft. The CX-5's driving dynamics were engaging, especially with the turbo engine, though its fuel economy lagged behind some competitors. The naturally aspirated engine achieved up to 28 mpg combined with FWD, while the turbo engine managed 25 mpg combined. The CX-5's sporty drive was complemented by a stiff suspension, providing a fun driving experience but less comfort compared to the XC40.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to maximize utility. The interior featured a removable trash bin in the center console and a bag hook in the glovebox. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, the XC40's cargo space was limited, with a small frunk and less passenger space compared to rivals like the Tesla Model Y.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable seating position and good headroom, though rear legroom was limited. The SUV featured two full LATCH connections for child seats and straightforward climate controls. However, the larger shifter and infotainment controls took up valuable space, and the cargo area was below average for the segment, offering 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps, alongside Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled functions. The Recharge model also lacked a start button, simplifying the driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was less intuitive. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favorites was a drawback, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The screen's positioning made it difficult to reach, requiring reliance on steering wheel controls for some functions.

The gasoline 2021 Volvo XC40 earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 also received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a robust suite of standard safety features, with optional upgrades like a head-up display and surround-view camera system. However, the traffic sign recognition technology was noted for its occasional inaccuracies.