2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Volvo XC40 showcased a more traditional SUV styling, clearly measuring up to the rest of Volvo's contemporary lineup. Its distinctive tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch echoed a classic SUV silhouette. Unique elements such as the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille tied it visually to Volvo's family of vehicles. For those yearning for a touch of retro flair, gasoline XC40 models featured a white contrasting roof option. The XC40 Recharge distinguished itself with several subtle features: a blanked-off grille, “Recharge” badging, and exclusive alloy wheels (19-inch standard, and 20-inch optional). Additional elements included a gloss black roof, unique mirror caps, and a slightly modified rear bumper designed to accommodate the absent exhaust tips. It also offered the model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic color. Notably, the charging port was located where the fuel filler typically resided. Despite the differences, these nuances were modest, making the XC40 Recharge an appealing choice for those desiring an electric vehicle without conspicuousness. Underneath, the XC40 utilized Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, shared with the Polestar 2, adeptly accommodating both gasoline and electric powertrains. The interior boasted a minimalist design, exuding premium quality with real metal trim on the dashboard and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile for the upholstery. The cohesive design, highlighted by a portrait-oriented touchscreen, presented a luxurious, integrated feel many competitors lacked. Conversely, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 borrowed its aesthetic from its larger sibling, the CX-5, featuring an upright grille and flowing fenders. Riding on the same platform as the Mazda3, it's best imagined as an elevated Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's sharply angled windshield acted like a greenhouse, which, although charming on sunny days, distorted the view for taller drivers. Inside, the CX-30's cabin was both comfortable and acoustically pleasing, with solid buttons and door closures. Its interior possibly ranked among the best designed in its price range, echoing affordability with a touch of sophistication. The instrument cluster blended traditional and digital elements artfully, while the infotainment screen organically rose from the smooth dashboard. Yet, this refinement came at a cost, as the infotainment system had a significant learning curve, potentially frustrating users. The CX-30 came in various trim levels from the base 2.5 S to the range-topping Turbo Premium Plus, each adding more features such as rain-sensing wipers, all-wheel drive (AWD), and premium audio systems. Notably, the 2.5 S variants featured functionalities like dual-zone climate control, integrated roof rails, and leather enhancements as one climbed the trim ladder.

In terms of performance, the 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup. The gasoline models were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 churned out 187 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. The XC40 Recharge mirrored the Polestar 2 with one electric motor per axle, ensuring AWD and a hefty combined output of 402 hp and 486 pound-feet of torque. The 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack provided 75 kWh of usable capacity. Volvo's performance figures cited 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds for the Recharge, 6.1 seconds for the T5, and 8.1 seconds for the T4. All models were electronically restricted to 112 mph, emphasizing safety by mitigating high-speed crashes. In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model had the upgraded turbocharged variant, delivering 227 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel, and increasing to 250 hp and 320 pound-feet with premium fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission directed power to all four wheels. The turbocharged CX-30 offered commendable acceleration, enhanced further by the Sport mode altering throttle response and shift mapping, adding liveliness to the drive. Paddle shifters and a manual tap-shift mode provided an engaging driving experience, with sporty handling and minimal body roll. However, the firmer suspension translated to a rougher ride over uneven surfaces.

Cargo capacity in the 2021 Volvo XC40 and 2022 Mazda CX-30 presented clear contrasts. The XC40, despite its clever storage solutions, wasn’t particularly spacious. Both electric and gasoline models offered identical passenger and cargo space, yet fell short compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E. The gasoline variant fared better against rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, highlighting the segment's typically lower utility standards. Volvo’s ingenuity shone with practical touches like a trash bin in the center console, a bag hook in the glovebox, and oversized door bins facilitated by repositioned speakers from the Harman Kardon system. However, rear occupants lacked phone charging options, potentially dampening passenger convenience. On the other hand, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered competitive cargo space for its segment, with 45.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded, and 20.2 cubic feet with seats in use. Our Turbo Premium Plus model's power rear liftgate added further convenience. Front seat functionality was somewhat hindered by a sliding center console cover, which could jam when folding down the rear seats. Yet, storage overall was ample, with deep pockets for larger items. Rear seating in the CX-30 provided reasonable headroom for short-to-medium trips despite limited legroom compared to larger models like the CX-5.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge boasted the Android Automotive OS introduced with the Polestar 2, offering integrated Google apps such as Google Assistant and Google Maps. This allowed Android phone users to sync their Google accounts seamlessly. Conventional features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, alongside a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge variant introduced OTA updating for both the infotainment system and any software-controlled vehicle functions. Interestingly, it omitted a start button, initiating the vehicle once the driver shifted out of park. In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was non-touchscreen, controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons mimicking older luxury car setups like BMW's iDrive. Users found this method cumbersome, especially when interacting with touch-centric systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Missteps in design led to frustrations, particularly when navigating through various menus and presets.

Safety was paramount for the 2021 Volvo XC40, with the gasoline model receiving top marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Standard features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge variant benefited from additional sensors and software capable of future updates, although specifics on their advancements remained unclear. The 2022 Mazda CX-30 matched its competitor with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and IIHS's highest Top Safety Pick+ award for its robust safety performance and advanced driver-assist technologies.