2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform. This platform was shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles, giving the XC60 a cohesive and elegant design. The crossover featured a tailored two-box design with short front and rear overhangs, athletic body sides, and crisp details. The upright grille proudly displayed Volvo’s iron mark logo, and the front headlights had an LED daytime running light in the shape of Thor’s hammer, adding a distinct Swedish touch. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, and the large alloy wheels, up to 21 inches on top trim levels, were both fashionable and attractive.

Inside, the XC60’s cabin was a showcase of Scandinavian design, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was easier to accept in 2021 than it was in 2018. The interior details, such as the elegant HVAC vents with a single, grooved, chromed knob, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status. The textures and colors throughout the cabin were harmonious and rewarding, making it a very pleasant place to spend time.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, opting for a smooth and sleek look that appeared slippery even when stationary. The base CX-5 Sport came with automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The higher-tier Touring model added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, two rear USB ports, a six-speaker audio system, and auto-leveling LED headlights that moved with the direction of the wheel.

The CX-5 Carbon Edition featured Polymetal Gray paint, gloss black door mirrors, and 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels, with red leather seats and black honeycomb interior trim. The Grand Touring model added dual heated mirrors, leatherette-trimmed upholstery, 19-inch brilliant silver aluminum alloy wheels, LED taillights, LED fog lights, and LED daytime running lights. The top-tier Signature model, which rivaled offerings from Buick, Infiniti, and Acura, included Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, a black headliner, and 19-inch silver aluminum alloy wheels. The materials and fit and finish in the Signature model were well-executed, making the interior feel premium.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque using direct gasoline injection and a turbocharger. The T6 models, with AWD only, added a supercharger to the mix, boosting output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 models, also AWD, included an 87-horsepower electric motor, resulting in a combined 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model further increased power to 415 horsepower and maintained 472 pound-feet of torque.

The XC60 T8 models were plug-in hybrids (PHEV), capable of driving up to 19 miles on electric power alone. The vehicle seamlessly transitioned between electric and gasoline power, optimizing performance and efficiency. The XC60’s AWD system and torque vectoring allowed it to handle corners with ease, providing a solid and secure driving experience. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension smoothed out bumps, making it an excellent road-trip car. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV and 57 MPGe combined in electric-only mode. Premium gasoline was recommended for all XC60 models.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base engine, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD available. The Carbon Edition model offered a choice between the base engine and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, delivering 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models came standard with the turbo engine and AWD.

The most fuel-efficient CX-5 variant, with FWD and the base engine, achieved 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. AWD models with the base engine saw slightly lower figures, while those with the turbo engine achieved 23 mpg city/28 mpg highway/25 mpg combined with FWD and 22 mpg city/27 mpg highway/24 mpg combined with AWD. The turbo engine provided spirited performance, especially in Sport mode, but the stiff suspension could be a drawback for some drivers. The CX-5’s sporty driving style was engaging, but the seats could benefit from better bolstering.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed to transport people safely and comfortably. The front seats were highly adjustable and heated, providing quick warmth during cold Michigan winters. The heating system, rear glass heater, windshield defroster, washer, and wipers effectively handled ice and snow buildup. The cabin featured smart storage solutions in the center console, dashboard, door panels, and second-row seatbacks. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It could tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5’s design allowed it to meet family needs with comfort and style. The seating position and comfort level were typical for an SUV of its size, with good headroom in both rows but limited legroom for rear passengers. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats and a tether connector on the middle rear seat. The climate controls were straightforward and easy to use. However, the larger shifter and infotainment system controls took up passenger space and were not ideally positioned for shorter drivers. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was below average for the segment. A power liftgate was available.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system’s portrait orientation and swipe, pinch, and pull gestures were familiar to iPad users. The screen was divided into function quadrants, making it intuitive for some but requiring a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot with a three-month trial. The Volvo On Call app provided vehicle-specific functionality. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system in the test vehicle was exceptional.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. 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 inconvenient, though volume control was available via the steering wheel or center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing users to bypass the system’s shortcomings.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 benefited from Volvo’s long-standing commitment to safety. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the T5/T5 AWD and T6 AWD models. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and more. The semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60’s top speed was limited to 112 mph for safety.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 also had a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and more. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda provided a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.