2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. The XC90 retained Volvo's recognizable boxy profile and blunt front end with a rectangular grille, but introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim level, with its extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a cohesive design language across the brand. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism" with high-quality materials and thoughtful arrangement, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of luxury, albeit slightly out of place in the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different approach to design, opting for smooth, sleek lines that gave it a dynamic appearance even when stationary. The base CX-5 Sport featured automatic LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, and a rear roof spoiler. The Touring trim added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and auto-leveling LED headlights. The new-for-2021 Touring Preferred SV Package further enhanced the Touring model with a 10-speaker Bose sound system, leather seats, and a power moonroof. The Carbon Edition introduced a unique Polymetal Gray paint job, red leather seats, and 19-inch black metallic wheels. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Reserve trims added more luxury features, while the top-tier Signature trim offered premium touches like Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim. The CX-5's interior materials and fit and finish were impressive, rivaling those of more expensive brands.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. Despite the impressive power figures, the small engine struggled to provide flexible performance, especially in the plug-in hybrid model, which had difficulty accelerating away from stops on electric power alone. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power—but Pure mode was only practical at low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and cabin quietness, thanks to its optional air-suspension system. It also had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, though it fell short of some competitors.

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 was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Carbon Edition offered a choice between the base engine and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine was standard on the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims, which also came with all-wheel drive. The CX-5's fuel economy varied depending on the drivetrain, with the most efficient model achieving 25 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. The turbo engine provided spirited performance, especially in Sport mode, but the CX-5's stiff suspension detracted from ride comfort. The CX-5's sporty driving dynamics were a highlight, though the seats could use better bolstering for spirited driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom in all three rows were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The seats in the second and third rows lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile gave the interior a spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console storage bin and few storage options on the console. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, which was below average for the segment. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered a comfortable and stylish interior, though rear legroom was limited, especially with taller front-seat occupants. 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. The larger shifter took up passenger space, and the infotainment system controls were not ideally positioned for shorter drivers. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet 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 XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports were standard. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display (HUD) were available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, though the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the front USB ports were not USB-C.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system was generally uncluttered but not modern in design, and the screen's positioning made it difficult to reach. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favorites was inconvenient, though volume control was available via the steering wheel or a knob in the center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for the infotainment system's shortcomings.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for non-hybrid models, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with all Good scores in crash tests. The NHTSA gave the CX-5 a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included 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 included 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.