2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had a design reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, essentially serving as a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing distractions for taller drivers due to its slight curve. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to its components. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. However, the infotainment system, while attractive, had a steep learning curve, prioritizing form over function.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past "rolling brick" designs, presenting a purposeful yet understated look. Its front end was stout and solid, with an assertive grille and modern "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The XC90's dimensions leaned toward rectilinear, but it was far from the toasters of the past. Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Gray paint with rich undertones. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior had a touch of nature with wood deco inlays, though it lacked ample cubby space for smaller items.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model featured the upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane. Power was routed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30 offered a sporty, refined ride with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it had a rough ride over potholes.

For 2023, Volvo replaced the XC90's older engines with new B5 and B6 powertrains featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 used a turbocharger and mild-hybrid system to produce 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6, like our test car, added a supercharger for 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency slightly and provided smoother operation. The XC90 delivered a reserved driving experience, with quick acceleration and a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. It handled corners well despite its size, and road noise was minimal. The XC90's brakes inspired confidence, though it lacked extensive customizable driving dynamics.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 20.2 cubic feet with them in use. The Turbo Premium Plus model featured a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. The rear seats provided decent headroom for short-to-medium trips but lacked the space of larger models like the CX-5.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats were comfortable, though the minimalist design led to limited cubby space. The second row was spacious but adjusting the seats was challenging. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench for seven-passenger seating, with an option for captain's chairs. The third row was difficult to access, and cargo space was limited to 12.5 cubic feet with all seats in use, expanding to 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, which was a plus for a three-row SUV.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with a non-touch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by older luxury systems, was criticized for poor usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay was cumbersome, and the system remained challenging even after setup.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen ran Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. Natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing voice commands via Google Home devices. However, many functions were buried in the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons, making some features less intuitive.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features like forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. It earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. It featured adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology as standard, providing comprehensive safety support.