2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, offering more distinctive illumination. It also had updated bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda’s premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, and the trim levels were restructured into the CX-5 2.5 S and CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with the latter offering a turbocharged engine.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive, flat-roofed SUV profile, with a clean exterior design free of extraneous detailing. For 2023, Volvo updated the exterior with new pixelated “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 Recharge was easily identifiable by its new sealed-off grille. Inside, the XC40 continued with its minimalist design, featuring thin air vents, scalloped door elements, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Leather upholstery was available, with vegan leather for Recharge models. The Ultimate trim included a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The EPA rated its fuel economy at 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, running on premium gas, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. It also featured the revised six-speed automatic and standard AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo trims and the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus included Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings. The 2022 CX-5 offered improved driving dynamics, reduced noise, and a blend of compliance and composure, making it a credible alternative to small entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, adding a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The base B4 powertrain combined the mild-hybrid system with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 197 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the B5 model offered 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B4 being FWD-only and the B5 AWD-only. The B4 and B5 models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and 6.1 seconds, respectively. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, produced 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and an EPA-rated 223-mile range. The XC40 offered a high level of refinement, handling corners with composure and absorbing bumps smoothly, although it lacked a sport driving mode.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and handling with new seats that provided better support and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was frustrating due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Storage space was adequate, with a small center armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but less so against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while small, offered reasonable space among its competitors. It tied with the BMW X1 for most rear-seat headroom and was just behind the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class in front-seat headroom. Legroom was average, but generous shoulder room contributed to a spacious feel. Cargo space was 20 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. The XC40 featured good interior storage with large door panel carve-outs, a sizable center console storage bin, and a phone tray.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial subscription. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 gasoline models received the Android-based infotainment system, using Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system available on the Ultimate trim. The system offered pleasing graphics but might not satisfy Apple users as much. The minimalist design meant a lack of analog controls, with most functions controlled via the touchscreen.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 included standard lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Higher trims added front and side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top “Good” ratings in most IIHS crash tests but dropped to “Acceptable” in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.