2022 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, which provided 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 aim to position itself as a premium brand. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats offered improved comfort, and the trim levels were restructured into the CX-5 2.5 S and CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with the latter featuring a turbocharged engine.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 showcased Volvo’s signature style and design, aging gracefully with its classic Scandinavian minimalism. The test vehicle, in Recharge spec with the Ultimate package and Dark exterior theme, looked stunning with its 20-inch wheels and Thunder Grey paint. The interior was equally impressive, featuring black leather, wood trim, metal accents, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and an Orrefors crystal gear selector knob. The XC60’s cabin exuded opulence, making it a standout in terms of look and feel.

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. It featured a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, on the other hand, offered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. It also had standard AWD and 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’s improved structural rigidity and reworked suspension provided a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride, making it a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, paired with an electric motor powering the rear wheels. This setup produced a combined 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque, with an estimated 35 miles of electric driving range. The XC60 Recharge offered several driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD, accessible through the 9-inch touchscreen display. The XC60 Recharge was exceptionally quick, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. It also featured a more powerful electric motor and torque-vectoring effect in Hybrid mode, enhancing its fun-to-drive nature. The XC60 Recharge averaged 54.6 mpg on a 65-mile evaluation route, showcasing its impressive fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and handling with new seats that offered better support and a sportier driving position. The height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel added to the comfort. However, the back seat remained snug, and the control layout of the Mazda Connect infotainment system was frustrating due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, a compact crossover SUV, was best suited for four people, though it could accommodate five. The front seats, wrapped in Nappa leather, offered outstanding comfort with heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The back seats were also comfortable but had limited legroom. Storage space was decent, with practical spots in the center console, door panel bins, and glovebox. The power liftgate revealed 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The XC60 Recharge also featured a netted space for the charging cord and buttons to lower the suspension for easier loading.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its 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 XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system with four years of complimentary access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. The system supported both Android and Apple CarPlay, with additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and Wi-Fi access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, capable of handling various commands and integrating with streaming music apps. The test vehicle’s optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system was exceptional, though expensive at $3,200.

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 XC60, known for its safety, featured Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. The system excelled on freeways, providing smooth and accurate performance. The XC60 also had Oncoming Lane Mitigation to avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. The XC60 B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top marks from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year.