2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to move sensors behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models like the XC90, S90, and V90 Cross Country. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a stylish and high-quality choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. It looked and felt more like a small luxury SUV, with high-quality materials and an available turbocharged engine that provided impressive power. The CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda planned to replace the CX-5 with the CX-50, but the 2023 model still offered quality, refinement, and sophistication across all versions. The CX-5 lineup included eight versions, ranging from the 2.5 S at $26,700 to the 2.5 Turbo Signature at $39,650, with the latter featuring premium Nappa leather upholstery and a high MSRP of $41,655.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively AWD. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The EPA rated it at 26 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo model featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The turbo engine's torque arrived at 2,000 rpm with regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium fuel, providing quick acceleration. The CX-5's updates for 2022 improved structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and interior noise, making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle. The turbocharged engine delivered a firm, connected ride with responsive steering and brakes, making it a delight to drive on various road conditions.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average in both rows. Mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down, while plug-in hybrid models offered slightly less. The XC60 featured a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's 2022 updates improved front-seat comfort and support. All versions had a height-adjustable driver's seat, with higher trims offering power adjustment, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Signature trim included Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, rear-seat room, and cargo space were lacking. The cargo area provided 30.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 59.3 cubic feet with them down, less than many rivals but more than some entry-luxury models.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. It also supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. It lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls on the center console were awkward and distracting. The system required multiple twists and pushes to execute commands, making it less intuitive than a touchscreen. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system in upper trims. The test vehicle also had a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety with standard i-Activsense driver assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and a head-up display in higher trims. Exclusive features for the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, rear low-speed automatic emergency braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS. However, it lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night, a common issue with the model.