2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched as a 2016 model. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, while the interior boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" aesthetic with natural wood and metal trim. The vehicle offered both leather and tailored wool blend upholstery options, with the latter being a sustainable choice as Volvo aimed to go leather-free by 2030.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured subtle exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The interior remained largely unchanged, with the Signature trim offering luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim. Mazda introduced a new lineup structure, with the CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models, the latter offering a turbocharged engine for those seeking more power. The CX-5's interior improvements included new seats for enhanced comfort and a sportier driving position, while the back seat remained snug. Despite some control layout frustrations, the CX-5's interior was equipped with modern conveniences like dual-zone climate control and heated seats.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The T6 model added a supercharger to the turbocharged engine, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, with all-wheel drive as standard. The T8 model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque, with an extended-range variant offering up to 36 miles of electric-only range. The XC90's driving experience was praised for its minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered a turbocharged engine with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The CX-5's driving dynamics were improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom and thigh support. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, with ample storage options and a standard panoramic moonroof.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new furnishings that provided better support and a sportier driving position. The back seat remained snug, but features like heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout was a source of frustration, but the CX-5 offered adequate storage space and wireless smartphone charging. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded, which was competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering intuitive smartphone-like gestures. However, the system was occasionally glitchy and slow, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional Advanced package with a head-up display and 360-degree camera system. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles. The XC90 also offered multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, operated via center console and steering wheel controls. The system lacked a touchscreen and natural voice recognition, requiring smartphone integration for intuitive use. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, the CX-5 included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which provided satisfactory audio quality.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued the brand's legacy of safety with a comprehensive suite of features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. The Pilot Assist system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning the Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with the i-Activsense package, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5's safety systems operated mostly in the background, with a head-up display for blind-spot warnings. The CX-5 also received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, a testament to its robust safety features.