2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, was a standout in the compact crossover SUV segment. It offered a stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and it boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was a strategic move, similar to Infiniti's rebranding of the G37. The CX-5 was available in eight versions, with prices ranging from $26,700 to $39,650, offering a range of options for consumers. The 2.5 Turbo Signature model, with its premium features, was priced at $41,655, including destination charges.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, each offering different levels of performance and efficiency. The XC90 Recharge T8, with its plug-in hybrid system, provided 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It featured a sophisticated design with a subdued and earthy color palette, and the interior was fitted with rich materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. The XC90 offered a range of customization options, allowing buyers to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery. The Recharge T8 model, with its luxurious features, was priced at $89,145, including destination charges.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder and a 256-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. The turbocharged engine delivered 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, providing a rewarding driving experience. The CX-5's updates in 2022 improved its structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and transmission responsiveness, making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle. The AWD system was standard, and the CX-5 excelled on twisting roads, offering a firm and communicative ride quality. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy fell short of expectations during testing, achieving 21.4 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only range and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The XC90's performance was lively, with a five-second 0-60 mph time in Power mode. However, the SUV's handling was not as thrilling as its acceleration, and the ride quality was firm on irregular pavement. The XC90's steering lacked sharpness, and the brakes showed signs of fading during prolonged use. Despite these drawbacks, the XC90 provided a luxurious driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured comfortable front seats with power adjustments and various upholstery options, including Nappa leather in the Signature trim. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with a cramped back seat and small cargo area. It offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The infotainment system lacked a touchscreen and voice recognition, making it less user-friendly compared to competitors.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered a well-equipped interior with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added a touch of luxury, and the SUV could seat seven people. The XC90 provided 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third-row seat folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat down. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in hot weather, and the interior storage was adequate but not abundant.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display but was frustrating to use due to its lack of voice recognition and awkward physical controls. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting while driving. Despite these issues, the CX-5 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system in upper trims. The test vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. The system was intuitive and included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also offered Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a choice between a Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The SUV included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies under the i-Activsense banner, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and a head-up display. However, the CX-5 lacked a warning system for driving without headlights at night, a common issue among drivers.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. While the XC90's ADAS features were not groundbreaking, it included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. However, Pilot Assist struggled with certain driving conditions, and the XC90 lacked a hands-free driving assistance system.