2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 boasted a refined and well-differentiated line-up, including the B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for additional performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid variant, combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6's engine to deliver the highest efficiency and a 32-mile electric-only range. All XC90 models came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and were available in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge.

Our test vehicle, a Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim, arrived equipped with a seven-passenger seating arrangement, the Lounge Package with massaging front seats, a premium headliner, an active air suspension, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch capable of handling a 5,000-pound towing capacity. The MSRP was $89,145, including the destination charge.

The Volvo XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy paint palette, aligning well with its luxurious yet practical nature. Varied wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter were available, with most models featuring a Bright theme with chrome and polished metal accents. Inside, the XC90, though somewhat dated in design, utilized rich materials, particularly in the Ultimate trim. Options included wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather in various colors, complemented by an Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim. Volvo offered notable flexibility in mixing and matching paint, wheels, and upholstery, surpassing some rivals in customization options.

Conversely, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained much of its design DNA from its 2017 debut, yet it continued to look modern and appealing. Our test vehicle, the new-for-2024 Carbon Turbo trim, was adorned in Zircon Sand paint, a new color for the model year. This variant featured exclusive Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts and a black headliner, all of which were set off by gloss-black exterior detailing. An optional premium Rhodium White paint color was also available.

Mazda introduced minor updates to the 2024 CX-5, including improved fuel economy for models with the base engine, the elimination of a machined-finish 19-inch wheel design, and the addition of wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to several trims. The CX-5 line-up included 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models, with prices ranging between $29,300 and $40,600, plus a $1,420 destination charge. Our Carbon Turbo model, equipped with a rear bumper guard and an interior lighting kit, had an MSRP of $39,355 including destination.

The CX-5 delivered a premium feel inside and out. Its interior materials, seating, technology, drivetrain, and suspension had all seen upgrades over the years, culminating in a sophisticated and upscale experience at a mainstream price. Its smaller dimensions made it cozy yet comfortable for four adults.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 paired an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model's supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This powerful combination produced a total of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, distributed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90 Recharge T8 offered up to 32 miles of electric-only driving in Pure mode. When driven as a hybrid, it averaged about 27 mpg in combined driving. In Power mode, Volvo estimated a five-second sprint from 0-60 mph.

Charging the XC90 Recharge was straightforward: a standard household outlet took about 12 hours, while a 240-volt outlet cut this time in half. The SUV featured various driving modes, including Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, which offered up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance with the optional air suspension.

However, during a week-long test in hot weather conditions, the XC90 Recharge T8's performance fell short of expectations. The electric range reached only 28 miles, and combined fuel economy was 24.5 mpg instead of the EPA-rated 27 mpg. Despite diminished electric performance as the battery drained, the gas engine provided robust acceleration when needed. The ride quality was compromised by the 21-inch wheels and adaptive air suspension, leaning, pitching, and diving more than ideal for spirited driving.

On the other hand, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo hosted a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 256 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm on premium gas (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas). The powertrain was most effective when driven with gradual pedal pressure, allowing revs to build and the torque to deliver a satisfying performance. However, the fuel efficiency was a downside, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving and observed figures hovering around 22.9 mpg.

The driving feel of the CX-5 was distinctive. Positioned as tall and narrow, it offered excellent visibility in all directions, making maneuvering easier in tight spaces. The re-tuned suspension and stiffer frame offered a smoother ride, while the responsive handling and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology ensured agile cornering with minimal body motion. The CX-5 was impressively quiet on highways and felt connected and lively in city driving. With 7.9 inches of ground clearance, it managed light off-road trails confidently. The towing capacity was limited to 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Volvo XC90, even in its base Core trim, came well-appointed with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. A panoramic glass roof with a one-touch swipe control opened and closed the sunshade, flooding the cabin with natural light. Higher trims like Plus and Ultimate added features such as a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, upgraded interior lighting, an integrated booster child seat, and rear door sunshades.

While the learning curve for power seat adjustments existed, once set, the seats provided exceptional comfort. The XC90’s cabin was spacious, offering high visibility and a commanding driving position. Seating seven passengers or six with optional second-row captain's chairs, the XC90's third-row seats were more accommodating than expected despite tight access. Interior storage was adequate, but cargo capacity was substantial. With the third row folded, the XC90 offered up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 was among the smaller models in its segment in terms of interior space but compensated with comfort and quality. The standard heated front seats were redesigned for support and six-way power adjustable for the driver, with padded sides on the center console to enhance leg comfort. Trim levels featured varying degrees of luxury, with artificial leather on the base 2.5 S Select and exclusive Nappa leather on the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Signature.

While snug for four adults, the CX-5's rear seats offered good support, with rear air conditioning vents and a center armrest with cupholders and storage. Quality materials and design gave the interior a premium feel.

The CX-5's cargo space was smaller compared to the XC90, providing 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 59.3 cubic feet with them folded down. This was enough for typical family trips but limited compared to the XC90’s expansive cargo capacity.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's center dashboard housed a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Google Built-in technology. This system included Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant for voice control, complementing standard Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio. Buyers could opt for a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.

Volvo’s move to Google Built-in significantly improved the infotainment experience, making the 9-inch screen more intuitive and accessible, although still smaller by modern standards. The system was user-friendly, and the voice assistant performed well after some prompting. The XC90 also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system to aid parking.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 followed a different philosophy, avoiding touchscreens to minimize driver distraction. While this approach conflicted with modern norms, Mazda allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving. Wireless connectivity for these platforms was also available.

The 10.25-inch display in the CX-5 was navigated using a large knob on the center console, along with shortcut buttons for quick menu access. The CX-5 lacked the advanced conversational voice controls found in some competitors but offered Mazda Connected Services for remote engine start, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.

Several trims featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, adding to the upscale cabin ambiance. The infotainment experience may not have been as advanced as the Volvo’s, but it remained functional and driver-friendly.

Safety remained a hallmark of the Volvo brand, and the 2024 XC90 was no exception. The SUV earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in every test except rollover resistance, where it garnered four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it as a Top Safety Pick+ for 2023.

Despite these accolades, the XC90's advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) lagged behind some competitors. It included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, large-animal detection, and a notification system for distracted drivers, but lacked innovative features. The Pilot Assist semi-autonomous system combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering but did not perform reliably, particularly struggling with curves and exit ramps.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 was well-equipped with ADAS across its range, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed adaptive cruise control with lane-centering.

Our test model, the Carbon Turbo, did not include all the upgrades but the existing ADAS features performed well, particularly the lane departure and lane keeping systems. The adaptive headlights were notably effective. The CX-5 had previously enjoyed a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and maintained five-star ratings from the NHTSA.