2024 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Volvo XC90 had a sophisticated and meticulously crafted design. Volvo sold this luxury SUV in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series. The XC90 B5 was equipped with a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the XC90 B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. Topping the range, the XC90 Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering the most power and efficiency, along with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All configurations came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Volvo offered the XC90 in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the $1,195 destination charge. The test vehicle, a Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim, featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, a premium headliner, active air suspension, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch for a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Our tested model had an MSRP of $89,145, including destination charges.

Volvo's mastery of color and materials was notable, with an exterior paint palette that was earthy and subdued, in line with the brand's luxury, practicality, safety, and sustainability ethos. Available wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter added to its aesthetic appeal, and most versions featured a Bright theme with chrome and polished metal, contrasting boldly against the trend of darker finishes.

In terms of interior design, the XC90's aesthetic was somewhat dated but compensated by its rich materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. Wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather seats in various colors were available options. The Orrefors crystal shift knob added a touch of elegance, and natural wood trim adorned the cabin.

Conversely, the 2024 Mazda CX-50, which debuted as a fresher design compared to its CX-5 sibling, adopted a more rugged look. Lower, wider, and longer than the CX-5, the CX-50 featured broad-shouldered proportions emphasized by square wheel arches and faux air vents. Available in eight trim levels—ranging from the 2.5 S Select to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus—the differences between lower and upper trims were primarily in features and performance rather than styling.

The test car, a 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, sported all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim, projecting an active lifestyle image akin to the Kia Sportage X-Pro, Subaru Forester Wilderness, and Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Despite its rugged looks, the CX-50’s suspension and driving modes remained unchanged from other trim levels.

Mazda's earthy color palette included shades like Polymetal Gray Metallic and Zircon Sand Metallic, paired with Terracotta leather upholstery to create a pleasing interior design. The infotainment screen was positioned atop a little shelf, bringing luxury brand BMW to mind. The quality of materials and overall fit and finish were impressive, eschewing extensive use of piano black plastic, which often ages poorly.

Despite Mazda's attempts to position itself more upscale, the CX-50 was still a work in progress. The base models' manually adjustable front seats reminded buyers of Mazda's mainstream roots, even though its standard half-leatherette seats were a step up from rivals like Toyota or Honda.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was powered by a combination of an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor added to the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This trifecta produced an impressive 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and distributed to all four wheels. The battery allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving, and in hybrid mode, it averaged around 27 mpg. Volvo claimed it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds in Power mode.

Charging options for the Recharge T8 included a standard household power outlet, taking approximately 12 hours, or quicker charging via a 240-volt, 16-amp outlet. Driving modes included Pure (electric-only), Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, each tailoring the driving experience to various conditions.

The testing experience on a hot day revealed that the XC90 Recharge T8 managed only 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg in combined driving, slightly below EPA estimates. However, during regular day-to-day suburban use, the XC90 primarily used electric power, keeping fuel consumption minimal.

Performance-wise, the XC90 showcased robust acceleration, with a particularly engaging electric motor that made it feel lively. However, the fun was tempered by its designation as a luxury SUV, exhibiting more roll, pitch, and dive than ideal in dynamic driving conditions, and the ride quality was firm due to the 21-inch wheels. The underlying vehicle architecture allowed for some unwelcome cabin vibrations and noise.

In contrast, all 2024 Mazda CX-50 models utilized a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available in higher trims. The naturally aspirated version provided 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo version delivered up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93-octane fuel (227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft with 87-octane fuel). A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard across all models, with additional driving modes such as Normal, Sport, Off-road, and Towing available on turbo models, which increased towing capacity from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds.

The CX-50 shared its powertrain with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience focused more on daily usability than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires compromised handling and produced more noise, adding to the clamor created by the model’s roof platform at highway speeds. Despite these quirks, the CX-50 was otherwise well-mannered and competent for its intended audience.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 came well-equipped even in its base Core trim, featuring power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. From the Plus trim upwards, it offered additional comforts like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and more. Despite the impressive front seat features, some usability issues, such as the lower leg support bolsters catching on clothes, were noted.

The XC90 excelled in interior space, accommodating up to seven passengers with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The second-row bench seat and individual climate zones provided comfort, whereas third-row access was somewhat tight for adults. Cargo space was decent, with 85.7 cubic feet available with the second and third-row seats folded, reducing to just 65.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50, though slightly larger in dimensions than the CX-5, offered about the same passenger space but with variations in headroom and legroom. It fell short in headroom compared to competitors like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V but made up some ground with more rear-seat legroom than the Toyota RAV4. The CX-50’s cargo capacity was 31.4 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, making it roomier than the CX-5 with the second row up but trailing most competitors in overall cargo space.

The CX-50's interior layout was practical and user-friendly, even though it lacked the rugged durability to match the Meridian Edition's off-road aesthetic. The center console featured both a substantial shifter and Mazda’s rotary infotainment controller, maintaining a sensible design without compromising storage space.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 integrated a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, providing navigation through Google Maps, access to Google Play, and Google Assistant for voice commands. These features were free for four years before a subscription was needed. The system also supported Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio for three months, and optional premium audio systems, including a 14-speaker Harman Kardon setup or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system.

Though the touchscreen was smaller than contemporary standards, its proximity to the driver made it functional and intuitive. However, occasional rephrasing was necessary to achieve desired voice command responses. The XC90 also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

Mazda’s 2024 CX-50 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled via a rotary controller rather than direct touch input. This departure from typical touchscreens might require adjustment but allowed for easier navigation without diverting attention from the road. The CX-50 also offered wireless Apple CarPlay, although Android Auto required a wired connection. Higher trims included wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Despite being functional, the CX-50’s infotainment system appeared dated with basic graphics and features, appealing more to buyers seeking simplicity over excessive tech.

Volvo’s commitment to safety was prominent with the 2024 XC90. The SUV received five-star ratings in all National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) assessments, except rollover resistance, where it earned a four-star rating typical of SUVs. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the XC90 its Top Safety Pick+ in 2023.

However, the XC90 lacked leading-edge advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). While equipped with standard features like adaptive cruise control paired with lane-centering (Pilot Assist), large-animal detection, and traffic movement notification, it fell short of innovations present in rival models. Pilot Assist usage revealed inconsistencies, particularly on curved roads and exiting lanes, undermining confidence in its reliability.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from IIHS, landing top "Good" scores in all crash tests except nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention. The NHTSA provided a five-star frontal crash-test rating and four-star rollover rating but hadn’t published comprehensive ratings at the time of writing.

Standard safety features in the CX-50 included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features encompassed rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system, providing a robust safety package.