2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with Volvo's signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge, however, distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels. It featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a modified rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 maintained its familiar design with new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The top-tier Signature trim featured body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, and the driving position was sportier. The interior was equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, ensuring comfort in various weather conditions.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featured dual electric motors providing all-wheel drive and a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality even on challenging roads, and the Recharge model offered one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a standard Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged variant, running on premium gas, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The turbo engine also featured the revised transmission and AWD, with a fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The CX-5 introduced the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing driving dynamics. The 2022 model offered improved ride and handling, reduced noise, and a more solid feel, making it a compelling alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox, compensated for the limited space. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new, supportive seats and a sportier driving position. The interior featured a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but included heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents for added comfort. The control layout, while initially frustrating, became manageable over time. Storage space was adequate, with a small centre armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. The CX-5 offered 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded, comparing favourably to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model also offered over-the-air update capability, enhancing vehicle functions without dealership visits. The absence of a start button and the potential for a Digital Key feature added to its modern appeal.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth, but lacked a touchscreen interface and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls, which became manageable over time. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a complimentary two-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The CX-5 offered a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, providing satisfactory audio quality, and SiriusXM satellite radio was available.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver aids.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 boasted a robust i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS, matching or exceeding the safety credentials of many luxury rivals.