2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and a grille that was assertive without being ostentatious. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a hint of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was accentuated by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, yet it continued to look modern and appealing. The new Suna trim featured exclusive Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats, enhancing its visual appeal. Mazda made subtle improvements to the CX-5, including better fuel economy for the base engine and the addition of wireless charging and connectivity options. The CX-5's interior was upgraded with premium materials, offering a comfortable and upscale experience. Despite being a compact crossover, the CX-5 felt worth its price, with a refined interior and a design that could rival luxury-branded vehicles.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessors but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing the vehicle's auto stop-start technology. The XC90 delivered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration and a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes provided a solid pedal feel. The vehicle's simplicity in driving dynamics, with limited customizable modes, appealed to those who preferred straightforward operation.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo offered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the torque to build effectively. However, the CX-5 Turbo was not particularly fuel-efficient, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving experience was characterized by excellent outward visibility, a smooth ride, and responsive handling, thanks to Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology. The vehicle felt quiet on highways and lively in city driving, with the ability to tackle off-road trails due to its decent ground clearance. The CX-5 could tow up to 900 kilograms, adding to its versatility.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space. The lack of a dedicated phone space and small centre console bin were notable drawbacks. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats was challenging, and accessing the third row was difficult with the bench seat configuration. The XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded, and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. Despite its smaller size compared to typical three-row SUVs, the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, offering a nimble driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with redesigned seats offering comfort and support. The interior was snug for four adults, with good rear seat support and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest. The CX-5's cabin design and quality rivalled luxury vehicles, with good storage space despite awkward cupholders. The cargo area provided 871 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded, which was less than most compact crossovers.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running on Google OS, integrating Android Auto and Google Assistant. The system offered natural-language recognition and could be controlled via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, with a lack of physical buttons for key controls. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens for traditional controls, though it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a console-mounted knob, with quick access buttons for main functions. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and other features, while a 10-speaker Bose sound system was available in higher trims. The native voice interface was less intuitive than competitors, but smartphone integration improved the experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support for maintaining distance and lane position.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with essential ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights and a traffic sign recognition system. The CX-5 had previously been a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it did not receive the accolade in 2024. The NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.