2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Volvo XC90

During the 2020 Mazda CX-30's development, a decision was made to cover its lower perimeter with thick gray plastic cladding. This choice was widely regarded as a mistake, as it detracted from the vehicle's otherwise appealing design. The excessive cladding made the 18-inch wheels appear too small and gave the CX-30 a perpetually lifted look, as if it were on a hydraulic lift awaiting service. Despite this, the CX-30's interior was praised for its luxurious feel, especially above the midpoint of the cabin, where soft-touch materials were prevalent. The base price started at $21,900, with various trims and options pushing the cost up to $32,120 for a fully loaded model.

In contrast, the 2020 Volvo XC90 was celebrated for its elegant design, which marked a high point in Volvo's styling history. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, and 22-inch rims, adding a touch of aggression to its sophisticated look. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin LED taillights were standout features that made the XC90 instantly recognizable. The interior was equally impressive, with options for matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and luxurious leather. The seats were noted for their comfort and support, making long journeys a pleasure. The XC90's design emphasized simplicity and quality, setting it apart from competitors.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a smooth and refined 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite these competitive figures, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds and lack of a turbocharged engine option limited its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, however, was praised for its ability to make the most of the available power, and paddle shifters were included with the Premium trim. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading, but its handling suffered due to its higher center of gravity and torsion beam axle rear suspension. Fuel economy was another downside, with an average of 23.9 mpg during testing, despite an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with its additional supercharger, delivered 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, making it more suitable for the XC90's heft. The Polestar tune further boosted these figures to 330 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Despite these enhancements, the XC90's performance was not as linear or refined as some competitors, and fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 20 mpg. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, but its added weight negated much of the performance benefits. The XC90's handling was also criticized for its lack of precision and lifeless steering, though it excelled in comfort and quietness.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered the benefit of higher ground clearance, making entry and exit easier compared to the Mazda3. The interior was upscale and elegant, with soft padding on the center console, door armrests, and front upper door panels. The driving position was excellent, and the gauges were large and easy to read. Cloth seating was standard, with simulated leather available in Select and Preferred trims, and genuine leather in the Premium trim. The rear seat was cramped, with limited legroom, making it suitable for younger children and shorter adults. Cargo space was also limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, placing it closer to the subcompact segment.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured a much-improved Sensus infotainment system, which initialized faster and responded more quickly. The system controlled all climate functions, including seat and steering wheel heating, through a touchscreen interface. The cabin layout was praised for its organization and ease of use, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The XC90 offered generous legroom and comfort in the first and second rows, though the third row was tight and best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. Sightlines from the driver's seat were also excellent.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 provided essential technology features, though the infotainment system had a steep learning curve. The 8.8-inch static display was not a touchscreen, requiring the use of center console controls, steering wheel buttons, and voice commands, which were not always intuitive. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Pandora, and Mazda Connected Services with a 3-year trial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available starting with the Select trim, while the Preferred and Premium trims added satellite radio and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. The Premium trim also included a head-up display.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design model featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map between analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options. Volvo needed to improve the system's responsiveness and customization options.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, with a comprehensive list of standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and impressive crash-test ratings. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a reversing camera, driver monitoring system, and automatic high-beam LED headlights. Select trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, while Premium trim included adaptive front lights. The CX-30 received a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with Premium trim.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 also boasted top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter's headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels, curtain airbags, and a unique whiplash protection system. The XC90's safety features operated seamlessly, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.