2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling updates, enhancing its sporty appeal with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that conceals the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The interior retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats in the B6 R-Design added flair, the overall interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5's exterior changes included new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, and the driving position was sportier. However, the control layout remained a challenge due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Despite this, the CX-5's interior exuded an upscale vibe, with features like dual-zone climate control and heated and ventilated front seats.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also included an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively in AWD. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features were its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 4.9-second zero to 60 mph time.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It achieved 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, with a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg. The CX-5's driving dynamics improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter and smoother ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing the driving experience. The CX-5's sporty handling and solid feel made it a compelling alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats. The new seats offered better support and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but featured heated outboard cushions and air vents. The control layout was challenging due to the non-touchscreen infotainment system. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but less so against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air updates were also enabled. The system was compatible with iPhones, though Android users benefited more from syncing their profiles. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, operated via center console and steering wheel controls. It lacked natural voice recognition, requiring smartphone connectivity for intuitive assistance. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The 2.5 S Premium trim added a 10-speaker Bose sound system, which performed well in the CX-5.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 were Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The Pilot Assist system offered adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. The 2021 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with the i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.