2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's past, moving away from the boxy designs of the 1970s to 1990s while maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image. After being acquired by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, Volvo underwent a transformation, developing new platforms for its vehicles. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, was the flagship SUV built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. It had a sleek and athletic design, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, and featured the distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious "Scandinavian Modern" interior with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, offered two models: the 2.5 S with a 191-horsepower engine and the 2.5 Turbo with up to 250 horsepower. The CX-30 had a striking design with a long hood and stubby rear end, though its appearance was somewhat marred by excessive gray body cladding. Inside, the CX-30 provided an upscale cabin with quality materials, including leather upholstery in higher trims. The test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, featured a tasteful combination of off-white leather and chocolate brown accents, giving it an entry-level luxury feel. Despite its premium pricing, the CX-30's interior was elegant and well-appointed.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 horsepower, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining a gasoline engine and electric motor for a total of 455 horsepower. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 achieving up to 30 mpg on the highway and the T8 offering 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained five horsepower for a total of 191, while the 2.5 Turbo offered up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard, and it featured an Off-Road traction assist function. The CX-30 provided robust acceleration and a thrilling driving experience on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology. However, the small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps and humps, impacting ride comfort.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 offered up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, and it could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The air-conditioning system performed well even in high temperatures and humidity.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 featured standard dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. However, the front passenger seat had limited adjustment options. Rear passengers faced tight legroom, though the seatbacks were padded for comfort. The CX-30 offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage options were reasonable, but the power liftgate seemed unnecessary given the limited cargo capacity.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system featured a nine-inch touchscreen with tablet-like functionality, though it was occasionally slow to respond. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided easy customization. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 came with a Harman Kardon sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. USB ports and a WiFi hotspot were standard, along with the Volvo Care app for remote vehicle control.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system lacked a touchscreen, relying on center console controls that required visual reference. The system's voice recognition was not conversational, and there was no tuning knob for the radio. Despite these shortcomings, the 8.8-inch display was well-integrated, and the system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Higher trims added a Bose sound system and navigation, with wireless charging as an optional accessory.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist for highway driving. It received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 also prioritized safety, with improvements to side-impact protection and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added a head-up display and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-30's safety systems worked well, though a forward-collision warning was triggered unexpectedly during testing.