2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two distinct models: the 2.5 S and the 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S featured a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.5 Turbo boasted a turbocharged version capable of up to 250 horsepower. Both models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-30's design was characterized by a long hood, dramatic flanks, and a stubby rear end, giving it a nose-heavy appearance. Despite its appealing design, the excessive gray body cladding detracted from its overall aesthetic. Inside, the CX-30's upscale cabin featured quality materials, with leather upholstery available on all but the base trim. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model showcased a tasteful combination of off-white leather, chocolate brown, and black, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, each with standard all-wheel drive. The XC90's exterior paint palette was subdued and earthy, aligning with its luxury SUV status. The interior design, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. Volvo offered wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather in various colors, complemented by an Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim. The XC90 allowed buyers to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to individual preferences. The Recharge T8 model, in particular, featured a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, a premium headliner, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, enhancing its luxury appeal.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained five horsepower, totaling 191, with 186 pound-feet of torque from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This improvement resulted in better fuel economy, with an EPA-rated 29 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model, when using premium gas, produced 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, while regular gas yielded 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30's eight inches of ground clearance and Off-Road traction assist function made it suitable for light off-road use. However, the suspension struggled with speed bumps, and the small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus and excellent steering.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The SUV offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. Recharging was straightforward, with options for standard household outlets or faster 240-volt outlets. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. During testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, but it performed well in typical suburban driving. The SUV's powertrain delivered impressive acceleration, but its handling was more suited to luxury than performance, with a firm ride and less communicative steering.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The Turbos added a heated steering wheel. The front passenger seat had limited adjustment, and rear legroom was tight. Storage space was reasonable, with a center armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The CX-30's cargo space was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 came with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a more accommodating third row than expected. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with it folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: the lack of a touchscreen, non-conversational voice recognition, and no tuning knob. The system required frequent glances away from the road, and voice recognition was only 50% effective. However, it offered Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-30's safety systems worked well, though the forward-collision warning was overly sensitive in one instance.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist but lacked innovative ADAS. Pilot Assist, Volvo's semi-autonomous system, worked well overall but made a significant error during testing, shaking confidence in the technology.