Compare Mazda CX 5 vs Volvo XC60 – The Mazda and Volvo are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market. Which one provides better performance and functionality?
Even if they share some similarities, each automobile has its own unique benefits that must be taken into account before choosing between them. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you choose between the two styles:
Overview
Mazda CX 5
The Mazda CX-5, in particular, makes its driver feel unique. In comparison to other mainstream compact crossovers.
The Mazda is accessible to the same demographic group as the former, while also being able to impress those who fall into the latter’s tax bracket. It has a price tag that is much closer to a Honda CR-V than a Porsche Macan.
While the basic four-cylinder engine in the Mazda CX-5 isn’t as dynamic as the turbocharged four, it has a ride-and-handling balance that no other vehicle in this class can match.
While there are more pragmatic solutions when it comes to cargo capacity, no one can match the beautifully styled and well-appointed Mazda interior dimensions.
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a midsize crossover SUV that exudes style without being flashy, features a unique and elegant interior, superior build quality, cutting-edge onboard technology, and a wide range of drivetrains to choose from.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque powers the basic model’s powertrain. A 316-hp four-cylinder engine with a supercharger and turbocharger is available forgoing in the range.
Lastly, you may choose the Recharge PHEV, which features a supercharged and turbocharged engine teamed with a plug-in hybrid system that delivers 400 horsepower.
That’s not all, however – the Polestar Engined variant, which we tested for a week on our test drive, boosts horsepower by another 15 horses.
There’s a lot to take in when it comes to the Volvo XC60, including real leather in the cabin, a raft of safety and convenience features, and those lovely Thor’s Hammer headlights are just a few of the things to consider when deciding on a Volvo XC60.
The Volvo XC60 isn’t without flaws, and it isn’t cheap. Despite this, it continues to be a popular alternative in the BMW X3 and Audi Q3-sized segments.
Read also: 2023 Honda Pilot Reviews
Mazda CX 5 vs Volvo XC60: Price Comparison
The base MSRP of the Mazda CX-5 is $26,700, while the top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Signature trims costs $39,000. For the class, these are above-average prices.
While the starting MSRP of the base XC60 Momentum is $42,650, which is a little expensive for a luxury compact SUV. The top-end Polestar Engineered model costs $69,500, while the inscription starts at $50,150.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Mazda CX 5
The Mazda CX-5 standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine has a good throttle feel when driving away from stoplights or speeding around town, making it seem quicker than it is.
When trying to pass or merge onto the highway at higher speeds, it feels underpowered. With the 256-hp turbocharged variant we tested, acceleration was much quicker.
Both engines feature an engaging six-speed automatic gearbox with all-wheel drive. You don’t have to drive the CX-5 hard to appreciate or enjoy it.
Of course, it’s a fantastic Sunday drive thanks to its precise handling and composed cornering. Yet, it absorbs bumps without making a noise and has the ride quality of crossovers that cost twice as much.
Its competitors can’t match this beautiful dynamic equilibrium. The damping is neither stiff nor floaty, and pavement flaws are isolated. Road noise is minimal.
In comparison, the Mazda starts to handle twisty roadways. The steering is quite pleasant and quick, and it reacts quickly to the driver’s commands.
The braking pedal on the Signature model we tested felt consistent and did not need you to press it too much or gently when you brake.
Volvo XC 60
The Volvo XC60 is a very popular car. It has many great features that set it apart from the competition. One of the things that makes this car so popular is its engine. The Volvo XC60 comes with either a turbocharged or a naturally-aspirated V8 engine.
The turbocharged version of the engine has 250 horsepower, which is more than enough power for most situations. However, if you want to get really performance-oriented, you can choose the V8 version of the engine. This version has 360 horsepower and 454 lb-ft of torque.
Another great feature of the Volvo XC60 is its AWD system. This system allows the car to distribute power to all four tires when you need it most, which makes driving in snowy or icy conditions much easier.
The Volvo XC60 also features excellent handling and ride quality. It doesn’t feel stiff or bouncy when you are driving, which is a big plus if you have children with you or if you frequently drive on rough roads.
Read also: Mazda CX 60 vs Volvo XC60
Fuel Economy
For the compact SUV segment, the Mazda CX-5 gets about average fuel economy. In the city, 24 mpg is achieved with a base engine, while 30 mpg is achieved on the highway. City/highway fuel economy estimates for turbocharged vehicles fall to 22/27 mpg.
While the Volvo XC60 gets excellent fuel economy numbers. The V8 model achieves 19/27 mpg in the city and 23/32 on the highway, while the turbocharged version does even better at 24/30 mpg.
Interior Design
Mazda CX 5
If you wake up inside the top-tier CX-5 variants, you may think you’ve been kidnapped by Audi or Mercedes kidnappers. Because of its high-quality materials and design, it has a premium feel.
All of the front-seat armrests are at the same height for maximum convenience, and the well-crafted steering wheel is positioned directly in front of the driver rather than at a minor angle.
The accelerator pedal with floor hinges is preferred over the conventional accelerator pedal that hangs above the floor.
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a very high-quality luxurious SUV. It has an excellent design with beautiful details like leather seats and wood trim.
Many people also say that it has a great interior smell. The downside to this car is that it can be expensive to maintain, especially if you have larger families or frequently drive on rough roads.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Mazda CX 5
There is a steep learning curve with the CX-5’s infotainment system. Instead of a touch screen, this system uses a knob controller on the center console, voice commands, and buttons on the steering wheel to accomplish tasks on the big display.
Since they are all within easy reach while driving, the knobs and buttons might be distracting. Moreover, in different menus, certain functions are kept hidden.
- Standard infotainment features: this 10.25-inch display has Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Mazda Connected Services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a four-speaker stereo with HD Radio
- Available infotainment features: among the features are satellite radio, navigation, and two USB ports in the back. A six-speaker stereo system with a Bose sound system is included as standard
- Other available features: a proximity keyless entry, moonroof, a universal garage door opener, ambient interior lighting, and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display with dual-zone automatic climate control
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a great car for those who want a high-quality interior and luxurious features. It also has an excellent design with beautiful details like leather seats and wood trim.
However, it can be expensive to maintain, especially if you have larger families or frequently drive on rough roads.
Standard infotainment features: this 12.3-inch touchscreen display has Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Volvo Connected Services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, and two USB ports.
- Available infotainment features: among the features are satellite radio (with AER packages), navigation, a car stereo with a CD player, voice control of the ambient lighting, and a climate control system both inside and out through built-in sensors. There’s even an option to disable hands-free calling by pressing a button on the center console.
- Other available features: proximity keyless entry with pushbutton start/ stop, a 12-volt power outlet in the center console, an 8-inch touchscreen display with Volvo Voice Control, and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is also an ambient interior lighting system that can be adjusted to create different moods (including a night mode), as well as heated front seats.
Volvo vs Mazda Reliability: Which One is More Reliable?
Volvo and Mazda are both car companies that produce vehicles for every lifestyle and budget. Recently, there have been some comparisons on Volvo vs Mazda reliability, but does one really stand out above the other?
Let’s take a closer look at the data to find out which one is more reliable. Mazda has an overall better reliability rating than Volvo according to our research of current models for 2022.
The Volvo XC60 is ranked average with a 4-star rating from JDPower, while the 2022 Mazda CX-5 stands at 4 stars from JDPower as well.
Both models also rank highly in their respective segments with the XC60 ranking as the best in its class and CX-5 ranking second best in its class according to our data.
Read also: 2023 Mazda CX-50 Review
Safety
Among the safety features available on the Mazda CX 5 are front and side airbags, traction control, brake assist, electronic stability control (ESC), and more.
Just a few of the Volvo XC60’s safety features include front and side airbags, traction control, brake assist, ESC, 360-degree view camera system (with Blind Spot Detection), and integrated cross-traffic alert with automatic braking.
The Mazda CX 5 and Volvo XC60 received a five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It is a Top Safety Pick+. The automobile comes standard with a full set of driver-assistance features.
Warranty
The Mazda CX 5 comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
| Basic: | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
| Corrosion: | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles |
| Drivetrain: | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
| Hybrid/Electric Components: | N/A |
| Maintenance: | N/A |
| Roadside Assistance: | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
While the XC60 has a great warranty program when compared to its competitors in this class. Volvo owners will save money by not having to pay for three years of planned maintenance.
| Basic: | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| Corrosion: | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles |
| Drivetrain: | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
| Hybrid/Electric Components: | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles |
| Maintenance: | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
| Roadside Assistance: | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Final Verdict
Overall, the Mazda CX 5 is a better choice for those looking for an accurate driving experience with excellent fuel economy. It also offers superior safety features, making it a more reliable vehicle overall.
However, the Volvo XC60 has more power and is excellent in terms of performance. If you are looking for an exciting car that can handle all types of terrain, then the XC60 is definitely worth considering.
