2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue added a sophisticated touch. Inside, the beige-leather and aluminum interior exuded luxury, with options for matte wood trim and wool fabric seats in the Inscription models. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage, while the rear seats provided nearly the same level of comfort. The cabin was filled with rich leather, padded materials, and fine details like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, opting for smooth, sleek lines that made the SUV look dynamic even when stationary. The base Sport model came with automatic LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Touring trim added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless entry. The Carbon Edition featured Polymetal Gray paint, gloss black door mirrors, and 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels, with red leather seats and black honeycomb interior trim. The top-tier Signature model boasted Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, pushing the CX-5 into premium territory. The interior materials were high-quality, with good fit and finish, though the cargo space was below average for the segment.

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 felt insufficient for the heavy vehicle. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with an 11.6-kWh battery providing up to 18 gas-free miles, but the added weight negated the speed benefits. The XC90's handling was comfortable but not sporty, with lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available on higher trims, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The CX-5's fuel economy was decent, with the FWD base engine achieving 25 mpg city, 31 highway, and 28 combined. The turbo engine with AWD managed 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined. The turbo engine provided spirited performance, especially in Sport mode, but the stiff suspension made the ride less comfortable. The CX-5's handling was engaging, though the seats lacked sufficient bolstering for spirited driving.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though it placed all climate controls within the touchscreen. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on certain trims, offering generous legroom and comfort in the first and second rows. The third row was tight, suitable only for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's design allowed it to fulfill family needs with comfort and style. The seating position and comfort level were typical for its size, with good headroom but limited legroom for rear passengers. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats and a tether connector on the middle rear seat. The climate controls were straightforward and easy to use. The larger shifter took up passenger space, and the infotainment system controls were not ideally positioned for shorter drivers. Cargo space was below average, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering exceptional sound quality. 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.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though the operating system was not user-friendly. The screen's positioning made it difficult to reach, and there were no knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favorites. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing users to bypass some of the system's shortcomings.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's history of safety innovations, such as the boron steel roof and curtain airbags, underscored its commitment to safety.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 also earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, lane keep assist, and a rearview camera. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and traffic sign recognition.