2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a departure from the aggressive styling trends of its competitors, opting instead for a sleek and smooth design that exuded a sense of motion even when stationary. While it didn't boast the boldness of some rivals, it took Mazda's familiar design language in a more refined direction. The exterior features varied slightly across trim levels, with the base GX offering LED headlights and 17-inch wheels, while higher trims like the GS and GT added leatherette seats, power-adjustable seats, and larger wheels. The top-tier Signature model elevated the CX-5 to a premium level with Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, showcasing a well-executed design with high-quality materials.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" and a reworked grille that housed driver-assist sensors. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. The XC60's interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The R-Design trim added some flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery. Overall, the XC60's interior was more subdued compared to other Volvo models, but it retained a sense of understated luxury.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine was a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The GT and Signature trims featured a more powerful 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 320 lb-ft of torque, standard with all-wheel drive. The CX-5's fuel efficiency varied, with the non-turbo engine achieving 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway with FWD, while the turbo engine with AWD consumed 10.8 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 on the highway. The CX-5 was known for its engaging driving style, though its stiff suspension and limited seat bolstering were noted drawbacks.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The XC60's acceleration was slightly slower than the previous model, with the B5 reaching 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 excelled in providing a calm and comfortable driving experience, with a quiet cabin and smooth power delivery. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, while the Polestar Engineered variant increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, delivering a more performance-oriented experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior design allowed it to meet the needs of families with comfort and style. The seating position and comfort level were typical for its size, but rear legroom was limited, especially with taller front-seat occupants. The CX-5 offered two full LATCH connections in the rear seats, though they were not the easiest to use. The climate controls were straightforward and user-friendly, but the larger shifter and infotainment controls took up valuable space. Cargo capacity was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained 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 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded, while the plug-in hybrid models had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors. Despite its somewhat limited cargo space, the XC60 offered a comfortable and practical interior for passengers.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was criticized for being outdated and difficult to use. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favourites was a drawback, though volume control was accessible via the steering wheel or centre console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for the infotainment system's limitations.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Android-specific features like Google Assistant and Google Maps, with over-the-air updates available. While the system was compatible with iPhones, Android users benefited from additional functionality. The new layout with sideways swiping was intuitive, and the digital instrument cluster offered customizable display options.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda offered a three-year/unlimited kilometre new vehicle warranty and a five-year/unlimited kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's safety ratings were not yet available for the model year, but the 2021 model received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Volvo's driver assistance system, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, was available as an option, though it was no longer a standout feature compared to competitors.