2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with Volvo's current lineup. Notable design elements included the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille, with gasoline models offering a retro touch through a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle "Recharge" badging, and unique alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these distinctions, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred a subtle electric vehicle. The interior boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, creating a premium feel. The cohesive design of the interior, with its portrait-oriented touchscreen and well-integrated elements, set it apart from competitors who often compromised on interior design to meet price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo introduced a bold design with shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This design choice gave the CX-30 Turbo a distinctive, agile appearance, setting it apart from the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based. The elevated stance of the CX-30 was immediately noticeable upon entering the vehicle, offering a higher driving position. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3's design, featuring quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces, creating an upscale vibe. The cabin included a chrome accent around the engine start button and a standard frameless rearview mirror, with black or white leather available with the GT trim. The CX-30's pricing ranged from an MSRP of $24,700 to $36,400 with the turbo engine, with our test vehicle priced at $38,827, including fees.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 model delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasting an impressive 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, thanks to its dual electric motors and 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the T5 and T4 models achieved the same in 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality even on challenging roads. It also featured one-pedal driving, utilizing regenerative braking for deceleration, and offered a towing capacity of 900 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. Torque ranged from 310 to 320 pound-feet, providing effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a maximum driving range of approximately 500 kilometres. Mazda focused on delivering a satisfying driving experience, tuning the powertrain for responsiveness rather than outright speed. The CX-30 Turbo exhibited hints of torque steer, managed by the revised GVC-Plus technology and i-Activ AWD system. The vehicle's handling was less sharp than the Mazda3 due to its added height and weight, but it excelled in off-road conditions with its extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode. The CX-30 Turbo's AWD system provided remarkable traction and response, with imperceptible delays in power distribution to the rear wheels.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered no difference in passenger or cargo space between the Recharge and gasoline models, though it was not particularly spacious. It had less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, and a smaller cargo area. The Recharge's frunk was also limited in size due to powertrain components. The gasoline XC40 was more competitive in interior space compared to rivals like the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Volvo compensated for the lack of space with clever storage solutions, including a removable trash bin in the centre console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and extra-large door bins. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was designed to hold a phone securely, with an optional wireless charging pad and a standard USB-C port. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo provided exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way manual adjustment and a driver-focused interior layout. Both front seats were heated, with a heated steering wheel standard on GS and GT trims. Ventilated seats were not available, and the front passenger seat lacked the range of adjustment found in the driver's seat. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, though the rear seat was cramped for adults. Storage space was generous, but the optional wireless smartphone charger was located in the centre console storage bin, forcing a choice between storage and charging. The CX-30 Turbo offered 572 litres of cargo space with the rear liftgate open, expanding to 1,280 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, offering Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Gasoline models retained the previous system. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity, with Google features built-in. The standard setup included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Recharge models offered OTA update capability, lacking a start button, and allowed drivers to shift out of park with the key fob present. The Polestar 2's Digital Key feature was expected in an OTA update, but not confirmed for the XC40.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo's infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. The system required acclimation, with voice control technology aiding in navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided access to digital assistants, though the process of changing radio stations was cumbersome. The GT trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, with an Active Driving Display projecting useful data onto the windshield.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with the exception of the electric Recharge model. The XC40 featured a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model included Volvo's latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for advanced driver aids.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The CX-30 Turbo came equipped with a full suite of safety features and ADAS, with the GT trim adding an adaptive front lighting system, front and rear parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking.