2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. This mid-size crossover, built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, shared its elegant design with other Volvo models, featuring a two-box design with short overhangs and an upright grille adorned with the iconic iron mark logo. The XC60's exterior was marked by its athletic body sides and crisp details, while the interior boasted a Scandinavian style with clean lines and authentic materials. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a notable feature, and the cabin's attention to detail, such as the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, opting for smooth lines and a sleek appearance. The exterior of the CX-5 was consistent across trim levels, with features like LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a rear roof spoiler. The interior of the CX-5, especially in the Signature trim, offered a premium feel with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim. The CX-5's design was well-executed, with good fit and finish, and the materials used in the interior were above average for a compact crossover. However, the CX-5's interior space was slightly compromised by a larger shifter and less intuitive infotainment controls.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, were plug-in hybrids, combining a turbocharged and supercharged engine with an 87-hp electric motor for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model further boosted output to 415 hp. The XC60's fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV, with premium gasoline recommended.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivering 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. The CX-5's fuel efficiency varied, with the non-turbo FWD model achieving 9.7 L/100 km city and 8.8 L/100 km combined, while the turbo AWD model used 10.8 L/100 km city and 9.8 L/100 km combined. The turbo engine provided spirited performance, but the CX-5's stiff suspension and less supportive seats were noticeable drawbacks.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system well-suited for winter conditions. The XC60 offered 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The vehicle was rated to tow up to 1,587 kilograms. The interior featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable seating position and good headroom, but rear legroom was limited. The CX-5 had 875 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the rear seats folded, which was below average for the segment. The CX-5's climate controls were straightforward, but the larger shifter and infotainment controls took up space and were less intuitive for shorter drivers. A power liftgate was available, adding convenience to the cargo area.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface with a portrait orientation. The system divided the screen into function quadrants, allowing users to easily access audio, navigation, and other features. While intuitive for some, the system required a learning curve. The XC60 included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but its operating system was less user-friendly. The screen's positioning made it difficult to reach, and the lack of tuning knobs added to the inconvenience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing users to bypass some of the system's limitations.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The XC60 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, and the vehicle's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 also received high safety ratings, earning 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, and forward collision warning. Optional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera system were available, though the traffic sign recognition technology was occasionally slow.