2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a blend of near-luxury and innovative design. Positioned between the XC40 and XC90, the XC60 was built on Volvo’s SPA platform, sharing its architecture with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. Its exterior design was marked by an elegant, tailored crossover look with short overhangs and athletic body sides. The front grille prominently displayed Volvo’s iron mark logo, complemented by Thor’s hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights. Inside, the XC60 offered a serene cabin with clean lines and authentic materials, embodying a Scandinavian style. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a notable feature, and the attention to detail in elements like the HVAC vents elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, resembling a downsized CX-5, featured an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders, riding on the same platform as the Mazda3. Its raked windshield, while stylish, could cause distractions due to its slight curve. The cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to its components. The instrument cluster combined conventional and digital displays, and the infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard. However, the infotainment system had a steep learning curve, prioritizing form over function. In Canada, the CX-30 was available in GX, GS, and GT trims, each offering a range of features from heated seats and rain-sensing wipers to a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a turbocharged engine option in the GT grade.

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 with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor, achieving a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the T8 Polestar Engineered variant reaching 415 hp. The XC60 excelled in handling, with torque vectoring and a smooth suspension providing a comfortable and secure ride. Fuel consumption varied from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV, with premium gasoline recommended.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the GX trim, producing 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre engine with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft. The GT grade could be equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87 octane fuel, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and Sport mode enhanced its lively performance, though the ride could be rough over potholes. The steering was well-weighted, and the vehicle exhibited minimal body roll in corners, offering a sporty and refined driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system adept at handling winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, with 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60 was capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 572 litres with them in use. The GT grade included a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, though it could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. The rear seats offered decent headroom for short-to-medium trips, though longer journeys might be less comfortable due to limited space.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system was intuitive for those familiar with iPad gestures, with a portrait orientation and segmented screen for different functions. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an exceptional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system available.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons, lacking touch functionality. Inspired by luxury systems like BMW’s iDrive, it was criticized for usability issues. Navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the rotary dial was challenging, though entering CarPlay was straightforward. The system remained cumbersome even after setup, potentially confusing for new users.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's safety heritage, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, collision mitigation, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous system was available, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered several driver-assistance features, though many were not standard in Canada. Available features included forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The CX-30 earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.