2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's ability to evolve its design language while maintaining its core identity. Known for its conservative styling, Volvo managed to infuse the XC90 with more character without losing its recognizable features. The SUV retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90 was built on Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture, shared with other models in the "90" and "60" series, emphasizing its crossover nature. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," offering high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The interior featured matte-finish wood trim and unique upholstery options, such as wool and Nappa leather, with an Orrefors crystal shifter adding a touch of luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo embraced a bold design with its 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 appearance, setting it apart from the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based. The CX-30's elevated stance and unique styling elements contributed to its perception as a higher-riding vehicle. Inside, the CX-30 Turbo shared its cabin design with the Mazda3, featuring quality materials, complementary tones, and textures that created an upscale vibe. The cabin included a chrome accent around the engine start button and a standard frameless rearview mirror. The GT trim offered black or white leather upholstery, enhancing the premium feel. The CX-30 Turbo's pricing ranged from $24,700 to $36,400, with our test vehicle priced at $38,827, including fees.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, all models came with standard all-wheel drive. Despite the impressive power figures, the XC90's small engine struggled to match the flexibility of larger engines in competitor SUVs. The XC90 Recharge offered three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—but the Pure mode was limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and provided a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms, suitable for moderate loads.

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 lb-ft, ensuring consistent acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km. The CX-30 Turbo's i-Activ all-wheel-drive system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology contributed to its dynamic performance. The SUV offered effortless acceleration, with hints of torque steer managed by the revised GVC-Plus technology. The CX-30 Turbo's driving experience was refined, with a focus on subtlety and sophistication. However, its added height and weight affected handling compared to the Mazda3. The CX-30 Turbo's Off-Road mode and extra ground clearance made it suitable for light off-road adventures, while its i-Activ AWD system provided excellent traction.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power sunroof and the XC90’s upright roof profile enhanced the sense of space. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but a power-adjustable steering wheel was not available. Storage space was limited, with a shallow centre console storage bin. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 offered a hands-free power tailgate.

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, and a heated steering wheel was standard with the GS and GT trims. Ventilated seats were not available, and the front passenger seat had limited adjustment options. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism created a sense of spaciousness, despite the CX-30 Turbo's small size. Rear-seat accommodations were cramped, but rear-seat air conditioning vents improved comfort. Storage space was generous, but the optional wireless smartphone charger was located in the centre console storage bin, limiting its usability. The CX-30 Turbo offered 572 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,280 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. The system also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, but the text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the XC90 only had second-row USB-C ports.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo's infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display, operated via physical controls on the centre console and steering wheel, or voice commands. The system required acclimation, and a natural voice recognition system would have reduced distraction. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided access to digital assistants. The GT trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. The GT trim also featured an Active Driving Display, projecting useful data onto the windshield.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests. It also received a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing and an "Advanced" rating in vehicle-to-pedestrian testing. The NHTSA awarded the XC90 a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with the highest ratings in all testing parameters. The NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings in all assessments except for rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The CX-30 Turbo came equipped with a full suite of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems. The GT trim added an adaptive front lighting system, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear automatic emergency braking system.