2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Built on the same platform as the Mazda3, it was essentially a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the windshield's slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the road view, which was distracting. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to the buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its steep learning curve was a downside.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past boxy designs. The XC90's purposeful yet understated front end, assertive grille, and modern "Thor’s Hammer" headlights marked a departure from the toaster-like aesthetics of earlier models. The XC90's dimensions leaned toward rectilinear, but it was far from boxy. Our test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Grey paint with brown undertones, adding richness and depth. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior featured wood deco inlays, contributing to a clean and beautiful look.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options. The base GX model featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The GS and GT models came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model had the upgraded 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. The CX-30's turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and shift mapping. The conventional shifter design, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and manual tap-shift mode added to the driving experience. The CX-30's sporty ride was refined, with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it could be rough over potholes.

For the 2023 Volvo XC90, Volvo replaced its older engines with the new B6 engine, featuring mild-hybrid technology. This powertrain produced 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than the previous T6 engine. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the benefits were minimal. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle's insulation kept road and wind noise at bay, and the brakes provided a solid pedal feel. The XC90 lacked extensive customizable driving dynamics, focusing on simplicity. Its off-road mode and manual shift feature were available, but the XC90 was more about straightforward driving.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 572 litres with the seats in use, which was average for its segment. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when folded. The centre console provided ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats offered solid headroom for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be tight.

In the 2023 Volvo XC90, the front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, though Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage frustrations. The XC90 lacked a dedicated space for cell phones, and the USB port was located in a small centre console bin. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but adjusting the seats was challenging. The XC90 came standard with a second-row bench seat for seven-passenger seating, with an option for captain's chairs. The third row was difficult to access, and space was limited. With the third seat in position, the XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 1,856 litres with all rear seats folded. This fell short compared to competitors like the Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design, with the infotainment screen nestled into the dash. The screen lacked touch functionality, controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car infotainment systems like BMW's iDrive, was criticized for poor usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay was cumbersome, and the rotary dial made operating CarPlay and Android Auto frustrating. Even after setting up presets, the system remained challenging to use.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech offering included a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, the first standard infotainment system of its kind. Google OS integrated much of Android Auto, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. Natural-language recognition enhanced the experience, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The XC90 lacked physical buttons and redundant controls, requiring screen interaction for tasks like adjusting the driver's seat. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, though most were not standard in Canada. Available features included forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher grades offered traffic-sign recognition, parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist provided gentle nudges and vibrations to keep the vehicle on track. These technologies supported Volvo's Pilot Assist, maintaining distance from the car ahead from a standstill to highway speed. The XC90's safety tech was standard, reflecting Volvo's commitment to safety.