2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that conceals the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It exuded a sense of luxury with high-quality materials and stylish design, resembling a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's renaming of the G37. The CX-5's appeal extended across all versions, offering quality, refinement, and sophistication. Buyers could choose between a standard 187-hp engine or a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged variant, with prices ranging from $31,250 to $46,755, depending on the trim and options.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 version also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60's acceleration times were slightly slower than the 2021 model, with the B5 reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features included a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available in higher trims, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The turbo engine's power increase was complemented by structural and suspension improvements, enhancing the CX-5's driving dynamics. The turbocharged engine provided a satisfying rush of acceleration, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm on premium. The CX-5's ride quality was firm and connected, with responsive steering and brakes, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. However, fuel consumption was higher than expected, with the turbo model returning 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for better comfort and support. All trims included a height-adjustable driver's seat, with higher trims offering power adjustments, heated and ventilated seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with small storage areas, cramped rear seats, and less cargo space than some rivals. It offered 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with them folded. The infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system, and the control knob was awkward to use, making it less user-friendly than touchscreens.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. It supported over-the-air updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. It lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls were awkward and distracting. The system required memorization and focus, making it less intuitive than touchscreens. Despite this, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Higher trims included a Bose audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top safety ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. An optional driver assistance package combined adaptive cruise control and lane centring.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard i-Activsense driver assistance features. Higher trims included a surround-view camera, parking sensors, rear low-speed automatic emergency braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from IIHS. However, it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night, a common issue with the model.