2023 Mazda CX-50 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, maintained the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a ruggedness with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. These elements, combined with oversized air intakes and vent designs, created a performance-oriented look that was visually appealing. The standard black grille and mirror caps, along with optional 20-inch alloy wheels, further enhanced its exterior charm. Later in the year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, catering to adventure enthusiasts.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design. The interior featured quality materials, polished metallic trim, and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The black leather seats with caramel-coloured stitching added a touch of elegance, while the vertical air vents and off-centre dash vent provided a unique aesthetic. Despite some minor design quirks, the CX-50's interior was both functional and stylish, making it a standout in the compact crossover segment.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past design language, which was often likened to rolling bricks. The XC90's purposeful yet understated design featured a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being overly flashy. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, while the overall dimensions retained a rectilinear shape without resembling a toaster. The XC90's Ultimate trim, with its 21-inch wheels and Platinum Grey paint, added a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance.

Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment. Despite the limited physical controls, the XC90's interior was a testament to Scandinavian design, offering a clean and beautiful look that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, catering to different performance needs. The base engine, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, delivering power to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided a commendable fuel economy of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the CX-50 GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, generating between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel type. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on regular gas to 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. The turbo engine offered a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds, making it a versatile choice for those with towing needs.

The CX-50's driving experience was smooth and responsive, with minimal turbo lag and a broad power curve. Mazda's Mi-Drive system, with its Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, worked seamlessly with the SUV's G-Vectoring Control technology to ensure natural vehicle behaviour. Despite a slightly firmer ride quality compared to the CX-5, the CX-50 felt more like a sporty station wagon than a traditional SUV. Its ground clearance of 21.8 centimetres made it capable of handling off-road situations, although it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the new B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This setup, featuring a supercharger and turbo, produced 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. While the fuel economy benefits were minimal, the mild-hybrid technology contributed to smoother operation and aligned with Volvo's electrification goals. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission provided quick acceleration and seamless gear changes, while the vehicle's insulation kept road and wind noise at bay.

The XC90's driving dynamics were impressive, with minimal body roll despite its size. The brakes offered a solid pedal feel, inspiring confidence in various driving conditions. While the XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, its simplicity in driving modes appealed to those who preferred a straightforward driving experience. The XC90's mild-hybrid system, while not a full hybrid, offered advantages over traditional gas engines, including an almost imperceptible auto stop-start function.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior was designed for comfort and practicality. The power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and heated steering wheel made it well-suited for Canadian winters. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control ensured comfort in warmer weather. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat were comfortable for long journeys, although additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with nearly 90-degree opening rear doors for easy access.

Cargo space in the CX-50 was adequate, with 889 litres available behind the rear seats and a maximum of 1,595 litres with the seats folded. While storage options were somewhat limited, the available smartphone charger and power rear liftgate added convenience. The CX-50's long load floor and side bins provided practical storage solutions, although the narrow space between the wheel wells was a minor drawback.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was a blend of Scandinavian minimalism and luxury. While the front seats offered a peaceful and pleasant experience, storage space was limited. The lack of a dedicated cell phone space and small centre console bin were notable drawbacks. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating configuration.

Cargo space in the XC90 was competitive, with 356 litres available with the third row in place and 1,183 litres with the seats folded. The maximum cargo capacity of 1,856 litres fell short of some competitors, but the XC90's smaller size contributed to its agile driving dynamics. Despite its limitations, the XC90's interior design and functionality made it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxurious and practical SUV.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, the 2023 model introduced touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's user interface was occasionally frustrating, but the addition of touchscreen control was a welcome improvement. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system delivered a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display provided valuable information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech offering was centred around its 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, running on Google OS. This system integrated much of Android Auto's functionality, including Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The natural-language recognition provided by Google Assistant enhanced the user experience, allowing for seamless voice commands. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, and the lack of physical buttons was a drawback. Despite these challenges, the XC90's tech features, including keyless entry and an optional head-up display, added to its appeal.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, although it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to some headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance results. The CX-50 offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, with features like active blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, and a surround-view camera system. While the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles, the overall safety systems worked well.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The XC90's advanced driver safety tech included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist and Pilot Assist technology provided additional support, making the XC90 one of the safest vehicles on the road.