2023 Mazda CX-50 vs 2024 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 a standard black grille and available 20-inch alloy wheels, created an appealing exterior. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design with quality materials and polished metallic trim. The interior featured black leather with caramel-coloured stitching, and higher trims offered terracotta upholstery. Despite a few design quirks, such as a conspicuous centre air vent, the cabin was well-received for its aesthetics. The CX-50's interior was both stylish and functional, making it a good-looking compact crossover.

The 2024 Volvo XC90, available in B6 and Recharge T8 models, offered a blend of luxury and practicality. The XC90 B6 featured a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid engine, while the Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid with an electric-only range of 53 kilometres. Both models came with standard all-wheel drive and were available in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trims. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy paint palette, with chrome and polished metal accents contrasting the blacked-out trend. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery and natural wood trim. The Orrefors crystal shift knob added a touch of class, and the SUV offered a high degree of customization for discerning buyers.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base engine, a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder, delivered 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. It achieved fuel consumption rates 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 featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel used. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase to 3,500 pounds. Despite some minor torque steer, the CX-50 offered a driving experience reminiscent of a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The SUV offered 53 kilometres of electric-only range and averaged 8.9 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The XC90's Power mode enabled a five-second sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. While the XC90 provided ample power and a satisfying driving experience, it was not a performance SUV. The ride quality was firm, and the handling was not as sharp as some might expect from a luxury SUV. However, the XC90 excelled in providing a comfortable and efficient driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was well-equipped for Canadian winters with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control ensured comfort in warmer weather. The CX-50's interior was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a roomy back seat. The rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area offered 889 litres of space, expandable to 1,595 litres with the rear seats folded. While storage space was adequate, there were missed opportunities for additional storage solutions.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, offered a luxurious interior with power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, and wood trim. The panoramic glass roof added a sense of openness, and higher trims included features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90's front seats were comfortable, though the adjustable lower leg support bolsters could catch on clothing. The SUV seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a more accommodating third row than expected. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 1,854 litres with it folded, and 2,426 litres with the second row down.

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 CX-50 allowed touchscreen use for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's interface was occasionally frustrating, but the available 12-speaker Bose sound system delivered a satisfying audio experience. The CX-50 also offered an Active Driving Display, projecting useful information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system used Google Built-in technology, providing access to Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium sound system options available. The XC90's infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly, with a digital voice assistant for voice commands. The SUV also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and an available head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, falling short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The CX-50 offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, requiring manual intervention.

Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in the 2024 XC90, which received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While the XC90's advanced driving assistance systems were not groundbreaking, they included features like large-animal detection and Pilot Assist. However, Pilot Assist struggled with certain driving scenarios, and a significant error during highway exit shook confidence in the system.