2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. This model showcased a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and a grille that was assertive without being ostentatious. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The XC90's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a hint of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian elegance, featuring two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was accentuated by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 boasted an artful design with a long hood and dramatic flanks, though its appearance was somewhat marred by excessive grey body cladding. The GT Turbo model's black wheels blended into the dark lower body, diminishing their visual impact. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, including off-white leather and a chocolate brown centre console. The interior exuded an entry-level luxury feel, aligning with its premium pricing. However, the exterior's ruggedness gave way to a more refined and elegant interior, providing a comfortable and stylish driving experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing the vehicle's auto stop-start technology. The XC90 offered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes provided a solid pedal feel. However, it lacked customizable driving dynamics, focusing instead on simplicity and ease of use.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of powertrains, with the base GX trim featuring a 2.0-litre engine producing 155 horsepower. The GS and GT models had a 2.5-litre engine with 191 horsepower, while the GT Turbo boasted a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivering up to 250 horsepower on premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and AWD were standard, and it featured an Off-Road traction assist function. The GT Turbo provided robust acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, especially on twisty roads. However, the small fuel tank limited its range, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps, impacting ride comfort. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-30 excelled in daily driving situations, offering a quiet and refined ride.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was a blend of elegance and minimalism, though it faced some space and storage challenges. The front seats were comfortable, but the lack of dedicated storage for small items, such as cell phones, was a drawback. The second row offered reasonable space, but accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating configuration. Cargo space was competitive, with 356 litres available with the third row in place, expanding to 1,856 litres with all rear seats folded. However, this fell short compared to some competitors in its class.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided a comfortable driving experience, with standard dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. However, the front passenger seat lacked adjustability, and rear legroom was tight. Storage space was adequate, with various compartments for organizing items. The CX-30 offered 572 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded. While these measurements were not impressive for the segment, the CX-30's interior was well-designed and functional, with thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running on Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. While the system offered advanced natural-language recognition, it relied heavily on the touchscreen interface, which could be frustrating for some users. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional. The minimalist design of the XC90's interior extended to its tech features, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had notable shortcomings, including the lack of a touchscreen display and conversational voice recognition. The centre console controls required frequent glances, and the steering-wheel controls were difficult to read. Despite these issues, the system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. The GT Turbo trim added a navigation system and a 14-speaker Bose sound system. While the system's design was visually appealing, its functionality left room for improvement.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety tech included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology further enhanced safety, providing assistance in maintaining distance and lane position.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 also prioritized safety, earning a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional safety tech available on higher trims. The GT and GT Turbo trims offered advanced features like a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The CX-30's safety systems worked effectively, though some responses were overly sensitive.