2024 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in Canada in B6 and Recharge T8 model series, both featuring standard all-wheel drive. The B6 model came with a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering superior performance and efficiency, with an estimated electric-only range of 53 kilometres. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $71,550 to $94,500, excluding destination charges and fees. The Recharge T8 Ultimate trim test vehicle featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, a premium headliner, active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $107,709. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy paint palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged counterpart to the CX-5, with a design that was 3.5 centimetres lower, 7.6 cm wider, and nearly 15 cm longer, emphasizing broad-shouldered proportions with square wheel arches and fake air vents. Available in GS-L, GT, and Meridian Edition trims, the CX-50 featured 17-inch wheels on the GS-L and 20-inch wheels on the GT. The Meridian Edition test vehicle enhanced the active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The CX-50's earthy colour palette included Polymetal Grey Metallic or Zircon Sand Metallic paint and Terracotta leather upholstery. The interior design was pleasing, with an infotainment screen on a shelf and impressive material quality for a non-luxury brand. However, the CX-50 didn't fully meet Mazda's upscale aspirations, with standard half-leatherette seats and a manually adjustable passenger seat in the base model.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor offered 53 kilometres of electric-only driving, with an average of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds in Power mode. Recharging was straightforward, taking about 12 hours with a standard outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 25 centimetres of ground clearance. However, the XC90's electric performance waned as the battery approached its minimum state of charge, and the gas engine would assist when necessary. The XC90 was quick but lacked thrilling handling, with a firm ride on irregular pavement and a less hushed cabin than expected for its price.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo engine delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane gasoline, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes, and a Towing mode on turbo models. The CX-50's towing capacity increased from 907 kilograms to 1,587 kilograms with the turbo engine. While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it offered a different driving experience, being a good daily driver but lacking the sporty dynamics of the CX-5. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires provided limited grip and higher noise levels, with additional wind noise from the roof platform at highway speeds. The CX-50 was well-mannered otherwise, but the Meridian Edition's features might be best skipped unless needed.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was well-equipped even in Core trim, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. A panoramic glass roof with a one-touch swipe control added natural light. Higher trims offered a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, upgraded lighting, an integrated booster child seat, and rear door sunshades. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their winged shape could catch on clothing. The XC90 was comfortable once adjusted, with a commanding driving position and good sightlines. The climate control struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode on a hot day. The XC90 seated seven or six with second-row captain’s chairs, with a comfortable bench seat in the test model. Access to the third row was tight for adults, but the seats were more accommodating than expected. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo capacity was up to 1,854 litres with the third row folded, or 2,426 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom in both rows. It had comparable legroom to rivals but less headroom. The CX-50 provided 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded, slightly less than the CX-5. Cargo-area access was aided by an available power liftgate, but the area wasn't ideal for dirty or bulky items. The optional roof platform was high, making it less accessible for shorter people. The interior featured a sensible layout and adequate storage, with a substantial shifter and Mazda’s rotary infotainment controller on the centre console. The CX-50 proved that shifters could remain without sacrificing console space.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant, free for four years. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with a three-month complimentary period for SiriusXM. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was more intuitive than previous versions, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The digital voice assistant was generally effective, though sometimes required different prompts. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated by a rotary controller and buttons on the centre console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with dual front and rear USB ports. Higher trims included wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The touchscreen-free interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without looking away from the road. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, but it suited buyers who preferred simplicity. The system's graphics were less relevant when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in all but rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90 lagged in advanced driving assistance systems, lacking innovation and a hands-free driving system. It included Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, but it struggled with curves and passing lanes. Pilot Assist made a significant error when exiting a highway, undermining confidence in the technology.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received a "Basic" score for nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian tests, and standard headlights were rated "Average." NHTSA ratings were incomplete, with a five-star frontal crash-test rating and four-star rollover rating. The CX-50 included standard driver-assist tech like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included emergency lane-keeping, rear automatic braking, and a 360-degree camera system.