2024 Volvo XC90 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

In Canada, the 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B6 and Recharge T8 model series, both featuring standard all-wheel drive (AWD). 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 the $2,620 destination charge and other fees. The Recharge T8 test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $107,709, including destination charges and fees. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy paint palette, with various appealing wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter. 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 2025 Mazda CX-90 was offered with three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Trim levels in Canada included GS-L, GS, GT, GT-P, and Signature, with pricing from $48,846 to $67,886, including the $2,195 destination charge and other fees. The test vehicle, equivalent to the mild hybrid’s Signature trim, featured extra-cost Soul Red paint, bringing the Canadian MSRP to $67,286. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. The sculptural sheet metal created a compelling interplay of light, shadow, and reflection, while the short front overhang, long hood, and cabin placement contributed to a low, long, athletic look. Inside, the CX-90 featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear, though some materials reflected its price. Design-related complaints included a confusing electronic shifter, a hazard flasher button that seemed like an afterthought, and Mazda's reluctance to provide touchscreen operation of the native Mazda Connect infotainment functions. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to most midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

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, electric motor, and Pure driving mode offered 53 kilometres of electric-only driving before the gasoline engine engaged. As a hybrid, the XC90 Recharge T8 averaged 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. In Power mode, Volvo estimated a five-second sprint from a stop to 100 km/h. Recharging was straightforward, taking about 12 hours with a standard household outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt, 16-amp outlet. The XC90 offered Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road modes, with up to 25 centimetres of ground clearance when equipped with optional air suspension. Additional battery modes included Charge, Hold, and Auto. During testing, the XC90 Recharge T8 provided 45 kilometres of electric range in Pure mode and delivered 9.6 L/100 km after the gas engine engaged. The SUV excelled in electric performance during typical suburban use, though performance waned as the battery approached its minimum state of charge. The XC90 Recharge T8 was quick but lacked thrilling handling, with firm ride quality and an aging vehicle architecture allowing more shimmy and shake into the cabin than expected in a modern flagship luxury SUV.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in standard-output models. The high-output CX-90 3.3 Turbo delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power flowed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel power bias for better driving dynamics. Drivers could choose from Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and 20.4 to 20.6 centimetres of ground clearance. The i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with a rating of 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined for the standard output engine and 9.5 L/100 km for the high-output version. The plug-in hybrid powertrain offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating once the battery was depleted. The CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, though drivetrain refinement was lacking, especially shortly after engine start-up. Unwanted engine surge and acceleration were experienced, and the CX-90's delayed reaction to input was unpleasant. The CX-90 suffered from a general lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness, with vibrations resonating through the second-row captain’s chairs. Despite these issues, the CX-90 was one of the most flingable family haulers, with a firm, communicative suspension tuned to erase unwanted body motions.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. A panoramic glass roof provided natural light, with a one-touch swipe control for the sunshade. Plus and Ultimate trims offered a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, upgraded interior lighting, an integrated booster child seat, and rear door sunshades. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, though their winged shape could catch on shorts when entering the SUV. Once aboard, the XC90 was exceptionally comfortable, with a commanding driving position and good sightlines. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode. The XC90 seated seven people, or six with second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was tight for adults but more accommodating than expected. Interior storage was adequate, and with the third-row seat folded, the XC90 offered up to 1,854 litres of cargo capacity, expanding to 2,426 litres with the second-row seat dropped.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 Signature trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, and a heated steering wheel. The front-seat ventilation was nearly as ineffective as the air conditioning, though the eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable on longer trips. A panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions on comfortable chairs. However, there wasn’t much seat-track travel, and loading children in close quarters could be challenging due to the CX-90’s long rear doors. The rear doors facilitated loading and unloading of the third row, which was best reserved for children on longer trips. The CX-90’s interior storage was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the split centre armrest, a sizable glove compartment, and stingy storage in the door panels. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second-row seats flattened.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with a three-month complimentary subscription for the latter. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins high-end audio system. The 9-inch touchscreen was small by modern standards but intuitive to use, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The digital voice assistant was generally rewarding, though sometimes required different prompts for desired results. The XC90 Recharge T8 included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, with a head-up display and a surround-view camera available.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90’s dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim, with traditional gauges and a smaller infotainment screen in lower trims. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring the use of a knob and buttons on the centre console. Mazda’s voice recognition system did not meet modern expectations, with hit-and-miss results. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system, providing a rewarding listening experience. The CX-90 also included Mazda’s Active Driving Display, a head-up display with helpful data, and a blind-spot monitoring system with visual alerts.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in every assessment except rollover resistance, where it received a four-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90 lagged behind rivals in advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), with features like Pilot Assist, which paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. Pilot Assist struggled with curves and passing lanes, and made a substantial error when exiting a highway, shaking confidence in the technology.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Mazda provided a long list of driver aids as standard equipment, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, a safe exit warning system, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Cruising and Traffic Support was available on higher trims, pairing adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. The CX-90’s driver aids met expectations, though the audible warning systems could be intrusive.