Few places are as pleasant as inside a premium sport utility vehicle. Impressive looks and technology usually enhance the feeling of comfort and safety.
This is most certainly the case regarding the 2024 Mazda CX-90, the brand’s new flagship model, and the 2024 Volvo XC90, the brand’s soon-to-be former flagship model.
Despite being at opposite ends of their lifecycles, with a bit of a price difference, the two midsize offerings make the most of their boxy exteriors with compelling looks, the ability to handle a variety of driving conditions, and room for at least seven passengers — making those riders happy with fantastic sound systems and impressive ride and handling.
Let’s compare them.
2024 Mazda CX-90
There’s not a lot of zoom-zoom here; more likely plenty of ahhhh. The all-new CX-90 may be the brand’s grandest, most luxurious vehicle ever. And it boasts room for eight passengers with pricing that starts at $39,595.
Mazda CX-90 Highlights
Still some zoom-zoom: Mazda has imparted the CX-90 with a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine that puts out 280 horsepower, but if you move up to the top-of-the-line version, the ponies jump to 340 hp. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard across the board. If you’re eco-conscious, get the hybrid and enjoy 323 hp.
Mazda does Volvo?: The new model features an open, minimalist, contemporary cabin — no, we’re talking about the CX-90 right now. The design team left an appropriate number of buttons and dials to keep you from losing your mind.
Simple tech that’s advanced: The infotainment system is smartly arranged, and it’s controlled mainly by a knob on the center console. It’s pretty easy to operate. It also features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connect, including voice control for the infotainment system, Pandora integration, and automatic emergency notifications.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mazda CX-90 models for sale near you.
2024 Volvo XC90
It’s a bit confounding to apply the word “graceful” to an SUV, but it fits in the case of the XC90. With room for seven, it’s the brand’s flagship utility vehicle. It’s laden with technology — safety and comfort. The interior features the contemporary, clean look associated with the brand. The current version has been Volvo’s top-of-the-line vehicle since 2015. Its spacious cabin, commanding performance, handsome exterior, and strong safety scores make it a tough combo to top.
Volvo will try with the EX90, which is coming to take its place next year, but the stalwart XC90 still has a lot of fans. XC90 prices start at $56,100.
Volvo XC90 Highlights
A reputation for safety: The XC90 secured a 5-Star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the XC90 its highest award, Top Safety Pick+. Volvo knows where its bread is buttered — safety first.
Another level of luxury: The XC90 is a luxurious experience, especially with its 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system that gets enhanced for 2024. New laminated side windows keep out road noise and make the cabin quieter — or louder when you crank the audio.
Variety is the spice of life: The XC90 features several options under the hood beyond the standard 250-hp 4-cylinder, including a 295-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder and a plug-in hybrid with 455 hp that can travel up to 36 miles on electricity alone.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Volvo XC90 models for sale near you.
Similarities
They are both 3-row SUVs. They get similar power from their base engines, and a fully equipped CX-90 has as much luxury as an XC90. However, the XC90 is on its way out.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-90 is a new entry and is sleek and contemporary outside and comfortable and impressive inside — everything the XC90 has been for years. If you can find a CX-90 equipped the same as the XC90 for cheaper, you may have your choice.
Specs
| 2024 Mazda CX-90 | 2023 Volvo XC90 | |
| Starting Price | $39,595 | $56,100 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.3-liter turbo 6-cylinder with AWD | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 24 city/28 highway/25 combined mpg | 22 city/27 highway/24 combined mpg |
| Towing capacity | 3,500 pounds | 4,000 pounds |
| Also available | 340-hp turbocharged 6-cylinder; 323-hp 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid | 313-hp turbocharged, supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain; 455-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain; AWD |
| Basic warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 inches | 117.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 201.6 inches | 195.0 inches |
| Width | 77.6 inches | 84.3 inches |
| Height | 68.2 inches | 69.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 39.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 36.9 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 39.3 inches | 36.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 37.0 inches |
| Legroom 3rd Row | 30.4 inches | 31.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.2 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.1 inches | 56.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.3 inches | 46.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.4/38.2/71.2 cubic feet | 21.8/49.6/80.3 cubic feet |
