​​​​​​​2024 Volvo XC90 vs. Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 and the all-new 2024 Mazda CX-90 are two highly anticipated midsize luxury SUVs. Both offer a compelling blend of premium features, spacious interiors, and strong performance to appeal to families and luxury buyers. While the XC90 and CX-90 occupy a similar place in the market, they each offer unique strengths and characteristics. Let's compare the 2024 Volvo XC90 to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 to help you decide which best suits your needs.

Trims and Features

The 2024 Volvo XC90 is available in three primary trim levels: Core, Plus, and Ultimate. Even the base Core model comes generously equipped, featuring standard all-wheel drive, LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 9-inch infotainment system with Google integration. Stepping up to the Plus adds 20-inch wheels, a Harman Kardon audio system, front seat ventilation, and Volvo's Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system. The top-of-the-line Ultimate pulls out all the stops with air suspension, a head-up display, massaging front seats, and a sublime Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 comes in four trims: Select, Preferred, Preferred Plus, and Premium. The Select has all-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. The Preferred includes 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Preferred Plus introduces nappa leather, second-row captain's chairs, and a panoramic sunroof. Finally, the Premium includes air suspension, 21-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and additional driver-assistance features.

While both SUVs offer a substantial array of standard and available features, the Volvo XC90 has a slight edge in luxury appointments, especially in its higher trims. Features like the Bowers & Wilkins audio and massaging seats help elevate the XC90 to a premium experience.

Specifications and Dimensions

Under the hood, the 2024 Volvo XC90 offers a choice of three powertrains. The B5 mild-hybrid model uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 powertrain is a more powerful version of this engine, providing 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. At the top of the range, the XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid pairs the turbo-four with an electric motor for a combined output of 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque.

All XC90 models use an eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy ranges from 22 to 24 mpg combined for the non-hybrid models, while the Recharge can travel up to 36 miles on electricity alone and earns a 66 MPGe rating.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 uses a single engine option: a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six cylinder. This potent power plant churns out 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in most trims, while the top Premium model gets a boost to 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard across the board. The CX-90 returns an estimated 25 mpg in combined driving.

In terms of size, the Volvo XC90 measures 195.0 inches long, 75.7 inches wide, and 69.9 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 117.5 inches. The Mazda CX-90 is slightly larger, spanning 201.6 inches in length, 78.5 inches in width, and 68.2 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 121.5 inches.

Technology and Safety

The 2024 Volvo XC90 and Mazda CX-90 offer a wealth of advanced technology features. The XC90 comes standard with a 9-inch vertically oriented touch screen running Volvo's Google-based infotainment system, which offers intuitive controls, over-the-air updates, and seamless integration with Google apps and services. Other tech highlights include:

• A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
• A head-up display.
• A 14-speaker Harman Kardon or 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

The CX-90 features Mazda's latest Connect infotainment system, displayed on a 10.25-inch or available 12.3-inch horizontal touch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a 12-speaker Bose audio system on higher trims. A 7-inch digital gauge display comes standard, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster available. While the CX-90's infotainment may not be as cutting-edge as the XC90's Google-powered setup, it's still user-friendly and visually appealing.

Safety is a top priority for both the Volvo and Mazda. The Volvo comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The Mazda offers a similar array of safety tech, with standard features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims of both vehicles offer even more advanced safety systems, such as intersection collision avoidance and a head-up display.

Interior Space and Versatility

Inside, the Volvo XC90 and Mazda CX-90 offer spacious and well-appointed cabins with room for up to seven passengers. The XC90's interior has a clean, modern Scandinavian design, with high-quality materials like Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and metal accents. The CX-90 takes a sportier, driver-focused approach with a sleek dashboard design and available red leather upholstery.

Both SUVs offer comfortable and supportive seating, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the first and second rows. The Mazda has a slight edge in overall passenger volume, with 141.6 cubic feet compared to 103.8 cubic feet in the Volvo. However, the XC90 offers more cargo space, with 21.8 cubic feet behind the third row and 80.3 cubic feet with all the seats folded, compared to 16.3 and 75.2 cubic feet in the CX-90.

The XC90 and CX-90 offer flexible seating configurations to accommodate various passenger and cargo needs. The Volvo comes standard with a three-seat second-row bench and two-seat third row, with available second-row captain's chairs. The Mazda offers a choice of a second-row bench or captain's chairs, along with a two-seat third row. In both vehicles, the third-row seats are best suited for children or adults traveling on short trips.

Experience the Volvo XC90 at Volvo Cars Mission Viejo

If you're in the market for a premium midsize SUV, the 2024 Volvo XC90 deserves a closer look. At Volvo Cars Mission Viejo, our knowledgeable sales staff will help you experience the XC90 firsthand. Ask about our trade-in value tool to get the most out of your current vehicle. While you're at it, don't forget to check out our selection of other Volvo mild-hybrid models. Call us at 949-993-0297 to schedule a test drive today and discover the XC90's unique blend of Scandinavian luxury, advanced technology, and versatile performance.