2024 Volvo XC90 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 test vehicle in Ultimate trim featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued, earthy color palette and various wheel designs up to 21 inches, with a Bright theme contrasting with the blacked-out trend. Inside, the design was dated but luxurious, with options for wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was offered in three variants: the 3.3 Turbo, the 3.3 Turbo S, and the PHEV. Trim levels included Select, Preferred, Premium, Premium Sport, and Premium Plus, with prices ranging from $39,575 to $59,480, including the destination charge. The 3.3 Turbo test vehicle in Premium Plus trim featured extra-cost Soul Red paint, bringing the MSRP to $51,450. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while its short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle cabin placement contributed to a low, athletic look. Inside, the CX-90 featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear, though some materials reflected its competitive price. Design-related complaints included a confusing electronic shifter, a poorly placed hazard flasher button, and a lack of touchscreen operation for the Mazda Connect infotainment system. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

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-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. Power was delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor offered 32 miles of electric-only driving, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, the XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging took about 12 hours with a standard outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, Off-Road, Charge, Hold, and Auto modes. During testing, the XC90 provided 28 miles of electric range in Pure mode and 24.5 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV excelled in suburban driving, using mostly electricity for short trips. However, as the battery neared its minimum charge, electric performance waned. The XC90 offered lively performance with the gas engine, but handling was not thrilling, and the ride was firm on irregular pavement. The steering lacked sharpness, and the suspension allowed more roll, pitch, and dive than ideal.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel bias for better dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a 5,000-pound towing capacity and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined. Testing revealed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous loop. The CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. Engine surge and acceleration issues were noted, and the drivetrain lacked isolation from noise and impact harshness. The CX-90’s suspension was firm and communicative, offering a dynamic driving experience. However, the electronic shifter and vibrations in the second-row seats detracted from the upscale impression.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. A panoramic glass roof with a one-touch swipe control added natural light. Plus and Ultimate trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, upgraded lighting, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their winged shape could catch on clothing. Once adjusted, the XC90 was exceptionally comfortable, with a commanding driving position and good sightlines. However, the climate control struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode. The XC90 seated seven or six with captain’s chairs, with a comfortable second-row bench and tight third-row access. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo space was limited with the third row in use. Folding the third row provided up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, in 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and a heated steering wheel. The front-seat ventilation was less effective, but the seats were comfortable on long trips. A panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating with adjustable armrests and window shades. However, seat-track travel was limited, and rear-facing child seats could be a snug fit. The long rear doors facilitated third-row access, but the third row was best for children. The CX-90’s interior emphasized style over practicality, with limited storage options. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 40 cubic feet with the third row down, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row flattened.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering 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 trial 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 Google Assistant provided a generally rewarding experience, though sometimes required different prompts. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, with a head-up display and 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. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was not up to modern standards, with hit-and-miss results. Mazda planned to introduce a new Google Built-in infotainment system in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system, providing a rewarding listening experience. The CX-90 also featured 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 NHTSA in all assessments except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90 lagged behind rivals in advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). It included standard safety features and a large-animal detection system but lacked innovation. Pilot Assist, pairing adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, was used extensively during testing. It struggled with curves and lane markings, and made a significant error when exiting a freeway, shaking confidence in the technology.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of 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 comprehensive list of standard driver aids, with additional features on higher trims. Cruising and Traffic Support, available on higher trims, paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. It struggled with speed adjustments and lane markings but met expectations overall. The lane-keeping technologies were effective, though the blind-spot monitoring system was overly cautious. The CX-90’s audible warning systems were numerous but communicative.