2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Volvo XC40

$30,500 · Crossover

$40,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the rugged, value-focused Mazda CX-50 and the premium, punchy Volvo XC40 presents a classic dilemma: prioritizing lower entry cost versus superior performance. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 starts appealingly at just $30,500, offering standard All-Wheel Drive and achieving a respectable 28 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel. Its dimensions, at 185.8 inches long, give it a slight edge in overall footprint compared to the 174.8-inch XC40. However, the Volvo hits back hard with power; the XC40 delivers a substantial 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, significantly outgunning the CX-50’s 187 hp and 185 lb-ft. This performance jump comes at a $10,150 premium and requires the more expensive premium unleaded fuel, while netting only 26 combined MPG. Furthermore, the CX-50 offers considerably more utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo space versus the XC40’s 20.4 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG and its lower requirement for regular unleaded gasoline.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 offers much better practical utility for families, providing 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the XC40's 20.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volvo XC40

The XC40 is the choice for driving enthusiasts, boasting 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the CX-50's 187 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is the clear value winner, starting at $30,500, which is $10,150 less than the Volvo XC40's MSRP.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You need maximum utility, as the CX-50 provides 31.4 cu ft of cargo volume.
Keeping fuel costs down is a priority, thanks to the CX-50 achieving 28 MPG combined on regular unleaded.
You want standard All-Wheel Drive capability without exceeding a $30,500 starting price.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

You prefer higher performance figures, as the XC40 offers 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
You appreciate a slightly taller stance for entry/exit, as the XC40 is 65.0 inches high versus the CX-50's 63.5 inches.
You desire the smoother shifting feel from the 8-speed automatic transmission compared to the CX-50's 6-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Volvo XC40
Length	185.8"	174.8"
Width	75.6"	73.7"
Height	63.5"	65.0"
Wheelbase	110.8"	106.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	23/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	326.6/426.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	250W
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	8-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	54.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2025 Volvo XC40.

How much more powerful is the Volvo XC40 than the Mazda CX-50?

The 2025 Volvo XC40 has a significant power advantage, producing 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This is 60 more horsepower than the 2025 Mazda CX-50, which generates 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.

Is the higher price of the XC40 worth it for better fuel economy?

No, the Volvo XC40 is actually less fuel-efficient than the Mazda. The CX-50 achieves 28 MPG combined (25/31), while the XC40 manages 26 MPG combined (23/30), meaning the Mazda saves you money at the pump too.

Which vehicle offers more space for gear?

The Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering 31.4 cubic feet. The Volvo XC40 is notably smaller inside, maxing out at 20.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Do both vehicles come standard with AWD?

Yes, both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Volvo XC40 come equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment, making both capable in poor weather.

Is there a big difference in required fuel type?

Yes, there is an important difference; the CX-50 runs happily on regular unleaded gasoline. The higher-output XC40 recommends (and generally requires for peak performance) premium unleaded fuel, adding to its operational cost.

How much smaller is the Volvo XC40 compared to the Mazda CX-50?

The XC40 is visibly shorter in length by exactly 11 inches (174.8 inches vs. 185.8 inches for the CX-50), though it is slightly taller overall at 65.0 inches.