2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Volvo XC60
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Volvo XC60 is the MSRP, with the Volvo commanding a significant $19,200 premium over the Mazda's starting price of $30,500. This price gap is supported by the Volvo's superior powertrain, delivering 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50's 187 hp and 185 lb-ft. Fuel economy is relatively close, with the CX-50 achieving a combined 28 MPG on regular unleaded, slightly better than the XC60's 26 MPG combined (requiring premium fuel). While both offer AWD, the Mazda is slightly longer at 185.8 inches versus the Volvo's 185.4 inches, although the XC60 is marginally taller at 65.2 inches compared to 63.5 inches. The base Mazda also offers 31.4 cu ft of cargo space, a key metric in this segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its lower $30,500 MSRP and superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG.
2026 Volvo XC60
The 2026 Volvo XC60 is favored for families due to its 60 hp advantage (247 hp vs. 187 hp) and taller 65.2-inch frame.
2026 Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is the choice for enthusiasts, boasting 266 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50's 185 lb-ft, supplemented by an 8-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 presents superior value, undercutting the XC60 by $19,200 while still providing standard all-wheel drive.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Budget constraints mandate a starting price near $30,500.
- Maximum operational savings are desired, utilizing regular unleaded fuel.
- A balance of efficiency is needed, returning 28 MPG combined on the AWD platform.
Choose the Volvo XC60 if...
- Maximum accessible power is a priority, offering 247 horsepower.
- A more traditional luxury experience justifies the $49,700 MSRP.
- The higher torque rating of 266 lb-ft is required for driving dynamics.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Volvo XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 185.4" |
| Width | 75.6" | - |
| Height | 63.5" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 112.8" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 266 lb-ft |
| 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. | 432.4/564.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 11.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 220W |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 56.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| 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. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 55.4 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 | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
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 | — | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Volvo XC60.
What is the primary performance difference between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Volvo XC60 holds a substantial performance lead with 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 2025 Mazda CX-50's 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. This 60 hp difference indicates the XC60 will accelerate significantly faster.
How does fuel cost impact the ownership of these two AWD vehicles?
The Mazda CX-50 is projected to be cheaper to fuel initially, achieving 28 MPG combined on regular unleaded. Conversely, the Volvo XC60 achieves 26 MPG combined and specifically recommends premium unleaded fuel, adding to running costs.
Which vehicle has a significantly higher initial cost?
The 2026 Volvo XC60 has an MSRP of $49,700, making it $19,200 more expensive than the Mazda CX-50's $30,500 starting price. This marks the most significant numerical disparity between the two models.
Are there noticeable differences in physical size between the models?
The overall length is nearly identical, with the CX-50 at 185.8 inches and the XC60 at 185.4 inches. However, the Volvo is slightly taller at 65.2 inches compared to the Mazda's 63.5 inches.
Does the transmission differ between the two standard AWD models?
Yes, the Mazda CX-50 uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Volvo XC60 upgrades to an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which often contributes to smoother shifting and better utilization of its higher torque output.
Which model offers more usable space behind the rear seats?
Based on the provided data, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Specific cargo volume figures for the 2026 Volvo XC60 were not provided for a direct comparison.
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