2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Volvo XC40

$38,045 · Crossover

$40,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 bursts onto the scene with a muscular 280 hp, leaning into spirited driving with its standard 332 lb-ft of torque, offering true engagement even in a three-row format. Conversely, the 2025 Volvo XC40 charms with Scandinavian cool, prioritizing maneuverability and efficiency, managing 26 combined MPG while using premium fuel. The CX-90 is the longer machine at 200.8 inches, suggesting a more substantial road presence compared to the compact XC40. While the Volvo leads slightly on fuel economy (30 highway MPG vs. the Mazda's 28 highway MPG), the CX-90 delivers a significant 33 horsepower advantage. The trade-off is visible in the cargo area: the smaller XC40 boasts a more practical 20.4 cubic feet compared to the CX-90's tight 14.9 cu ft rear space. For sheer punch, the Mazda wins; for efficiency and usable space in a smaller footprint, the Volvo holds its own.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 wins for city commuting due to its smaller dimensions (174.8 inches long) and superior efficiency, achieving 30 highway MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the clear family choice because its significantly longer 200.8-inch frame generally translates to more usable passenger space, despite slightly less cargo volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers a vastly more exciting powertrain, generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

Starting at $38,045, the Mazda CX-90 undercuts the Volvo XC40's $40,650 MSRP while delivering substantially more power.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You need maximum power, benefiting from the 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Your budget requires a lower entry price point, starting at $38,045.
You require the physical length and potential three-row space offered by its 200.8-inch body.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

Maximum efficiency is paramount, with the ability to achieve 30 MPG on the highway.
You prioritize cargo utility in a smaller package, gaining 20.4 cu ft versus 14.9 cu ft.
You prefer navigating tight city streets thanks to its shorter 174.8-inch length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Volvo XC40
Length	200.8"	174.8"
Width	78.5"	73.7"
Height	68.2"	65.0"
Wheelbase	122.8"	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	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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 Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	23/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	326.6/426.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three 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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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 (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	250W
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	39.7 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	8-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
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	39.3 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	54.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Volvo
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-90 and 2025 Volvo XC40.

Which crossover is faster in acceleration based on the specs?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is strongly implied to be the quicker vehicle. It boasts a significant 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Volvo XC40’s 247 hp and 258 lb-ft figures.

Is the smaller Volvo XC40 more practical for groceries and gear?

Despite its smaller exterior footprint, the Volvo XC40 actually offers superior designated cargo capacity. The XC40 provides 20.4 cubic feet, while the larger-looking Mazda CX-90 is listed with only 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space.

What is the fuel requirement difference between the two AWD crossovers?

The Mazda CX-90 is more accommodating for daily driving, specified to run on regular unleaded fuel. The Volvo XC40, however, recommends premium unleaded fuel for its operation.

How much more does the 2025 Mazda CX-90 cost over the Volvo XC40?

The Mazda CX-90 is the more affordable entry point, starting at $38,045. This undercuts the 2025 Volvo XC40, which carries an MSRP of $40,650, creating a price difference of $2,605.

Which vehicle has better highway fuel economy?

The smaller Volvo XC40 edges out the competition slightly in highway efficiency, delivering 30 MPG on the highway compared to the Mazda CX-90's 28 MPG highway rating.

Are both vehicles equally capable in poor weather conditions?

Both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2025 Volvo XC40 come equipped with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, utilizing 8-speed shiftable automatic transmissions for power delivery.