2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Volvo XC40

$38,045 · Crossover

$39,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 bursts onto the scene with intoxicating power, boasting 280 hp from its standard engine, delivering a genuinely engaging drive that the efficiency-focused 2026 Volvo XC40 cannot match. The CX-90 is the enthusiast’s three-row choice, featuring robust torque at 332 lb-ft and standard All-Wheel Drive, making it a grand touring machine measuring 200.8 inches long. Conversely, the compact 2026 Volvo XC40 prioritizes agile urban mobility and fuel savings, achieving a commendable 27 MPG combined while offering superior utility with 20.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mazda’s 14.9 cu ft. While the Volvo demands premium fuel despite offering only 194 hp, the CX-90 runs happily on regular unleaded, presenting an intriguing performance-versus-practicality trade-off, especially considering their MSRPs are nearly identical at $38,045 for the Mazda and $39,900 for the Volvo.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volvo XC40

The smaller 2026 Volvo XC40 is easier to maneuver and park in tight city environments, while also offering better fuel economy at 27 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is significantly longer at 200.8 inches, indicating superior interior space for passengers and third-row utility necessary for larger families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 provides a dominant advantage in raw power, offering 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque against the Volvo's 194 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

Despite being $1,855 cheaper, the Mazda CX-90 offers significantly higher performance (280 hp) and standard AWD, maximizing output per dollar spent.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You demand thrilling acceleration, evidenced by the CX-90's 280 hp output.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for various road conditions.
You need the extra length (200.8 inches) for increased interior passenger volume.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

Your priority is maximizing cargo space, as the XC40 offers 20.4 cu ft versus 14.9 cu ft.
You prefer the best fuel efficiency, achieving 32 MPG on the highway.
You prioritize a more compact footprint for easier city navigation.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Volvo XC40
Length	200.8"	174.8"
Width	78.5"	76.3"
Height	68.2"	65.2"
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	194 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	221 lb-ft @ 1500 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	front 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	25/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	355.0/454.4 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	✓	—
Front View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
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	12.3 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	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Volvo XC40.

How does the power difference affect driving feel between the two crossovers?

The difference is substantial: the Mazda CX-90 boasts 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, making it feel significantly more responsive and swift during acceleration and passing maneuvers. The Volvo XC40, with 194 hp, is geared more toward smooth, economical cruising rather than spirited driving.

Is the Mazda CX-90 significantly thirstier on fuel than the Volvo XC40?

While the Mazda is larger, its efficiency is respectable at 25 MPG combined. The smaller Volvo excels slightly better at 27 MPG combined, though prospective buyers should note the Volvo recommends premium unleaded fuel, which can increase running costs despite better mileage.

Which vehicle offers more room for gear and groceries?

The 2026 Volvo XC40 is the clear winner for cargo capacity, providing 20.4 cubic feet. The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is notably tighter in the rear, offering only 14.9 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats.

Does the difference in MSRP translate to a major difference in standard features?

The Mazda CX-90 undercuts the Volvo by $1,855 ($38,045 vs $39,900 MSRP). For that lower entry price, the Mazda includes standard AWD and significantly higher performance metrics, suggesting excellent baseline value.

Why does the Mazda CX-90 require regular unleaded when the Volvo needs premium?

This indicates different engineering philosophies; the Mazda’s engine is tuned to extract high output (280 hp) efficiently using regular fuel. The Volvo's engine may require premium fuel to achieve its specified 194 hp rating, impacting long-term ownership costs.

Which car is physically larger for maneuvering and trailering potential?

The CX-90 is larger overall, measuring 200.8 inches long versus the XC40's 174.8 inches. While not specified, the larger size and higher potential torque figures often mean the CX-90 would possess a higher towing capacity than the FWD-based XC40.