2025 Volvo XC40 vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$40,650 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Volvo XC40 immediately captivates with its Scandinavian poise, offering a spirited yet efficient package anchored by 247 hp and a 26 MPG combined rating, perfect for urban agility given its compact 174.8-inch length. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 screams raw capability, boasting a muscular 280 hp and a substantial 332 lb-ft of torque, challenging the Volvo despite consuming regular unleaded fuel. While the Mazda offers a larger footprint at 200.8 inches long and superior power, its slightly lower 25 MPG combined fuel economy and $40,650 starting price point (versus the Volvo’s $38,800) suggest a different focus. This comparison pits Volvo's refined efficiency and smaller size against Mazda's brute force and expanded passenger volume, showcasing two distinct approaches to the premium crossover segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo XC40

The slightly smaller dimensions and marginally better 26 MPG combined rating make the Volvo XC40 the nimbler and slightly more economical choice for daily commuting.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 wins for families due to its significantly larger exterior dimensions, implying more interior space despite having less dedicated cargo room (14.9 cu ft vs 20.4 cu ft).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 delivers a clear performance advantage with 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the XC40's 247 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers 33 more horsepower and vastly superior torque for a lower starting MSRP of $38,800 compared to the Volvo's $40,650.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

You prioritize efficiency, as the 2025 Volvo XC40 achieves 26 MPG combined versus the Mazda's 25 MPG.
Your daily driving heavily involves tight city parking, given the XC40's shorter length of 174.8 inches.
You prefer a vehicle that only requires recommended premium unleaded fuel for its 247 hp engine.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You demand maximum performance credentials, as the CX-90 packs 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Budget is a concern, since the CX-90 starts $1,850 lower at $38,800 while offering AWD and an 8-speed automatic.
You need a substantial highway presence, reflected in the CX-90's greater width (78.5 inches) and height (68.3 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volvo XC40	Mazda CX-90
Length	174.8"	200.8"
Width	73.7"	78.5"
Height	65.0"	68.3"
Wheelbase	106.4"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volvo	Mazda
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

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

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Volvo	Mazda
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/30 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	326.6/426.0 mi.	425.5/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.2 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volvo	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Volvo	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.7 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Volvo	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How significant is the power difference between the 2025 Volvo XC40 and the 2026 Mazda CX-90?

The Mazda CX-90 holds a commanding advantage with 280 horsepower compared to the Volvo's 247 hp, a difference of 33 hp. Furthermore, the Mazda boasts 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly higher than the XC40's 258 lb-ft, suggesting a much punchier acceleration profile.

Which crossover is better for minimizing fuel stops based on these specifications?

The 2025 Volvo XC40 is theoretically better for minimizing stops, achieving a combined 26 MPG compared to the Mazda CX-90’s 25 MPG combined. However, both vehicles feature the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and standard AWD.

Is the higher MSRP of the Volvo XC40 justified over the cheaper Mazda CX-90?

The Volvo XC40 carries a higher MSRP of $40,650 versus the Mazda's $38,800, meaning the premium likely reflects the Volvo brand positioning or specific standard features not listed, as the Mazda wins purely on the listed power-to-price ratio.

If I prioritize cargo hauling, which crossover should I choose?

The 2025 Volvo XC40 offers greater immediate cargo space at 20.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The larger 2026 Mazda CX-90, despite its overall bigger exterior size, only provides 14.9 cubic feet of stated cargo capacity in this configuration.

Do I need premium fuel for either of these AWD crossovers?

Only the 2025 Volvo XC40 recommends premium unleaded fuel for its powertrain; the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is compatible with regular unleaded fuel for its higher output engine.

Which car is better suited for navigating crowded downtown streets?

The 2025 Volvo XC40 is better suited due to its smaller physical footprint; it measures 174.8 inches in length and 73.7 inches wide, making it significantly easier to maneuver and park than the much longer and wider 200.8-inch Mazda CX-90.