2026 Mazda CX-90 vs 2026 Volvo XC60

$38,800 · Crossover

$49,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 rockets onto the scene with an exhilarating 280 horsepower, appealing directly to the driver who craves immediate throttle response and genuine engagement from their three-row crossover. Conversely, the 2026 Volvo XC60 offers a sanctuary of Scandinavian restraint, prioritizing quiet efficiency with a commendable 26 combined MPG. The CX-90 boasts substantially more muscle (332 lb-ft of torque versus the XC60's 266 lb-ft) and commands a significant $10,900 lower MSRP, starting at just $38,800 compared to the Volvo's $49,700. Furthermore, the Mazda, at 200.8 inches long, offers greater exterior presence than the shorter XC60 (185.4 inches). While the Volvo nudges ahead in fuel economy with 30 highway MPG, the CX-90’s accessible power and lower entry price create a compelling dynamic for performance-minded buyers seeking utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 wins for daily commuting due to its slightly better 26 combined MPG and generally more refined, serene cabin expected in this segment.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 is the better family hauler due to its significantly larger 200.8-inch frame, suggesting more usable three-row or cargo space, despite the provided cargo capacity number seeming low.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 delivers superior raw performance metrics, offering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, creating a more engaging drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 provides substantially more power and size for an entry price that is $10,900 less than the XC60.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize raw performance, benefiting from 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Budget is a major constraint, as the $38,800 MSRP undercuts the Volvo by $10,900.
You need a longer vehicle, as the CX-90 measures 200.8 inches in length compared to the XC60’s 185.4 inches.

Choose the Volvo XC60 if...

You prefer a slightly more fuel-efficient crossover, netting 30 highway MPG versus the CX-90's 28.
You desire a more compact footprint, as the XC60 is substantially shorter and perhaps easier to maneuver in tight city centers.
Your preference leans toward premium fuel efficiency and an assumed quieter ride quality associated with the Volvo brand.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Volvo XC60
Length	200.8"	185.4"
Width	78.5"	-
Height	68.3"	65.2"
Wheelbase	122.8"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
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	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
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	266 lb-ft
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)	23/28 MPG	23/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	425.5/518.0 mi.	432.4/564.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	18.8 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 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	11.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	10
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	220W
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	39.7 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	58.2 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	56.4 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	—
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	39.3 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	55.4 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	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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 2026 Mazda CX-90 and 2026 Volvo XC60.

How much more power does the Mazda CX-90 have over the Volvo XC60?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 produces 280 horsepower, giving it a noticeable 33 hp advantage over the 2026 Volvo XC60’s 247 horsepower rating. This extra power translates directly into higher torque figures, with the Mazda putting down 332 lb-ft versus the Volvo’s 266 lb-ft.

Is the price difference between the two crossovers significant?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the Volvo XC60 commands an MSRP of $49,700, making it $10,900 more expensive than the Mazda CX-90 starting at $38,800. This large gap makes the Mazda the clear value contender.

Which car is physically larger for carrying passengers or cargo?

The Mazda CX-90 is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches long compared to the XC60’s 185.4 inches in length. While the provided cargo figures are surprisingly close (14.9 cu ft for the CX-90), the longer wheelbase usually benefits third-row comfort.

Do these vehicles require different fuel types?

The Mazda CX-90 is designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline, optimizing its overall running costs. The Volvo XC60 recommends premium unleaded, which typically results in higher costs at the pump.

How close are the fuel economy ratings for these AWD crossovers?

The fuel economy ratings are competitive, with the Volvo XC60 achieving a slight edge at 26 combined MPG (23 city/30 highway). The CX-90 trails just slightly at 25 combined MPG (23 city/28 highway).