Most automakers match into neat classes. So do most of their merchandise.
Nonetheless, some blur the strains or outline their very own identities. Mazda, as an illustration, is commonly lined up with different mainstream automobile builders like Toyota and Ford. However all of the autos it builds emphasize efficiency in a approach these rivals usually don’t. Some may even threaten luxurious automobiles when well-equipped.
Volvo is commonly in comparison with different European luxurious automakers like BMW or Audi. However its merchandise reply a distinct query, recognized for security and distinctive Scandinavian styling greater than the rest.
So maybe it shouldn’t come as a shock that some customers comparability store between Mazda’s flagship car and Volvo’s. Each the Mazda CX-9 and the Volvo XC90 are distinctive, whereas additionally being 3-row SUVs with sufficient area for a household and sufficient spirit to face out within the parking zone.
Let’s evaluate them.
2023 Mazda CX-9
Mazda builds fun-to-drive automobiles. So maybe Mazda’s best feat is constructing a car that may carry as much as seven passengers and carve a nook. The 2023 Mazda CX-9 has all of the athletic spirit of a Mazda however minivan-like seating. It begins at $38,750.
Mazda CX-9 Highlights
It’s extra enjoyable to drive (with commonplace engines): It’s unbelievable to assume {that a} mainstream automobile might be extra enjoyable than a luxurious automobile, however the CX-9 is one thing particular. Mazda engineers have created really wonderful steering and suspension methods, and collectively, they make the CX-9 deal with like one thing smaller. The Volvo might overpower it in a race with stronger (and dearer) optionally available engines, however the Mazda driver can be having extra enjoyable.
Cheaper: The rationale to check the CX-9 to luxurious automobiles within the first place is the value. Absolutely outfitted, a top-of-the-line CX-9 Signature presents luxuries like heated and ventilated seats (even heated within the second row) and supple Nappa leather-based seating — and that loaded CX-9 prices lower than the entry-level XC90. What might you do with the cash you saved in your luxuriously-equipped, fun-to-drive SUV?
Glossy model and jewel-like colours: The XC90 appears buttoned up and chic in a three-piece-suit approach. The CX-9, although, is fairly. That’s one thing totally different and would possibly imply you just like the look of your automobile higher in 12 months 5. Mazda additionally does deep, gem-like paint jobs higher than Volvo. Volvo presents six grayscale shades and one blue.
Test this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Mazda CX-9 fashions on the market close to you.
2023 Volvo XC90
The 2023 Volvo XC90 is an getting older platform however an excellent one. The present model has been Volvo’s top-of-the-line car since 2015. It’s recognized for its sleek model, spacious cabin, and, in fact, sturdy security scores. Volvo has a brand new electrical flagship coming to take its place subsequent 12 months, however the stalwart XC90 nonetheless has a number of followers. XC90 costs begin at $56,000.
Volvo XC90 Highlights
Excessive security scores: Each automobiles earned 5 stars in authorities security testing. Nonetheless, the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security’s exams are a bit of more durable. They provide the Mazda CX-9 their second-highest award. The XC90 will get their highest award, High Security Decide+. Volvo nonetheless is aware of what it does finest.
The next stage of obtainable luxurious: A well-equipped CX-9 inches into luxurious territory. A well-equipped XC90, nevertheless, remains to be a extra luxurious place to spend time. Volvo, as an illustration, can construct in an adjustable air suspension. Mazda’s suspension is great, however there’s just one, and it’s mechanical. Volvo may even promote you a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system that overpowers the out there Bose system within the Mazda.
Extra highly effective and PHEV fashions out there: The CX-9’s engine can maintain its personal towards the XC90’s commonplace engine, however the XC90 has extra choices. They embody a 295-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder and a plug-in hybrid with 455 horsepower that may journey as much as 36 miles on electrical energy alone. Mazda doesn’t have a solution (but — its first plug-in hybrid, the CX-90, goes on sale quickly).
Test this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Volvo XC90 fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
These are each 3-row SUVs. They get related energy from their base engines, and a fully-equipped CX-9 has as a lot luxurious as an XC90. Each are additionally about to see different flagships take their place subsequent 12 months, which might assist drive costs down.
Conclusion
You may not assume the Mazda CX-9 competes with the Volvo XC90. However a well-equipped CX-9 is about as luxurious as an entry-level XC90, and each get 5 stars in authorities crash exams. If you wish to spend cash to get true luxurious, the Volvo can create some separation with extra highly effective drivetrains. However do you wish to spend that cash or put it away for an additional use and luxuriate in driving your Mazda?
Neither reply is fallacious.
Specs
2023 Mazda CX-9 | 2023 Volvo XC90 | |
Beginning Worth | $38,750 | $56,000 |
Fashionable Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 227 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 247 hp @ 5,400 rpm |
Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed computerized | 8-speed computerized |
Gasoline Economic system | 20 metropolis/26 freeway/23 mixed mpg | 22 metropolis/28 freeway/25 mixed mpg |
Towing capability | 3,500 kilos | 4,000 kilos |
Additionally out there |
295-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain; 455-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain; AWD | |
Primary guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
NHTSA Total Security Ranking | 5 stars | 5 stars |
Max Seating Capability | 7 | 7 |
Wheelbase | 115.3 inches | 117.5 inches |
Total Size | 199.4 inches | 195.0 inches |
Width | 77.5 inches | 84.3 inches |
Top | 69.0 inches | 69.9 inches |
Turning Diameter | 38.8 ft | 39.7 ft |
Headroom, Entrance | 40.1 inches | 38.9 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 38.5 inches | 38.5 inches |
Headroom, third Row | 35.4 inches | 36.3 inches |
Legroom, Entrance | 41.0 inches | 40.9 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 37.0 inches |
Legroom third Row | 29.7 inches | 31.9 inches |
Shoulder Room, Entrance | 57.9 inches | 57.7 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.1 inches | 56.6 inches |
Shoulder Room, third Row | 53.1 inches | 46.9 inches |
Cargo Quantity | 14.4/38.2/71.2 cubic ft | 21.8/49.6/80.3 cubic ft |