Volvo XC60 Vs. Mazda CX-5 Comparison

The Volvo XC60 vs. Mazda CX-5: Which SUV best fits your family? Both models offer powerful turbocharged engines, sleek lines, and advanced driver assistance features – yet they have clear differences, starting with their size. The Mazda CX-5 is compact, while the Volvo XC60 is midsize. Since the DARCARS Volvo Cars Fairfax team has a favorite between these two crossovers, we'd like to be transparent about why we prefer the Volvo model. Let's look at the facts.

Volvo XC60 vs. Mazda CX-5 Specs

The chart above compares the performance of the B5 engine, found on all trims of the Volvo XC60, against the more powerful engine found on upper-level Mazda CX-5 trims. Despite the fact that we're looking at the base Volvo engine and the upgraded Mazda powertrain, the Mazda model has less power and gets slightly worse highway fuel economy; it also ends up trailing the Volvo model by 1,500 pounds in towing capacity.^{3, 4}

To be fair to the Mazda CX-5, its standard 187-horsepower engine can deliver up to an EPA-estimated 26/30/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).² If fuel efficiency is your primary concern, though, we also must bring up the Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid, a PHEV variant of the Volvo XC60 that gets 63 MPGe.⁵

Size & Capacities

As we mentioned earlier, discussing the Volvo XC60 vs. Mazda CX-5 size is interesting because they belong to different categories. If you're interested in a compact crossover, you might be better off comparing the Volvo XC40 against the Mazda CX-5. Those who desire a midsize SUV might debate between the 2025 Volvo XC60 and the 2025 Mazda CX-70, a new vehicle for the Mazda lineup that uses mild hybrid technology and an inline-six-cylinder engine. For now, however, we'll continue to focus on the merits of Volvo XC60 vs. Mazda CX-5 crossovers so you can see how the smaller Mazda SUV compares to the larger Volvo model.

The Volvo model has more shoulder and hip room across both rows. It also has more first-row legroom, although the Mazda model provides an extra 1.6 inches in the second row. The Volvo XC60 takes the crown back, however, by delivering a greater maximum cargo capacity: It has 63.3 cubic feet of available storage room, while its Mazda competitor tops out at 59.3 cubic feet.

Normally, people who choose the smaller SUV do so because they're concerned about fuel efficiency or want a vehicle that's easy to park. However, the Volvo powertrain is more efficient than the turbocharged Mazda engine. Both are excellent at squeezing into tight parking spaces due to their similar widths.

Trims & Interior Features

The Volvo XC60 has an easy-to-follow trim lineup that starts with the Core model. Its standard features include a panoramic roof, two-zone climate control with an after-run feature, ergonomically designed comfort front seats with heating, and driver's seat position memory.

The Mazda CX-5 begins its menu of trims with the 2.5 S Select, which also features dual-zone climate control but doesn't come with an after-run parking climate feature. While a power glass sliding moonroof and driver's seat position memory are available, they're not standard.

The Volvo SUV progresses into its Plus and Ultra trims. The Mazda CX-5 lineup is much more subdivided. After the 2.5 S comes the 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Signature. For an in-depth comparison of Mazda CX-5 versus Volvo XC60 trims, reach out to our team.

Volvo XC60 vs. Mazda CX-5 Safety

Both the Volvo XC60 and Mazda CX-5 are proud recipients of IIHS Top Safety Pick designations for 2023.^{6, 7} We want the roads populated by safe vehicles, regardless of brand. However, when you're deciding between the Volvo XC60 and Mazda CX-5, you'll have to dig into the details to see which works best for your needs.

For 2025, according to the IIHS, the Volvo model has only "Good" or "Acceptable" ratings⁸ when it comes to its safety systems. The 2025 Mazda CX-5, however, scores a"Poor"⁹ rating with its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system.

Test-Drive the Volvo XC60 at DARCARS Volvo Cars Fairfax

If you're interested in bringing home a new Volvo XC60 for sale, stop by our dealership. We'll get you on a test drive and tell you more about what to expect from this crossover, including how to take advantage of its Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance program.¹⁰

Before you go, you should also explore Volvo accessories that can make your vehicle even more impressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advanced safety features in the Volvo XC60 vs. the Mazda CX-5?

The 2025 Volvo XC60 offers Adaptive Cruise Control and an available Head-Up Display, among other standard driver assistance features like BLIS™ and Cross Traffic Alert. The Mazda CX-5 is also well-equipped with Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, available Traffic Jam Assist, and a windshield-projected Active Driving Display. However, the Volvo model comes standard with Road Sign Information, which the Mazda model doesn't.

How do the acceleration and overall performance of the Volvo XC60 compare to those of the Mazda CX-5?

The 2025 Volvo XC60 can go from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds using its standard 247-horsepower B5 powertrain. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has two engines, one making 256 horsepower. The base engine can make the same sprint in 8.1 seconds, according to Car and Driver.¹¹ The turbocharged option barely beats the Volvo SUV's time with a brisk 6.2 seconds.¹¹

How do the Volvo XC60 and the Mazda CX-5 compare in terms of reliability and long-term maintenance costs?

Both the Volvo XC60 and Mazda CX-5 are reliable vehicles that can reach 200,000 miles or so when driven well and given regular maintenance. To that end, the Volvo XC60 comes with three years of Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance.¹⁰ This isn't a current offering of the Mazda model, though prepaid maintenance packages are available. We can further discuss Mazda vs. Volvo reliability at our dealership.

"We purchased a 2024 Volvo XC60 and highly recommend this dealership. We appreciate the excellent service we received from Dexter Watts, Sales Consultant. He answered all of our questions and assured us that he was always there to provide further assistance if needed. Overall a great experience! ii. Please have the reviewer's name in a new line below, like this:"

- Bonnie Pacheco, 5-star review on 12/01/2023

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¹EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/

²EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.

³When properly equipped.

⁴Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner's Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer may have an effect on vehicle's handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.

⁵Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for further information.

⁶Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Volvo/xc60-4-door-suv/2023

⁷Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Mazda/cx-5-4-door-suv/2023

⁸Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volvo/xc60-4-door-suv/2025

⁹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Mazda/cx-5-4-door-suv/2025

¹⁰Volvo Cars recommends that you bring your vehicle in for service at least once a year regardless of mileage. In such cases Volvo will cover the recommended services at 1 per year for the first 3 years.

¹¹This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-5