Mazda CX-90 Vs. Volvo XC90: Comparison Guide

Sporty and confident takes on boxy and traditional in this head-to-head Mazda CX-90 vs. Volvo XC90 showdown, and we think you'll crown the athletic Mazda CX-90 your winner. Not only does the Mazda SUV showcase a handsome interior, but it also comes at a much more accessible starting MSRP. If you're searching for a luxury three-row sport-ute without the luxury price tag, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 is your answer – but don't just take our word for it.
Chart a digital road trip through each SUV's features alongside the McGee Mazda Claremont team: We'll explore everything from the Mazda CX-90 interior and the Volvo XC90 trim levels to Mazda CX-90 specs and Volvo XC90 dimensions. Buckle up, and let's hit the road!
2025 Mazda CX-90 vs. Volvo XC90 Summary
- The 2025 Mazda CX-90 enters the year with a newly refined six-trim lineup that includes a blacked-out Premium Sport variant.
- The 2025 Volvo XC90 won't offer any changes until halfway through the year; the brand wants to sell its current, unrefreshed 2025 stock before rolling out any mid-year updates.
- You can purchase the top-tier 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus trim for less money than a base-level Volvo XC90 Core.
- Why wait months for the mid-year 2025 Volvo XC90 touchscreen when you could take home an available first-class 12.3-inch infotainment system right now in a 2025 Mazda CX-90?
- The Mazda CX-90 and Volvo XC90 have comparable fuel efficiency ratings, but the Mazda SUV does not need more expensive premium gasoline to achieve these numbers.

Mazda CX-90 vs. Volvo XC90 Trims: Get the Most for Your Money
Six Mazda CX-90 trim levels punctuate the 2025 lineup, and each is more elegant than the next. The entry-level Mazda CX-90 interior showcases high-end amenities like leatherette seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Move up one level to gain heated seats, or choose the flagship Mazda CX-90 for quilted Nappa leather and a heated and ventilated second row.
The Volvo XC90 trim levels are more subdued with less panache. Settle into the Volvo XC90 interior, and we think you'll be a little underwhelmed by its lack of character and style. The most impressive Volvo cabin details, like a Head-Up Display or a Harman Kardon® sound system, are reserved for its more expensive top-spec trim. Your other option is to access a windshield-projected Active Driving Display and Bose® Centerpoint® audio system in all but the first two trims of the new Mazda CX-90 for sale.

Mazda CX-90 vs. Volvo XC90 Size: The Three-Row Measurements You Need
If you're shopping for a three-row SUV, you likely need exceptionally thoughtful cabin space. The Mazda CX-90 dimensions are designed to maximize passenger comfort, giving you 41.7 inches of front legroom and 39.4 inches of second-row leg space to load car seats or transport tall teens easily. You can also tailor your Mazda interior to fit your needs: Choose from six, seven, or eight-seat designs for maximum personalization.
In stark contrast, the Volvo XC90 dimensions are not as family-friendly. The front row offers slightly less legroom, which shorter adults could easily forgive. But the Volvo SUV's second-row legroom is unforgivably tight – we're not sure you could even mount a car seat in those 37 inches, let alone transport teens or adults.

Mazda CX-90 vs. Volvo XC90 Performance: Which SUV Takes the Crown?
If powerful performance is what you crave, the Mazda CX-90 specs more than deliver. In fact, the Mazda engines outshine the Volvo XC90 specs, giving you higher horsepower and torque in every variant.
Maximum Mazda CX-90 towing capacity and Volvo XC90 towing capacity are evenly matched at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Both SUVs are also available in plug-in hybrid powertrains, though once again, the Mazda CX-90 PHEV comes at a much more reasonable starting MSRP than the Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid.
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2025 MAZDA CX-90 | 2025 VOLVO XC90 | |
---|---|---|
Trim Levels | 6 | 3 |
Seating Capacity | 6, 7, or 8 | 6 or 7 |
Front Headroom / Legroom | 39.7 / 41.7 in | 38.9 / 40.9 in |
2nd Row Configurations | Captain's Chairs or bench seat | Captain's Chairs or 3 slim individual seats |
2nd Row Legroom | 39.4 in | 37 in |
3rd Row Configurations | 2 seats or 3 seats | 2 seats |
Standard Cargo Capacity | 15.9 cu ft | Not published |
Mild-Hybrid Engines | e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L inline 6-cyl (2 versions) |
|
Horsepower | 280 / 319 - 340 | 247 / 295 |
Torque | 332 / 369 lb-ft | 266 / 310 lb-ft |
Drivetrain | i-ACTIV AWD® | AWD |
EPA-Est MPG (City / Hwy) |
|
|
Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs4 | 5,000 lbs5 |
Length / Width | 201.6 / 77.6 in | 195 / 79.1 in |
Fuel Type | Regular unleaded | Premium unleaded |
Elevate Your Drive in a New 2025 Mazda CX-90
Hopefully, this Mazda CX-90 vs. Volvo XC90 guide helped you find your favorite brand. If you're ready to say yes to a 2025 Mazda CX-90 and get the most bang for your buck, our Mazda dealer in Claremont, NH, is here to help.
Whether you want to purchase a Mazda CX-90 or take us up on our Mazda CX-90 lease deals, we're excited to work with you. Browse our selection online, then visit our showroom for a test drive of this stunning new three-row Mazda model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mazda CX-90 bigger than the Volvo XC90?
Compare the Mazda CX-90 vs. Volvo XC90, and you'll see that the Mazda SUV is longer yet narrower than the Volvo model. This means you'll enjoy more first- and second-row legroom in the 2025 Mazda CX-90. What's more, the Mazda lineup can seat up to eight passengers depending on the interior seat configuration you choose, while the Volvo XC90 seats only six or seven.
Is the Mazda CX-90 electric?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 uses mild-hybrid power, which means it pairs a gas-powered engine with an 11-kW electric motor and lithium-ion battery to create a mild-hybrid system. This advanced technology is designed to give you top-performing horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency, and it largely matches or outpaces the mild-hybrid Volvo XC90 in all three of those areas.
Do the Mazda CX-90 and Volvo XC90 have the same engine type?
Although the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2025 Volvo XC90 are both mild-hybrid SUVs, their powertrains are not the same. The Mazda variants are equipped with two versions of a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, while the Volvo trims are fitted with less-powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder systems. Long story short, you'll enjoy better performance and faster takeoffs in the new Mazda SUV.
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1EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
2EPA estimated range is 20 MPG city/26 MPG highway (B6 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/
3EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway (B5 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/
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.
5When properly equipped.