2026 Volvo XC90 vs Mazda CX-90
If you're on the hunt for a luxury three-row SUV, the 2026 Volvo XC90 and Mazda CX-90 have most likely come up in your search. It can be tough to decide which SUV best fits your needs, so the team at Volvo Cars Mission Viejo has put together a quick guide to show the 2026 Volvo XC90 vs the Mazda CX90. From the classy-looking cabins to cargo space and performance, here's a look at how these two luxury SUVs compare.
Performance and Powertrain: Power Meets Efficiency
Both the CX-90 and XC90 offer three powertrains. The Volvo makes things easy by offering all three throughout the entire trim lineup. The Mazda mixes things up, with different trim levels offering select powertrains.
Engine Options and Specifications
The base B5 powertrain for the 2026 Volvo XC90 is a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that's perfect for daily commutes on I-56 or on the Avery Parkway. It has a hybrid system that churns out 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque.
The B6 powertrain tweaks the B5 to increase horsepower to 296 and torque to 310 pound-feet. Choose the T8 for a plug-in hybrid with 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. It can go an estimated 32 miles on pure electric power before the gas engine kicks in.
The Mazda starts with the 3.3 Turbo engine. It has a 3.3-liter turbo six-cylinder gas engine that generates 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It works with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
A second option for the Mazda is the 3.3 Turbo S. It's the same turbo six-cylinder, but it's tuned to create 319 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid is available for the Preferred, Premium Sport, and Premium Plus trims. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and electric motors to generate 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. You can travel up to 25 miles on electric power.
Real-World Performance Testing
While the Mazda may have some extra horsepower over the Volvo, when you're hauling your camping gear to Caspers Wilderness Park or Ranch Camp at Rienda, the Volvo has more real-world muscle.
Press on the gas in the Volvo equipped with the base engine and you'll get to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds. The B6 will get you there a little quicker. When it comes to towing power, the CX90 can pull up to 5,000 pounds. The Mazda is a little quicker off the line, but most models can only tow about 3,500 pounds. You have to bump up to a high trim to get to the 5,000-pound towing capacity.
The most efficient version of the XC90 is the plug-in hybrid. It can get up to 26 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Mazda plug-in hybrid will get up to 27 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city.
Interior Space and Comfort: Family-Friendly Features
Both the Volvo and the Mazda have three rows of seats and room for up to seven people. The XC90's cabin is filled with high-quality materials that create a warm and inviting interior.
You can get the XC90 with two rows and room for five, but the standard configuration has three rows and seating for seven. Opt for the available captain's chairs for the second row and two seats for the third row, and you'll open up the cabin, but reduce seating to six. The CX-90 has a second-row bench seat on lower trims and captain's chairs on higher-end models. The Mazda is also available with room for either two or three in the third row.
When it's time to load up the cargo area for your weekend trip or the drive to the hockey rink or golf course, you'll have 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. If you don't need all this space, you can fold down the third row and open up the back to accommodate 41.8 cubic feet of gear. The Mazda has about the same amount of cargo space. Behind the third row, there are 16 cubic feet, and with the third row folded down, it opens up to 40 cubic feet.
Technology and Infotainment: Connected Driving Experience
Staying connected on the go is essential these days. Both the XC90 and CX 90 have quality infotainment systems. The Volvo's standard 11.2-inch touch screen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel beat the Mazda's 10.25-inch infotainment screen. But they both have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for syncing your phone.
Driver Assistance and Semi-Autonomous Features
Advanced driver aids come standard with both of these SUVs. The XC90 has frontal collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, no matter which trim you choose. A traffic sign reader, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic reverse braking are also standard.
The Mazda CX-90 also has a comprehensive list of advanced driver aids. A driver attention monitor and safe exit assist are additional standard features. The higher trims offer additional safety features, including a surround-view camera system, automatic reverse braking, and front cross-traffic warning.
The Verdict: Which Three-Row SUV Wins?
Now that you know more about the 2026 Volvo XC90 and how it compares to the Mazda CX 90, you can see why the Volvo is the better option for many drivers. Come to Volvo Cars Mission Viejo to learn more about the XC90 and take one out for a test drive. You'll find us at 28730 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692, or you can give us a call at 949-997-1573.