Mazda CX-90 vs Volvo EX40

The Mazda CX-90 starts from $74,385 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX40 opens at $69,990. That makes the Volvo EX40 the more affordable entry point by $4,395.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $81,824 and $76,989 respectively.

The Volvo EX40 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda CX-90, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Mazda CX-90 and Volvo EX40 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda CX-90 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Volvo EX40.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 10 in the Mazda CX-90 and 7 in the Volvo EX40.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Mazda CX-90 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volvo EX40 counters with head-up display, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio that the Mazda CX-90 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mazda CX-90 gets leather upholstery while the Volvo EX40 offers textile/leather blend. Climate control is 3-zone in the Mazda CX-90 and 2-zone in the Volvo EX40.

The Mazda CX-90 uses a Petrol producing 254kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds.

The Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 185kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-90 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mazda CX-90 measures 5,120mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 680mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 257L in the Mazda CX-90 and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Volvo EX40 a 279L advantage. The Mazda CX-90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mazda CX-90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX40). Both match on warranty length.