Mazda CX-90 vs Volvo XC60
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-90 starts from $74,385 before on-road costs, while the Volvo XC60 opens at $74,990. That makes the Mazda CX-90 the more affordable entry point by $605.
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 $82,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-90 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC60 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volvo XC60 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, 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.
Drivetrain
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 7.8 seconds.
The Volvo XC60 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 making 183kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 183kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo XC60 is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-90 measures 5,120mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 432mm longer than the Volvo XC60 at 4,688mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 257L in the Mazda CX-90 and 505L in the Volvo XC60, giving the Volvo XC60 a 248L advantage. The Mazda CX-90 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,400kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 12.1m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90 and $2,166/year for the Volvo XC60. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Volvo XC60.
Estimated annual total: $2,337 (Mazda CX-90) vs $2,166 (Volvo XC60). The Volvo XC60 saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo XC60). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-90 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo XC60 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-90 and Volvo XC60 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Volvo XC60 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volvo XC60 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-90 and Volvo XC60?
The Mazda CX-90 is the cheapest at $74,385 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo XC60 by $605.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volvo XC60 uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda CX-90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo XC60 has the largest boot at 505L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-90 makes the most power at 254kW. The Volvo XC60 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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