CX-70 vs V90 Cross Country
Rivals in the midsize suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the CX-70 and the V90 Cross Country are no exception. On paper, these two are close. Only a handful of specs separate them by a margin you’d actually notice.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range CX-70 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range3.0
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The V90 Cross Country has 15 hp more power
A modest but measurable lead goes to the V90 Cross Country: 295 hp compared with 280 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The CX-70 has 22 lb-ft more torque
The CX-70 is slightly stronger on torque. The gap, 332 lb-ft versus 310 lb-ft, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The CX-70 has better city fuel economy
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the CX-70: 24 mpg against 22 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the CX-70 has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | CX-70 | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
The engine & performance comparison comes down to priorities: 22 lb-ft more torque on the CX-70, or 15 hp more power on the V90 Cross Country. Neither gets an outright win on engine & performance; your habits break the tie.
Total system output
CX-70: 280 hp V90 Cross Country: 295 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
CX-70: 332 lb-ft V90 Cross Country: 310 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
CX-70 leads
The CX-70 does a little better in the fuel economy & range section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the V90 Cross Country. In its favor, the CX-70 has better city fuel economy. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the CX-70 starts from a better baseline. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the CX-70 is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (city)
CX-70: 24 mpg V90 Cross Country: 22 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The CX-70 and the V90 Cross Country match each other closely in this area. So space & practicality is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On off-road & towing, both deliver about the same. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | CX-70 | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Mild hybrid | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.3L turbo inline-6 (48V mild hybrid) | 2.0L turbo- and supercharged I4 |
| Total system output | 280 hp | 295 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft (winner) | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | CX-70 | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | CX-70 | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | CX-70 | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | CX-70 | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Mazda i-Activsense | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | CX-70 | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the CX-70 if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (332 lb-ft vs 310 lb-ft of torque)
- you mostly drive in town (24 mpg vs 22 mpg in the city)
- you already know your way around Mazda’s products
Choose the V90 Cross Country if…
- you want more power (295 hp vs 280 hp)
- you prefer staying with Volvo
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the CX-70 or the V90 Cross Country?
We’d point most buyers to the CX-70. The main exception is if you know that 15 hp more power would make a real difference in your routine.
Executive Summary
The CX-70 from Mazda and the V90 Cross Country from Volvo go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 22 lb-ft more torque, and that goes to the CX-70. On top of that, the CX-70 adds better city fuel economy. The V90 Cross Country does have a strong card to play: 15 hp more power.
If you’d rather have strength in fuel economy & range, go with the CX-70. If performance is what you’d miss, go with the V90 Cross Country.
My pick: the CX-70, with one exception: if you care more about 15 hp more power than anything else, go for the V90 Cross Country.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.