Compare the2026 Volvo XC40VS 2025 Mazda CX-70

The XC40’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The CX-70 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the XC40 and CX-70 have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The XC40 Ultra has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The CX-70’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The XC40 has a standard Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WHIPS allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. At the same time the pretensioning seatbelts fire, removing slack from the belts. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the XC40 and the CX-70 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volvo XC40 is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volvo XC40 is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The XC40 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-70’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The XC40’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the CX-70’s (12 vs. 5 years).

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the XC40 for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volvo will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-70.

As tested in Car and Driver the XC40 B5 is faster than the CX-70 Turbo S:

On the EPA test cycle the XC40 gets better mileage than the CX-70 running its gasoline engine:

The XC40 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The XC40’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The CX-70 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the XC40’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-70:

The XC40 stops much shorter than the CX-70:

The XC40 B5 Ultra’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-70 Premium’s 45 series tires.

The XC40 B5 Ultra AWD handles at .85 G’s, while the CX-70 PHEV Premium Plus pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the XC40’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the CX-70’s (37.4 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

For greater off-road capability the XC40 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-70 (8.1 vs. 8 inches), allowing the XC40 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Volvo XC40 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1200 to 1250 pounds less than the Mazda CX-70.

The XC40 is 2 feet, 2 inches shorter than the CX-70, making the XC40 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the XC40 easier. The XC40’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.7 inches, while the CX-70’s liftover is 31.2 inches.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the XC40. The CX-70 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

If the windows are left open on the XC40 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the CX-70 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The XC40’s standard Keyless Entry & Drive allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Advanced Keyless Entry and Start standard on the CX-70 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The XC40’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-70’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Volvo XC40 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the CX-70 Premium Plus/Turbo S.

Compared to traditional radio, the Volvo XC40’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-70 Premium.

The XC40’s optional Park Assist Pilot can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The CX-70 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The XC40 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Volvo EX40/XC40 outsold the Mazda CX-70 by over two to one during 2024.