2015 Mazda CX-5 vs 2016 Volvo S60
Too Close to Call on Reliability Alone
These vehicles are neck-and-neck on reliability. The "Best For" breakdown below shows where each pulls ahead — pick the one that matches your priorities.
Reliability Side-by-Side
2015
Mazda CX-5
Grade B+
A spirited and practical compact SUV with an excellent track record, offering peace of mind to its owners.
2016
Volvo S60
Grade B+
A supremely safe and comfortable sedan, offering strong reliability with minor powertrain-specific caveats.
Best For
Best for Lowest Annual Upkeep
2015 Mazda CX-5
$400-600
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2015 Mazda CX-5 | 2016 Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $400-600 | $600-800 |
| Moderate Repairs | $500-1,500 occasionally | $800-1,800 occasionally for issues like PCV or control arms |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 26 / 33 | 25 / 37 |
| MSRP (New) | $21,545 | $34,650 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2015 Mazda CX-5
Infotainment System
0-75,000 mi
SkyActiv Engine Carbon Buildup
80,000-150,000 mi
AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU)
90,000-150,000 mi
2016 Volvo S60
Engine (Drive-E 2.0L)
40,000-80,000 mi
Electrical & Infotainment (Sensus)
Anytime mi
Cooling System
60,000-100,000 mi
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Editorial Take
Comparing a 2015 Mazda CX-5 and a 2016 Volvo S60 might seem like an unusual pairing given their different segments, but for a used car buyer, their current market prices often overlap, making them direct competitors for a budget. The Mazda CX-5 offers a practical, fuel-efficient, and surprisingly fun-to-drive compact SUV experience, appealing to those needing versatility and a higher driving position. The Volvo S60, on the other hand, delivers a refined, safety-focused, and powerful luxury sedan experience for buyers prioritizing comfort, advanced technology, and a premium feel. Key decision factors will revolve around the need for cargo space and ride height versus luxury amenities and potent performance, along with long-term ownership costs. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
2015 Mazda CX-5: 1. Infotainment System Glitches: Some owners have reported minor issues with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, such as occasional freezing or connectivity hiccups. These are generally resolved with software updates or a simple reset and are not widespread severe problems. 2. Rear Suspension Noise: A small number of early production 2015 models experienced some creaking or clunking noises from the rear suspension, often attributed to bushings. This was not a universal issue and could be addressed by service. 3. Paint Chipping: Some Mazda owners, including CX-5 owners, have noted that the paint, particularly on the front fascia and hood, can be prone to chipping more easily than expected, especially in certain colors like Soul Red. 2016 Volvo S60: 1. Drive-E Engine Oil Consumption and PCV System: For the 2.0-liter Drive-E engines (T5 FWD and T6 FWD), some owners have reported higher-than-normal oil consumption and issues with the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system, particularly after 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Addressing these can be costly. 2. Sensus Infotainment System Performance: While feature-rich, the Sensus Connect system can sometimes be slow to respond, freeze, or experience occasional glitches, especially with navigation or Bluetooth pairing. Updates were released to improve performance, but it's not as fluid as modern systems. 3. Electrical Sensor Issues: Like many luxury vehicles with extensive electronics, the S60 can occasionally exhibit phantom warning lights or sensor malfunctions, such as issues with parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, or the engine start-stop system, typically requiring diagnostic work.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When new, the 2016 Volvo S60 was significantly more expensive, starting over $13,000 higher than the base CX-5 and extending much further in its top trims. Today, in the used market, a 2015 Mazda CX-5 in good condition typically ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 depending on trim and mileage. A 2016 Volvo S60 T5 FWD might start around $12,000 and climb to $18,000 or more for higher trims like the T6 AWD with lower mileage, creating a notable overlap in price. Insurance costs for the Volvo S60 will generally be higher due to its luxury branding, more powerful engines, and potentially higher repair costs for parts and labor. Maintenance costs will also favor the Mazda CX-5, which uses more widely available and less expensive parts and generally has lower labor rates. Volvo maintenance, particularly for specialized repairs or genuine parts, tends to be pricier. Both vehicles demonstrate decent resale value within their segments. Mazda vehicles, especially SUVs like the CX-5, hold their value very well due to their reputation for reliability and efficiency. Volvo S60s also maintain solid resale values for a luxury brand, though the initial depreciation from new is more substantial. Overall, the Mazda CX-5 is likely to offer a lower total cost of ownership over several years.
Editorial Verdict
Best for families: The 2015 Mazda CX-5. Its SUV form factor provides significantly more cargo space (34.1 to 64.8 cubic feet vs. 12.0 cubic feet), easier access for child seats, and a higher driving position that many families prefer. Rear passenger room is also more accommodating. Best for commuters: This depends on the commute. For city driving with tight spaces and a need for agility, the 2015 Mazda CX-5's nimble handling and good fuel economy (up to 33 highway MPG) make it excellent. For longer highway commutes, the 2016 Volvo S60, especially with its refined cabin, powerful engines (up to 37 highway MPG for T5 Drive-E), and superior ride comfort, provides a more relaxed and luxurious experience. Best for enthusiasts: The 2016 Volvo S60, particularly in its T6 AWD trims, offers substantially more horsepower (up to 325 hp) and rapid acceleration (0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds). Its stable, confident handling and potent engines provide a much more thrilling driving experience. While the CX-5 is sporty for an SUV, it cannot match the S60's performance capabilities. Best value overall: The 2015 Mazda CX-5 presents a stronger overall value proposition. Its lower initial purchase price (new or used), superior fuel economy across most trims, generally lower insurance and maintenance costs, and practical SUV versatility make it a more economical and sensible choice for the average buyer focused on long-term ownership costs and utility. The 2016 Volvo S60 offers a compelling value for those seeking luxury, performance, and advanced safety features on the used market, but buyers should budget for higher running costs.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2015 Mazda CX-5
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