2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Kia Seltos

2021 Kia Seltos
2021 Kia Seltos
$21,990MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Volvo XC90
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia Seltos
$21,990MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$21,990

MSRP

$49,000

Average price

$23,684

Average price

$45,853

Listings

296

Listings

83

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

2021 Kia Seltos Reviews Summary

The subcompact SUV segment has now grown to 18 vehicles and counting. It is one of the fastest-growing vehicle segments among new cars. This is in large part due to the combination of usable cabin space, efficiency, price, and confidence-inspiring ride height.

But even within this segment, there are two classes of vehicles. There are ones that feel somewhat watered down, such as the Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet Trax, and Nissan Kicks. And then there are subcompact SUVs that do not force the buyer to compromise. Options like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, and Subaru Crosstrek scale down the size of the SUV without paring back on the quality or features.

The all-new 2021 Kia Seltos, slotted below the compact Kia Sportage and midsize Kia Telluride and Sorento, is very much in the latter group, and it may lead the pack out of the gate. The Seltos provides a high-quality cabin, the latest infotainment and safety technologies, and driving dynamics that go well beyond the segment status quo.

2021 Volvo XC90 Reviews Summary

Volvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features.

The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched.

A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 180 kilometres per hour for safety reasons. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes.

Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 146 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 250 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

146 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

30
2021 Kia Seltos
2021 Kia Seltos
$21,990MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia Seltos
$21,990MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volvo XC90
$49,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$21,990
$49,000
Average price
$23,684
$45,853
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.6
4.7
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Summary

The subcompact SUV segment has now grown to 18 vehicles and counting. It is one of the fastest-growing vehicle segments among new cars. This is in large part due to the combination of usable cabin space, efficiency, price, and confidence-inspiring ride height.

But even within this segment, there are two classes of vehicles. There are ones that feel somewhat watered down, such as the Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet Trax, and Nissan Kicks. And then there are subcompact SUVs that do not force the buyer to compromise. Options like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, and Subaru Crosstrek scale down the size of the SUV without paring back on the quality or features.

The all-new 2021 Kia Seltos, slotted below the compact Kia Sportage and midsize Kia Telluride and Sorento, is very much in the latter group, and it may lead the pack out of the gate. The Seltos provides a high-quality cabin, the latest infotainment and safety technologies, and driving dynamics that go well beyond the segment status quo.

Volvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features.

The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched.

A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 180 kilometres per hour for safety reasons. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes.

Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three.

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 146 hp I4
2.0L 250 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
146 hp @ 6200 rpm
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
27
21
MPG Highway
31
30
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