2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious feel. Its upright design provided a commanding view of the road, and while the headlight design was somewhat intricate, it seamlessly integrated with the grille. Although not intended for off-roading, the aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at a rugged capability. The red accents around the wheel centres added a sporty touch, complementing its on-road dynamics. The interior boasted a straightforward design, with clean lines and tech features reminiscent of more upscale brands. The LCD screen for climate controls and the touchscreen atop the dash provided visual symmetry, while the handle framing the tray below the centre stack emphasized its utilitarian yet sporty nature.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained a familiar design, closely resembling its gasoline counterpart. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grille, which redirected airflow efficiently. The XC40 featured distinctive elements like the Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion created by thin pillars. Inside, the XC40 embraced Scandinavian design, offering an airy and roomy cabin. The harmonious dash elements and premium materials underscored Volvo's steady ascent into the luxury SUV category. The XC40 Recharge was a testament to Volvo's commitment to blending traditional design with modern electric vehicle technology.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, EX, and EX Premium trims were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. While adequate for city driving, it lacked power at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for quick acceleration and highway passing. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, especially in Sport Mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, featured dual electric motors producing 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The gasoline XC40 models, T4 and T5, offered slower acceleration times of 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively. The Recharge's regenerative braking system efficiently recaptured energy, and the one-pedal drive mode maximized regenerative braking. The XC40 Recharge's low centre of gravity and familiar suspension setup contributed to its stable and planted handling. It boasted a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities.

The 2021 Kia Seltos excelled in cargo space, offering 752 litres behind the rear seats and expanding to 1,778 litres with the seats folded. This made it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs available. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including large door cubbies and a spacious centre console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample head- and legroom, a rarity in subcompact SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge also prioritized form and function, with clever storage solutions and comfort features. The front trunk provided additional storage space, while the cabin offered ample cubbies and nooks for essentials. The front seats were comfortable, though the rear middle seat was less so. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base trims, while the EX Premium and SX Turbo offered a larger 10.25-inch screen. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some quirks, like defaulting to phone audio when connected via USB, were noted. The SX Turbo included a Bose premium sound system, and the infotainment system was praised for its intuitive design and easy navigation.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including Pilot Assist for highway driving and a heat pump to extend range. The 9.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel featured the Android Automotive operating system, integrating Google services. The system supported OTA updates, though the range display, showing percentage rather than distance, was criticized for potentially causing range anxiety.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with standard safety features, including airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims offered advanced driver-assistance features like collision avoidance assist and adaptive cruise control. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured an extensive list of standard safety equipment, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane keep assist. The XC40 Recharge also introduced a new sensor platform for enhanced active safety features and Volvo’s Connected Safety system for sharing road condition data.