2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with a longer body, revised grille, and sporty character lines. The updated LED lighting and new alloy wheel designs contributed to its modern appearance. Inside, the Kona's interior was redesigned for a more spacious look, with ambient lighting adding a touch of elegance. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and exclusive interior features, enhancing the vehicle's sporty appeal. The Kona N, in particular, stood out with its aggressive design and performance-oriented features.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a blend of family-friendly design and luxury. Its sleek profile and pronounced wheel arches emphasized athleticism, while the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights paid homage to its Swedish heritage. The interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim providing an authentic feel. The XC90's commitment to luxury was evident in its exquisite details, such as the crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's move towards leather-free interiors was notable, offering options like Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery, catering to diverse preferences.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance needs. The base models featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, paired with a CVT. The N Line trim provided a more spirited drive with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, delivering 195 horsepower. The Kona N took performance to another level with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, producing 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. The N DCT transmission offered exclusive driving features, enhancing the sporty experience. The Kona's handling was composed, with its low ride height contributing to stability and agility.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, starting with the T5's turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, producing 250 horsepower. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 horsepower. The Recharge model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower. The XC90's AWD system was standard, ensuring confident handling. The Recharge model's electric motor provided smooth power delivery, enhancing the driving experience. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied across models, with the Recharge offering an EV range of up to 58 kilometres.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered ample front-seat comfort with generous headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat space was limited, with small door openings and compromised head- and legroom. The Kona's cargo space was tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended for the Kona, limiting its utility for larger loads.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 provided flexible seating configurations, accommodating six or seven passengers. The third row was suitable for children, while the second row offered easy access. Cargo capacity was generous, with up to 1,855 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The XC90's towing capacity of up to 2,250 kilograms added versatility. Interior storage was ample, and the standard panoramic moonroof enhanced the cabin's spacious feel. The climate control system performed well, ensuring comfort in various weather conditions.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an upgraded infotainment system, starting with an 8-inch display on the base trim. The N Line and Kona N offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and traffic information. The Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hyundai BlueLink provided connected services, enhancing convenience. The Kona's tech offerings were impressive for an entry-level model, providing a good balance of features and accessibility.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality, with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it was occasionally slow to respond. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system, enhancing safety and convenience. The Harman-Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims, providing excellent sound quality. The XC90's tech features were comprehensive, catering to tech-savvy users.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered essential safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. However, its child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating, affecting its overall safety recognition.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC90 received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its comprehensive suite of features, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.