2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed less fitting on the Sportage. The grille, positioned under oversized headlights and above a chrome trim, resembled a fake mustache, detracting from the SUV's overall aesthetic. Despite this, Kia nailed other design elements, such as the four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and the symmetrical rear fascia akin to Volkswagen's style. The Sportage's 19-inch alloy wheels, pushed to the corners, gave it a well-proportioned and grounded appearance. Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic-inspired design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and straightforward instrumentation. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system, contributing to an upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past "rolling brick" designs. The XC90 exuded a purposeful yet understated elegance, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being overly flashy. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch absent in older Volvo models. While the XC90 retained some rectilinear dimensions, it was far from the boxy designs of the past. The Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion tires, adding drama to its otherwise stoic demeanor. The Platinum Grey paint, with its subtle brown undertones, added richness and depth. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior featured wood deco inlays, though the lack of physical controls could be frustrating.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models came with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive but unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX, however, featured a more robust engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all but the base LX FWD model. The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The SUV's MacPherson strut front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension provided a smooth ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were noticeable. While the Sportage SX was fun to drive, it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B6, equipped with mild-hybrid technology, offered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, slightly less than the T6 but with improved fuel efficiency. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, reducing the engine's load. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the SUV handled corners well despite its size. The XC90's brakes were confidence-inspiring, and road and wind noise were minimal. While the XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, its simplicity in driving dynamics appealed to some drivers.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller in the compact crossover segment, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching, ten-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, added to the comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port, with heated rear seats on the SX trim. The Sportage's interior storage was ample, but its maximum cargo volume of 1,703 litres fell short of competitors like the Honda CR-V. The smart liftgate technology provided hands-free access, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had some space and storage limitations. The lack of dedicated cubby space for smaller items, such as cell phones, was a drawback. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 1,856 litres. These figures were lower than competitors like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car, offering a pleasant driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning. However, the UVO Intelligence system lagged in technological sophistication, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, the first of its kind. The system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, with natural-language recognition enhancing the user experience. While the tech was impressive, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The 2022 Kia Sportage's EX and SX trims included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were also available. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety tech included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support, maintaining distance from the car ahead at various speeds.