2023 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards a more luxurious class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched as a 2016 model. The XC90's design was characterized by a poised stance, sleek roofline, and pronounced wheel arches, with a nod to its Swedish heritage through the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 offered a "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" aesthetic, featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Kia Sportage arrived with a completely redesigned look, drawing comparisons to French automakers like Renault and Citroen. Its exciting and exotic styling included standout features like boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar. The Sportage was available in five trim levels in Canada, with AWD standard on most trims. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather upholstery, with cloth seats on the base LX trim. The Sportage's interior featured a large front windshield and a low beltline for improved visibility, while the dash was dominated by a large display in higher trims. However, some interior elements, like the touch-sensitive HVAC controls, were criticized for being overly complicated.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's fuel economy varied, with the T5 achieving 11.5 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the Recharge offered an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode. The XC90 was praised for its handling, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the Recharge model.

The 2023 Kia Sportage introduced a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the engine offered slightly more power than its predecessor, it lacked the punch of the previous turbocharged option. The Sportage's fuel economy was rated at 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 7.4 on the highway with FWD, and 10.4 L/100 km city and 8.5 highway with AWD. The Sportage's off-road capabilities were adequate for typical crossover use, with 21 centimetres of ground clearance on AWD models. However, the lack of a performance engine option was a drawback for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it versatile for various needs. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a standard panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme weather conditions, and the XC90 was equipped with features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a larger vehicle than its predecessor, offered impressive interior space. Rear-seat legroom measured 1,050 mm, with 966 mm of rear headroom, and the trunk provided 1,121 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the rear seat folded. The front seats featured typical storage options, including a spacious centre console bin. However, the Sportage's technology, such as the touch-sensitive HVAC controls, was criticized for being overly complex. Despite this, the Sportage offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with a panoramic sunroof available.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which offered tablet-like functionality with gestures like pinch, pull, and swipe. However, the system was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. The nine-inch touchscreen was positioned for easy access, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The Advanced package included a head-up display, 360-degree camera system, and advanced air cleaner. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on higher trims, with USB ports for device charging.

The 2023 Kia Sportage boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims, paired with a digital instrument cluster for an impressive display. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were wired on the top interface, despite the presence of a wireless charger. The base LX trim featured an 8-inch screen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sportage's technology was generally advanced, with Bluetooth, keyless entry, and a Harman Kardon audio system on the X-Line Limited trim. However, the similar-looking icons on the screen were a drawback.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a range of collision-avoidance tech and ADAS as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a backup camera. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The X-Line Limited trim included advanced features like a blind-view monitor and highway driving assist. However, the 2023 Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.