2019 Kia Sorento vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2019 Kia Sorento presented itself as an attractive SUV, with Kia making successful styling updates that included revised front and rear bumpers, a new grille, and redesigned aluminum wheel choices. The SX Limited trim, which was the top of the line, featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and metallic accents that complemented the piano black trim. However, despite these enhancements, the presence of inexpensive plastic surfaces was noticeable, especially given the nearly $50,000 price tag for a fully loaded model. The interior changes were subtle, with updates to the steering wheel, shift knob, and instrumentation, along with new leather color options.

In contrast, the 2020 Volvo XC90 exemplified the pinnacle of modern Volvo design, showcasing a sophisticated and elegant exterior. The R-Design trim added a sporty touch with blacked-out grille treatments, aggressive spoilers, and 22-inch rims. The interior was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, featuring luxurious materials like leather, aluminum, and optional wool fabric seats. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable seats offering excellent support. The XC90's design emphasized simplicity and quality, with thoughtful details like a Swedish flag tag and a well-integrated vertical touchscreen.

The 2019 Kia Sorento offered a choice between a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a more robust 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6. The V6 provided smooth power delivery and quick acceleration, paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could select from Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the latter adapting to driving styles. The optional all-wheel drive system included Torque Vectoring Cornering Control for improved handling. During testing, the Sorento SX Limited returned 20.7 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The Sorento's handling was surprisingly athletic, with impressive road grip and a quiet, solid ride.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 horsepower. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 horsepower. Despite these figures, the XC90's performance was not as dynamic as expected, with mid-range acceleration being adequate but not exceptional. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 21 mpg combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight diminished its speed advantage. The XC90 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2019 Kia Sorento was a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV, but the third row was best suited for emergency use due to its cramped access and lack of support. As a 5-passenger SUV, it offered 38 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 73 cubic feet with the second row folded. The SX Limited trim featured luxurious amenities like Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Front-seat comfort was good, but rear-seat legroom was limited. The Sorento included rear air-conditioning vents and power sources for convenience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was well-organized, with the Sensus infotainment system offering quick initialization and responsive controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for children. The XC90 provided generous legroom and comfort in the first and second rows, while the third row was suitable for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available. The XC90's sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2019 Kia Sorento offered three infotainment systems, with the UVO play standard on lower trims and UVO eServices with Navigation on higher trims. The top system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, and a 360-degree camera system. The Sorento's infotainment was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system, and a four-zone climate control. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was intuitive, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2019 Kia Sorento was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. It received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 also boasted top safety ratings, though its headlight test lowered its IIHS rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative protection systems.