2022 Volvo XC90 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 complemented the grille styling well. The aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities, even though the Seltos wasn't designed for such adventures. The two-tone roof design and red wheel center accents added a touch of modern flair and hinted at its on-road prowess. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward design with clean lines and integrated tech, reminiscent of more upscale brands. The intuitive layout included a clean LCD screen for climate controls and a sporty handle framing the center stack, emphasizing its utilitarian yet sporty nature.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication. Its design was sleek and modern, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized its athleticism. The "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights paid homage to its Swedish heritage, while the superior fit and finish conveyed a sense of quality. Inside, the XC90's interior was a blend of "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim. The exquisite details, such as the sliding wood tambor cover and crystal gear selector, highlighted its luxury status. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident in its upholstery options, offering both Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend, catering to different preferences.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims were equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. While adequate for city driving, this engine struggled at higher speeds. The S Turbo and SX Turbo trims featured a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged 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 maneuvers. 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 XC90 offered three powertrains. The T5 models featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with T5 models offering FWD and optional AWD, while T6 and T8 models were AWD only. The XC90 delivered a refined driving experience, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 model, which provided spirited acceleration and seamless integration of electric and gasoline power.

The 2021 Kia Seltos impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 62.8 cubic feet 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 center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample head- and legroom, a rarity in this segment.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 provided versatile seating configurations, accommodating six or seven passengers. The third row was suitable for children, while the second row offered easy access with a one-handed slide and fold mechanism. Cargo capacity ranged from 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row to 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The XC90 also boasted a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and offered ample storage options. The air-conditioning system performed admirably, providing a comfortable environment even in extreme weather conditions.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base S trim, while the SX Turbo offered a 10.25-inch screen with a Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with hard buttons for easy navigation. However, the system had quirks, such as defaulting to phone audio when connected via USB and only one data-capable USB port.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered a tablet-like interface with a 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While intuitive, it was occasionally slow to respond. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 came with a Harman Kardon sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles. USB ports and a WiFi hotspot ensured connectivity, while the Volvo Care app offered remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with standard front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Most trims included driver-assistance features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the SX offered adaptive cruise control and cyclist detection.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 boasted an extensive list of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation for safety.