2021 Kia Sorento vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Kia Sorento marked a significant departure from its predecessor's jelly-bean-inspired styling, embodying a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package enhanced this newfound aggression with roof rails and a shark fin antenna, perfectly complemented by the rear roof spoiler. The vehicle's front sported Kia’s expansive tiger-nose grille, curving to meet the squinting headlights accented by running lights. Silver accents along the sides added a touch of sophistication, aligning with contemporary SUV styling without appearing overly macho. The rear design featured beautiful vertical taillights, which were more cohesive and timeless compared to similar models, ensuring the new Sorento wouldn’t age poorly. Inside, heated outside mirrors, second-row air vents, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and keyless entry were standard across the lineup. Higher trims offered 10-way driver’s seat adjustment with power lumbar support, although front passenger seat adjustments varied by trim level. The cabin provided superior visibility, an aspect further enhanced by the panoramic sunroof on our test vehicle. Comfort was high on the agenda, with cloth upholstery on the base LX trim transitioning to leatherette on mid-level trims, and real perforated leather on the SX Prestige. Conversely, the 2022 Volvo XC90 had evolved significantly from its boxy ancestors, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while edging into the luxury class. Post-2010, under the aegis of Zhejiang Geely Holding, Volvo revamped its vehicle platforms, including the flagship XC90. The 2022 model featured a striking profile with a sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches, embodying both elegance and athleticism. The shortened snub nose harked back to classic Volvo styling, enhanced by superior fit and finish, and the distinct "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. The XC90's interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim creating an authentic ambiance. Luxurious touches like a sliding wood tambour cover and crystal gear selector handle underscored its upscale aspirations. While the move to leather-free interiors by 2030 was notable, the current XC90 could still be optioned with Nappa leather, essential for ventilated front seats. Non-leather upholstery offered a tailored wool blend, promising durability and easy maintenance.

In terms of performance, the 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains. The most common was the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque with a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite not being particularly impressive on paper, it provided sufficient power for the lower trims. Our test vehicle featured the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a robust 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a wet clutch to all-wheel drive. This setup allowed for confident merging, cruising, and passing. Kia also introduced a hybrid version, combining a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, exclusively in a front-wheel-drive configuration. The AWD system in the turbocharged model featured torque vectoring and a center-locking differential, making it adept at handling various terrains. The X-Line package was notable for adding an extra 1.3 inches of ride height, enhancing its off-road prowess. Drive modes significantly affected performance, with Eco mode optimizing fuel efficiency, Normal mode offering predictable behavior, and Sport mode enhancing throttle response and driving dynamics. The 2022 Volvo XC90 provided three powertrain choices. T5 models were equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. T6 models added supercharging to turbocharging, bringing the output to 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a hefty 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. FWD was standard on T5 models, with AWD as an option, while T6 and T8 models came with AWD as standard. All models used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy varied, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined, while the T6 managed 22 mpg combined. The T8 offered 27 mpg combined on gas alone, extending to 55 MPGe with an 18-mile electric range. The extended range T8 provided 66 MPGe and up to 36 miles on electric power alone. Notably, charging the battery from empty to full took approximately five hours at 240 volts (Level 2). Driving the XC90, particularly the T8 Inscription extended range, revealed a well-handling vehicle that belied its size, offering minimal body roll and spirited acceleration. The electric motor smoothed out power delivery, ensuring a refined and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Sorento’s three-row configuration was practical, though realistically, the upper trims were best considered four-seaters due to the second-row captain's chairs. The third row was too tight for adult comfort, and the available cargo space behind it was limited to 12.6 cubic feet. Folding the third row expanded the cargo space significantly, totaling 75.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The Sorento offered reasonable comfort with decent legroom in the first two rows and sufficient storage solutions for small items. The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second-row seats. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find the legroom insufficient. The XC90 could carry 15.9 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a substantial 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. Towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds depending on the configuration, offering versatility for various needs. The XC90 excelled in maximizing interior space with ample storage solutions and a spacious, airy cabin, further enhanced by a panoramic moonroof.

The 2021 Kia Sorento packed ample tech features but came with a few quirks. The 8-inch touchscreen, standard on lower trims, was intuitive with hard buttons and knobs, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger 10.25-inch screen on higher trims looked great but had limitations, particularly requiring a wired connection for smartphone integration and underutilizing its full width with Android Auto. The Sorento boasted plenty of USB ports, though none were USB-C, and the optional Bose stereo system was decent, not exceptional. Navigation had some shortcomings, especially when using voice commands or searching for points of interest. Volvo's Sensus infotainment system in the 2022 XC90 introduced tablet-like functionality with pinch, pull, and swipe gestures. However, it could be glitchy and slow, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The system featured a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, positioned for minimal distraction, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offering customization. The Advanced package added valuable features like a head-up display and 360-degree camera. Standard Harman Kardon sound could be upgraded to a superb Bowers & Wilkins system. Volvo included both USB-A and USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a comprehensive Volvo Care app for remote vehicle management.

The 2021 Kia Sorento came equipped with an impressive array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. Our test car featured a surround-view camera, aiding parking and low-speed maneuvering. Adaptive cruise control worked smoothly, though lane-keeping assist could be overly attentive. The NHTSA awarded the Sorento four stars overall, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, with the higher trims' LED headlights receiving top ratings. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in the 2022 XC90, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple advanced safety systems. The Pilot Assist system provided a semi-autonomous driving experience, enhancing highway safety and convenience. The XC90 received top marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.