2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Volvo XC40 had a traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting seamlessly into the Volvo lineup with its “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a white contrasting roof for a retro look, while the electric XC40 Recharge featured a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. The Recharge also had a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a slightly different rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic color. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a coherent and pleasing design.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, had a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails. Our test vehicle, with the X-Line package, featured extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310. The Sorento’s cabin exuded quality, with leather upholstery, simulated wood trim, and rock-solid construction. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed for kids, with cupholders, USB charging ports, and rear air conditioning vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped and better suited for expanding cargo space.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 had 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 had 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, had one electric motor for each axle, providing AWD and a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. The Recharge’s 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack enabled a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 achieved 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All versions were electronically limited to 112 mph. The XC40 emphasized quiet and comfort, with excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability. The Recharge also had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, taking almost 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The recommended turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generated 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. With AWD, the turbo Sorento could reach 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento’s suspension provided an excellent blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan. The X-Line package raised ground clearance to 8.2 inches, but the suspension lift was more for show than serious off-roading. The Sorento SX Prestige X-Line’s fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 20.7 mpg.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge had no difference in passenger or cargo space compared to gasoline models, but it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The XC40 had clever storage solutions, including a removable trash bin in the center console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and extra-large door bins. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was well-shaped for a phone, with a wireless charging pad optional and a single USB-C port standard. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior felt luxurious, with the SX Prestige offering a 14-way power driver’s seat, 10-way power front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and designed for kids, with various storage solutions and a panoramic sunroof. The third-row seat was cramped and better suited for expanding cargo space. With the third-row seat folded, cargo space expanded from 12.6 cubic feet to 38.5 cubic feet, and with the second-row seats folded, it reached 75.5 cubic feet. The Sorento also offered a “smart” power tailgate that opened when the key fob was nearby.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge also had OTA update capability and lacked a start button, allowing drivers to simply shift out of park with the key fob on their person.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, except for the base LX trim, had a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive but had a unique font style, graphics, and colors. The SX Prestige X-Line had a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, while wireless smartphone charging was standard starting with EX trim.

The gasoline 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a long list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model had Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future advanced driver aids.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s Kia Drive Wise package varied by trim level, with our test vehicle having the full list of features. Unique safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor system. The Sorento also offered Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.