2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while introducing a more characterful appearance. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines and more chrome detailing, it offered a fresh take on Volvo's conservative image. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights added a distinctive touch, enhancing the vehicle's overall appeal. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism, featuring high-quality materials and a restrained design. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery provided a unique and natural feel, complemented by luxurious touches like the Orrefors crystal shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more dynamic design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its lower and wider stance, combined with a highback tail and lip spoiler, gave it a sleek and aggressive look. The wheels were pushed to the corners, creating a sense of stability and style, while the voluptuous curves of the body added to its visual appeal. The headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, and the sealed air intake-like trim on the bumper, contributed to the EV6's futuristic aesthetic. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a mix of suede and leather upholstery, creating a modern and tech-forward environment. Ambient lighting and unique design elements, like the hockey-puck shifter, further distinguished the EV6 from traditional Kia models, making it an exciting and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, with AWD as standard. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. Despite its power, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The plug-in hybrid's electric-only mode was limited to low speeds, and the gasoline engine often engaged to assist. However, the XC90 excelled in luxury, offering a smooth ride with its optional air suspension and maintaining composure through corners. It also boasted a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, though it fell short of some rivals.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in the GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. The 77-kilowatt-hour battery enabled a swift 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, with the upcoming GT trim promising even more power. The EV6's torque delivery was seamless, providing exhilarating acceleration and agile handling. The regenerative braking system offered extensive customization, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum setting. However, the EV6's range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate during testing. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds varied. Despite its performance prowess, the EV6's energy consumption in cold conditions was a drawback, highlighting the importance of home charging for potential buyers.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with the option of second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile created a spacious feel, complemented by standard four-zone climate control. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, though a power-adjustable steering wheel was absent. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with all seats down. The hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature, but overall storage was near the bottom of the segment.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered innovative features like pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter, but its most unique aspect was the dual-function touchscreen for climate and stereo controls. While the interior provided generous legroom and headroom, the cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The high load floor and low roof height contributed to this limitation. Towing capacity was rated at 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator was a practical addition. The EV6's interior was airy and open, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions, making it a comfortable space for passengers.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. The 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with Bluetooth and a WiFi hotspot. The optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display added to the tech offerings. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was intuitive, though the text and typeface could be challenging to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was a welcome addition, but its size limited compatibility with larger phones.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a range of connectivity options, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and surrounding vehicles, enhancing safety. The 360-degree cameras provided clear visuals, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. The tech package included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system, offering a comprehensive suite of features. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues, limiting some functionality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings, with the non-hybrid models earning the "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It excelled in crash tests and front-crash prevention, though pedestrian detection was rated lower. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering. While Pilot Assist was smooth and responsive, it was not a substitute for an attentive driver.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but came equipped with an impressive array of standard safety features. The HDA system included lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and machine learning for adaptive cruise control. The EV6's safety tech was comprehensive, though some features, like automatic lane change, were inconsistent in performance.