2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. This model retained the brand's signature boxy profile and blunt front end but introduced softer lines and more chrome detailing, giving it a more modern and distinctive appearance. The LED headlights, known as "Thor’s Hammer," added a unique touch that blended seamlessly with the overall design. The XC90 offered various trim levels, each with its own aesthetic appeal, from the flashy Inscription with optional 21-inch alloy wheels to the sportier R-Design and the more understated Momentum.

Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," offering a clean and thoughtfully arranged interior with high-quality materials. The matte-finish wood trim provided a natural look, and the option for wool upholstery was a unique offering in the luxury segment. The Inscription model featured an Orrefors crystal shifter, adding a touch of luxury to the otherwise restrained interior. Overall, the XC90's design successfully balanced traditional Volvo elements with modern touches, creating a vehicle that was both familiar and fresh.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly with the X-Line package, presented a bold and rugged appearance. The X-Line treatment added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing the Sorento's already attractive design. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, featured all-wheel drive and additional options like Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310.

Despite the higher price tag, the Sorento offered a sense of quality across all trims. The interior featured leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, with attention to detail evident in the operation of door releases and the feel of the transmission shifter. The cabin's construction was solid, with no flimsy elements, and the design detail extended even to the base LX model. While the X-Line package improved ground clearance and off-road angles, the Sorento was best suited for light off-roading. Overall, the Sorento provided a sense of value and quality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and capable SUV.

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. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8.

Despite the impressive 400 hp, the XC90's small engine struggled to provide the flexibility of larger engines found in competitor SUVs. The plug-in hybrid system required careful management to balance efficiency and power, with the gasoline engine often needed to assist even at low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. However, its towing capacity was limited to 5,000 pounds, with the base FWD T5 rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine available from the EX trim offered a more satisfying 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, provided a more engaging driving experience. The Sorento's AWD system allowed it to reach 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, although it felt quicker due to the surge of torque and responsive transmission.

The Sorento's suspension, tuned for a balance of compliance and composure, delivered a comfortable ride while maintaining excellent body control. The X-Line package increased ground clearance and improved off-road angles, but the Sorento was best suited for light off-roading. Fuel economy was a concern, with the EPA rating the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line at 24 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed an average of around 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a choice between six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third-row space was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power moonroof and standard four-zone climate control enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription model featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but storage space was limited due to a shallow center console.

Cargo space in the XC90 was near the bottom of the segment, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature, but overall storage capacity was limited.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with the SX Prestige offering a 14-way power driver’s seat and 10-way power front passenger seat, both heated and ventilated. The second-row captain’s chairs, standard from the EX trim, were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line. The Sorento's third-row seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and a flat cushion. Cargo space was more generous, with 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. The "smart" power tailgate added convenience, opening when the key fob was nearby.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system was easy to use, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed for intuitive navigation. However, the text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving, and the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, starting from the EX trim, came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but the font style and graphics might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line featured a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, and wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded the XC90 a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured Kia Drive Wise, with varying safety features depending on the trim level. The SX Prestige X-Line included a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with the SX and SX Prestige trims earning the highest rating for headlights. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating.