2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, extending its length by 1.6 inches compared to the 2021 model. The updated front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and new character lines gave the Kona a more sophisticated appearance. The sporty new body lines contrasted with lower body cladding, and new alloy wheel designs rounded out the exterior changes. Inside, the instrument panel and center console were separated to emphasize a more horizontal layout, creating a wider, more spacious look. Ambient lighting for the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of sophistication, while a rear USB port increased convenience for back-seat passengers.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a sleek and modern design, moving away from the boxy shapes of past models. The SUV's body appeared tilted forward, giving it a poised stance. The long, sleek roofline managed to contain the large greenhouse without appearing bulky. Pronounced wheel arches and a snub nose added to its athletic look. The interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim. Exquisite details like the sliding wood tambor cover on the center console and the clear crystal gear selector handle emphasized its luxury status. The XC90 also offered a choice between Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery, with our test car featuring the leather seats, which proved comfortable during a week of high temperatures and humidity.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of powertrains. The SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The N Line and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The new Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N also featured exclusive driving modes and performance enhancements like launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential. Our test vehicle, a Kona N Line with the 1.6-liter turbo engine and AWD, provided more than adequate power and was enjoyable to drive, both in city settings and on the highway. The Kona's handling was composed, and the cabin was quieter than expected for its price point.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains. The T5 models used a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models featured a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 models combined the supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T5 models were available with FWD or AWD, while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All XC90 models used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8's extended range variant offered an EV range of up to 36 miles and a combined rating of 66 MPGe. Our test vehicle, a T8 Inscription extended range, provided spirited acceleration and smooth power delivery, thanks to the electric motor's early torque. The XC90 handled like a smaller SUV, with minimal body roll and a fun driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its small size, offered ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants. The front seats, especially in the N Line, provided excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges with small door openings, limited headroom, and compromised legroom. The Kona's cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended for the Kona.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a standard panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing a comfortable cabin environment.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona added more tech features for the model year. The base SE trim came with an 8-inch display, while the SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. The Limited and Kona N trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and traffic information. An eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system was optional on the N Line and standard on the Limited and Kona N. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base 8-inch screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The Kona also offered a Digital Key, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging on higher trims. Hyundai Blue Link provided remote engine start, remote locking/unlocking, and other connected services.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen interface. The system supported familiar smartphone gestures but was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. Apple CarPlay worked well, while Android Auto was also available. The XC90 had a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display as part of the $1,650 Advanced package, which also included a 360-degree surround view camera system and an advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a basic driver aid menu, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, lane-following assistance, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. Available technologies included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, Highway Drive Assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crashworthiness tests. However, the child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating, preventing the Kona from achieving Top Safety Pick status.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving assistance. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.