2022 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, stood out stylistically. Rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails added to its commanding presence. The test vehicle, featuring the X-Line package, also included extra-cost Wolf Gray paint and rust-colored leather, pushing the total MSRP to $45,310 including the $1,215 destination charge. The Sorento exuded quality through every touchpoint - from its leather upholstery to the smooth operation of the door releases and the transmission shifter. The cabin reflected rock-solid construction with impressive attention to design detail, even in the base LX trim, which started at $29,590 plus destination.

Contrast this with the 2023 Volvo XC90, which embraced a more refined, purposeful aesthetic without appearing boastful. The front end was stout and solid, yet not shouty, complemented by the assertive, bold grille and the modern, “Thor’s Hammer” design headlights. The test vehicle sported 21-inch wheels on low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, and the Platinum Gray paint, with its brown undertones visible in direct sunlight, added richness and depth. Inside, the XC90’s elegant design featured a two-tone leather steering wheel, Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the minimalist aesthetic came at the cost of storage practicality, posing some frustrations for everyday use.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered several powertrains. The underwhelming standard engine, a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, took almost 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. More satisfying was the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine available from the EX trim, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, the Sorento took about 7.5 seconds to reach 60 mph with AWD, thanks to its torque. The X-Line package’s raised suspension combined with 20-inch alloy wheels and sticky Continental CrossContact LX Sport tires ensured a sporty, composed drive. Despite its modest ground clearance of 8.2 inches and good fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg, real-world driving yielded lower fuel efficiency, averaging around 20.7 mpg.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 powertrains with mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, turbocharged and paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The test vehicle featured the B6 powertrain, a turbocharged and supercharged engine with 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Despite modest fuel economy improvements, the XC90 focused on smoother operations. The vehicle handled well, with minimal roll despite its 70-inch height, and the brakes offered solid pedal feel. While simplistic in drive modes and features, the XC90’s road and wind noise insulation and acceleration smoothness provided a confident driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior offered a touch of luxury, especially in the SX Prestige trim with 14-way power driver’s seats and standard heated and ventilated front seats. Second-row captain’s chairs, heated in the SX Prestige X-Line, and practical storage solutions catered well to families. However, the third-row seat was unsuitable for adults and best folded down to utilize 38.5 cubic feet or 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space when second and third rows were down, respectively. A smart power tailgate further enhanced convenience.

In comparison, the 2023 Volvo XC90’s front seats provided a peaceful experience, though storage limitations within the cabin frustrated. The second-row seats, though comfortable, were challenging to adjust. With the available third-row seat setup, accessing the third row was almost impossible, and once there, space remained limited. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row up, 41.8 cubic feet with it down, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, falling short compared to competitors like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX. The XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, thanks in part to its size.

The 2022 Kia Sorento equipped trims above the LX with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, providing navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services, though only the base model supported wireless smartphone integration. The intuitive user interface, albeit with unconventional graphics, shared technology with Hyundai models. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system was exclusive to the SX Prestige X-Line. Wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim onwards.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s 9-inch touchscreen ran on Google OS, integrating Android Auto directly into the system with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. Owners could use Google Home devices to issue commands to the car. Despite the advanced technology, some functions were overly reliant on the touchscreen interface, leading to frustrations with the lack of physical buttons for basic operations.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s Kia Drive Wise suite offered varied features by trim. The test vehicle included advanced safety technologies like Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. The Highway Driving Assist technology provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with commendable performance in most crash tests.

Volvo’s reputation for safety was underscored by the 2023 XC90’s five-star NHTSA rating and Top Safety Pick+ status from IIHS. Standard advanced safety tech like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist supported the Pilot Assist system, maintaining distance and lane stability even in challenging conditions. The XC90’s legacy of safety innovations, dating back to the invention of the three-point seatbelt, reinforced its commitment to occupant protection.