2023 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to move sensors behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Kia Sportage arrived with a completely redesigned look, drawing comparisons to French automakers like Renault, Peugeot, and Citroen. The new design featured bright boomerang-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) and textured metal trim on the D Pillar, adding a touch of class. Kia offered the Sportage in seven trim levels, including the new X-Line, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige. Inside, Kia replaced leather seating with durable synthetic leather, though the base LX trim still had cloth seats. The Sportage's interior boasted a big front windshield and a low beltline for better visibility, with over two feet of display on higher trims. However, the use of hard-wearing plastic and piano-black plastic detracted from the overall feel.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 in AWD only. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid delivered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in FWD and AWD, the engine was slightly larger and more powerful than the previous 2.4-liter engine, with improved fuel efficiency at 25 mpg city, 32 highway (FWD), and 23/28/25 (AWD). The Sportage lacked a turbocharged engine option, which was available in the previous generation. The X-Line trim added rugged visual cues, while the X-Pro trims included off-roading features like BF Goodrich all-terrain tires and specific drive modes. The Sportage's 8.3 inches of ground clearance and off-road capabilities made it suitable for light off-pavement adventures, though the naturally aspirated engine struggled to keep up with turbocharged competitors.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average in both rows. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with the seats down. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity at 21.1 cubic feet and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good forward and rear visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, now 7.1 inches longer with a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase, offered impressive rear-seat legroom at 41.3 inches and 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The front seats featured typical storage options, including a cubby ahead of the shifter, two tandem cupholders, and a spacious center console bin. However, the touch-sensitive HVAC controls with dual functionality were frustrating to use, complicating basic functions.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The new system integrated Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates were also enabled. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Kia Sportage featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface on EX and higher trims, paired with a panoramic, curved 12.3-inch driver information display on the SX trim and up. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were still wired on the top-of-the-line interface, while the base LX trim had an 8-inch screen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. The icons on the screen were similar in appearance, making it difficult to find the right button while driving. Wireless charging, rear USB-C charging ports, navigation, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and HD Radio were standard on trims above the LX. A Harman Kardon stereo was included on the SX, SX-Prestige, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered standard collision-avoidance tech and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, lane-departure warning, and rear backup sensors. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit warning. Adaptive cruise control was available on the SX trim and above. The SX Prestige and X-Pro Prestige trims included the blind-view monitor and Highway driving assist. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had crash-tested the 2023 Sportage at the time of writing.