2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards a more upscale, luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new vehicle platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 featured a sleek and athletic profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, complemented by the distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious "Scandinavian Modern" interior with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery, providing a sophisticated and comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offering five trim levels with prices starting at $22,590. The Nightfall Edition, our test vehicle, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos boasted a stylish interior with contrast-color dashboard panels and metallic accents, though it was marred by an abundance of shiny hard plastic. Despite this, the build quality was excellent, and the controls were logically arranged. The Seltos offered a lively driving experience, with good outward visibility and easy parking, though it struggled with road noise and wind intrusion at higher speeds.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp. The T5 models were available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model, which provided spirited acceleration and a seamless blend of electric and gasoline power.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower for the LX, S, and EX trims, and a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 175 hp for the Nightfall Edition and SX trims. The turbo engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience than the base engine's continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Seltos featured Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Sport mode offering a more responsive powertrain. However, the suspension tuning was less refined, resulting in a bouncy ride on uneven roads and noticeable body motion. The Seltos achieved an EPA rating of 27 mpg combined for the Nightfall Edition.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold mechanism. While the third row was suitable for children, adults would find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The SUV could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and provided ample storage options.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in interior space, offering easy entry and exit due to its ride height and large door openings. The Nightfall Edition featured a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seat accommodated adults comfortably, with generous legroom and footroom, though the seatback angle was slightly reclined. The Seltos provided 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 62.8 cubic feet with it folded. Storage options included a smartphone shelf and grocery sack hooks.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offering smartphone-like gestures for navigation. However, the system was occasionally slow to respond, performing better with Apple CarPlay. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional Advanced package with a head-up display and 360-degree camera. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system. The XC90 also offered multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a Volvo Care smartphone app.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims, paired with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a cable connection was required. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was less effective without an active subscription to connected services, making smartphone digital assistants a better option.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued the brand's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving assistance. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning a Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating, respectively.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the SX trim, while the NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating due to a four-star performance in the front-passenger crash test.