2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Hyundai Kona was a small SUV that combined a playful and unique exterior with a more subdued rear design. Its front featured a busy arrangement of lights and a distinctive grille, appealing to younger buyers with its funky style. Inside, the Kona maintained a balance between fun and functionality, offering neat patterns on the seats and a well-organized dashboard. The infotainment system was mounted high, and the controls were intuitive, making the compact interior feel user-friendly and engaging.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a leap into luxury while retaining Volvo's family-friendly and safety-oriented image. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trims, and exquisite details like a crystal gear selector. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident in its upholstery options, with a focus on non-leather materials. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, making it a comfortable and luxurious choice for families.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two powertrain options. The base model featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivered 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on lower trims, with all-wheel drive available. The Kona's handling was agile and confident, with fuel consumption ratings of 8.6/7.0/7.9 L/100 km city/highway/combined for the base engine with FWD.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains. The T5 model had a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Recharge model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, achieving 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge model offered an EV range of up to 58 kilometres. The XC90's driving experience was smooth and engaging, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge variant.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent front-seat headroom and legroom, with a simple and accessible layout for controls. The rear seats offered good headroom but limited legroom, and the cargo space was smaller compared to competitors. However, the Kona excelled in small-item storage, with generous door pockets and a spacious centre console.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 1,855 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it versatile for family adventures. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a climate control system that performed well even in extreme conditions.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came equipped with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, though it lacked wireless smartphone connectivity. The system was user-friendly, with responsive and colourful software.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it was occasionally slow to respond. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 included multiple USB ports and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades included lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. It received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC90's safety systems provided a high level of driver assistance and protection.