2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with the rest of Volvo's lineup through features like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle "Recharge" badging, and unique alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. It also featured a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour and a charging port in place of the fuel filler. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a coherent and upscale design.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in contrast, boasted a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a lower and wider stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the corners, giving the body a curvaceous look akin to a Porsche 911. The headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile was accentuated by an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler. The interior was futuristic, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting and digital controls added to the high-tech feel, making the EV6 a visually striking and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It had a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable, and could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, with a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Kia EV6, tested in the GT-Line e-AWD configuration, featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77.4 kWh battery, it accelerated to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The upcoming GT trim promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of under 3.5 seconds. The EV6 excelled in handling, with quick torque distribution and a seamless driving experience. It offered multiple regenerative braking settings, including a strong I-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving. However, the EV6's range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's estimated range. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging times were longer than claimed.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge offered no difference in passenger or cargo space compared to its gasoline counterparts, but it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin and large door bins, partially compensated for the limited space. The centre console was designed to hold a phone securely, with optional wireless charging and a single USB-C port, though rear passengers lacked charging options.

The 2022 Kia EV6 provided generous legroom and headroom, with a low floor and reclining rear seats. The cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres with seats folded. The RWD models offered a small front trunk, while AWD models had less space due to the front motor. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 1,043 kilograms and featured an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled functions. The system lacked a start button, allowing drivers to shift out of park with the key fob present.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a 360-degree camera system, customizable "engine" sounds, and an augmented reality HUD. The GT-Line Package 2 included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking assist. The tech was impressive without being overwhelming.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, including a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but offered impressive standard safety features, such as forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360 cameras.