2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with Volvo's design language, including the distinctive “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. 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 featured a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour and a charging port in place of the fuel filler. The interior boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and premium feel.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, exuded a rugged and stylish presence with its robust bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and black lower body cladding. The U.S. specification test vehicle showcased the X-Line package on the top trim, while in Canada, it was a standalone mid-grade package. The Sorento's interior was noted for its quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, and a solid construction that extended to all models. The cabin design was practical, with ample storage solutions and a focus on comfort, although the third-row seating was less accommodating for adults. The Sorento's interior style and traditional transmission shifter did not compromise its practical storage space, making it a versatile choice for families.

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 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant 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 of torque. It housed a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving. The Recharge model also offered a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available from the X-Line trim, provided a more satisfying 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. This setup allowed the Sorento to accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience. The Sorento's suspension was tuned for a balance of comfort and control, with excellent body motion control and communication on various road conditions. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing, despite official figures suggesting lower consumption.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in gasoline and Recharge models, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was less spacious compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox, compensated for the limited space. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard from the EX trim, with additional storage solutions and a panoramic sunroof. The third-row seating was less comfortable for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was expandable from 357 litres to 1,274 litres with the third-row seats folded, and up to 2,139 litres with the second-row seats down. The Sorento also featured a “smart” power tailgate for convenient loading.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, 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 vehicle functions. The gasoline models retained the previous system, with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Recharge models lacked a start button, relying on the key fob for activation.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, with a 10.25-inch display on higher trims, featuring navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The system was intuitive, though the design might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento SX included a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, while a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim. Voice recognition was less effective compared to Hyundai models, despite shared technology.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured a new sensor suite for future driver aid enhancements.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system was available on the SX trim, enhancing blind-spot awareness. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.