2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of the Swedish brand's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a blend of elegance and innovation. Built on Volvo's SPA platform, the XC60 sat comfortably between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90. Its design featured a tailored two-box crossover style with short overhangs and athletic body sides, highlighted by crisp details. The front grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, complemented by Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights. Inside, the XC60 offered a serene cabin with clean lines and authentic materials, embodying Scandinavian style. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a notable feature, and the attention to detail, such as the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its lower and wider stance, along with a highback tail and lip spoiler, gave it a dynamic appearance. The EV6's voluptuous curves and V-shaped headlights added to its stylish and stable form. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating centre console, and seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting and futuristic design elements, like the hockey-puck shifter, contributed to a car-first, computer-second aesthetic. The EV6's design was both bold and functional, making it an enjoyable vehicle to drive.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, combined a turbocharged and supercharged engine with an 87-hp electric motor, delivering up to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's plug-in hybrid capability allowed for up to 31 kilometres of electric-only driving. The vehicle's size and AWD system provided a solid and secure driving experience, with fuel consumption figures ranging from 11.1 L/100 km city to 4.0 Le/100 km in electric mode.

The 2022 Kia EV6, tested in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, featured dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77.4 kWh battery, the EV6 accelerated to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and handled corners with agility. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power, with 576 hp and a sub-3.5-second 0-60 time. The EV6's regenerative braking system offered over eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, cold weather affected its driving range, with the EV6 achieving only 65% of its estimated 441-kilometre range. Charging capabilities were impressive, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging times varied.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing comfort and functionality. Its front seats offered excellent adjustability, and the heating system performed well in winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, with 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the seats folded. The XC60's towing capacity was rated at 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Kia EV6 introduced innovative features like pop-out door handles and a twisting rotary shifter. The interior provided generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it offered an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system featured a tablet-style touchpad interface, offering a familiar experience for frequent iPad users. The system's segmented screen allowed for easy access to functions, though it required a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an exceptional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system available.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick settings adjustments and connectivity options, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots, and the 360-degree cameras provided clear visuals. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation, and the highest trim featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking assist.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 boasted a strong safety heritage, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

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