2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while introducing a more characterful appearance. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and rectangular grille, but with softer lines, increased chrome, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," with high-quality materials like matte-finish wood and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet restrained interior atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more dynamic design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its low and wide stance, combined with a highback tail and lip spoiler, gave it a sleek and aggressive look. The EV6's voluptuous curves and V-shaped headlights added to its visual appeal, while the wedgy profile and matte silver paint of the test car enhanced its modern aesthetic. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and a mix of suede and leather seats, creating a futuristic and tech-forward cabin. The EV6's design was bold and attention-grabbing, with unique features like recessed lights and a hidden rear charge port.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model delivered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque with a turbocharged engine. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, known as the Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, achieving a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 excelled in luxury, offering a smooth ride with its optional air-suspension system and maintaining a quiet cabin. However, its towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms was lower than some rivals.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in the GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. The EV6 accelerated to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, showcasing its agility and responsiveness. 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 extensive control, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the EV6's range was affected by cold weather, with real-world efficiency falling short of Kia's estimates. Charging capabilities were strong, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging times varied.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across its three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The interior felt spacious due to the power sunroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo space was limited, with 317 litres behind the third row, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with all seats down. The hands-free power tailgate added convenience.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, thanks to its low floor. The rear seats reclined and had air vents, creating an open and airy space. However, cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The high load floor and low roof height contributed to this limitation. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. The optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display enhanced the tech experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though some menu text was difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was limited in size, and front USB-C ports were absent.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was intuitive and feature-rich, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and surrounding vehicles. The 360-degree cameras provided clear visuals, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. The GT-Line Package 2 included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking assist. Overall, the EV6's tech was impressive without being overwhelming.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings, with the non-hybrid models earning the "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but came equipped with a robust set of standard safety features, such as forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered additional features like blind spot monitoring and 360 cameras.