2022 Kia Seltos vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, successfully adding character to its traditionally conservative styling. While maintaining its recognizable boxy profile and blunt front end, the XC90 introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and unique options such as wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of luxury, albeit slightly out of place in the otherwise restrained cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Seltos positioned itself between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering a stylish and practical small SUV option. The Seltos Nightfall Edition, equivalent to the top SX grade, featured 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch transmission. While the headlights were not universally loved, the interior boasted exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents, though it was marred by an abundance of shiny hard plastic. The controls were logically arranged, with knobs and buttons for essential functions, but the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was a peculiar choice. Despite some nitpicks, the Seltos was larger, more refined, and more powerful than many of its direct competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. While the XC90's power was impressive, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a respectable 2,250-kilogram towing capacity.

The 2022 Kia Seltos provided two engine options. The LX, EX, and EX Premium trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SX trim boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo engine's torque arrived earlier, enhancing driving engagement. The Seltos offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, but the suspension tuning was less refined, resulting in a bouncy ride on uneven roads. Despite some handling issues, the Seltos felt lively in urban environments and offered good grip from its 18-inch wheels.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom in all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power sunroof and standard four-zone climate control enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. 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. A hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The driver's seat and steering wheel were adjustable, providing a comfortable driving position. Heated front seats were standard on most trims, though the hard plastic door panels were less comfortable. The rear seat accommodated adults comfortably, with ample legroom and footroom. Cargo space was generous, with 752 litres behind the back seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded. The Seltos also featured practical storage solutions, including a smartphone shelf and grocery bag hooks.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text and typeface could be challenging to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was a welcome addition, but its size limited compatibility with larger phones.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system starting at the EX Premium grade, paired with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. It included Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions. However, the lack of a native voice recognition system was a drawback, and the system's performance relied on an active subscription to connected services.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The connected services platform offered additional safety-related functions, such as 911 Connect and programmable alerts for parents of teen drivers.