2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking departure from the typical sedan design, offering a sportier and more svelte appearance reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its lower and wider stance, combined with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar, gave it a unique and aggressive look. The wheels were pushed to the farthest corners of the chassis, creating a body with pronounced hips and voluptuous curves similar to those of a Porsche 911. The headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, added to the car's fierce demeanor. The EV6's design was not just about aesthetics; it also provided stability and a sense of excitement, making it a captivating vehicle to behold.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a more refined and purposeful design. Gone were the days of Volvo's boxy, utilitarian vehicles; the XC90 presented a modern and elegant silhouette. Its front end was solid and assertive, with a grille that was bold yet not overly flashy. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a touch of modernity, distinguishing it from the Volvos of the past. The XC90 maintained a rectilinear shape but with a sophistication that set it apart from its predecessors. The vehicle's dimensions and design elements combined to create a sense of understated luxury and confidence.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered an exhilarating performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the EV6 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, making it a thrilling ride. The car's 77.4 kWh battery, mounted low in the chassis, contributed to its impressive handling and cornering capabilities. However, the EV6's performance came at the cost of efficiency, especially in cold weather, where its range fell short of expectations. Despite its ability to accept fast charging, the EV6 struggled to meet Kia's charging claims in real-world conditions.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, featured a new B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, offering a balance between performance and efficiency. With 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, the XC90 provided a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and well-insulated cabin contributed to a quiet and comfortable ride. While the XC90 lacked the aggressive acceleration of the EV6, it excelled in delivering a refined and composed driving experience, with its mild-hybrid system enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a spacious and airy interior, with generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions. Its innovative features, such as the pop-out door handles and the multifunctional touchscreen for climate and stereo controls, added a modern touch. However, the cargo space was limited, with only 690 litres available behind the rear seats and 1,322 litres with the seats folded. The EV6's towing capacity was rated at 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 provided a comfortable and elegant interior, with a focus on Scandinavian minimalism. While the front seats were a pleasure to sit in, the lack of cubby space and the challenging access to the third row were notable drawbacks. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 1,856 litres. Despite its smaller size compared to other three-row SUVs, the XC90 managed to deliver a driving experience that felt more compact and agile.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured a user-friendly infotainment system, with a 360-degree surround-view camera and a head-up display with augmented reality. While it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system was intuitive and easy to use. The EV6's tech offerings, including the remote parking assist and customizable "engine" sounds, added to its appeal.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 boasted a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running on Google OS, with integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. While the system offered impressive natural-language recognition and connectivity, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating. The XC90's tech package included keyless entry and an optional head-up display, enhancing its modern appeal.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a range of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. While it lacked published test results from safety organizations, its available tech and standard safety features were commendable.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, renowned for its safety, received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. It featured an impressive array of standard safety technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in the XC90's comprehensive safety package.