2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Kia Sportage

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's tiger-nose grille styling was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed less fitting on the Sportage. The grille, positioned under oversized headlights and above a chrome trim, resembled a fake mustache, detracting from the SUV's overall aesthetic. Despite this, Kia nailed other design elements, such as the four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and the Volkswagen-like symmetry of the rear. The Sportage boasted a stylish appearance with its 19-inch alloy wheels and a planted stance. Inside, the Sportage featured a Germanic-inspired design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and straightforward instrumentation. The use of buttons and knobs made it user-friendly, enhancing the upscale feel of the SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive look, combining Volvo's design language with a flat-roofed SUV profile. The exterior was clean and free of unnecessary detailing, with hidden tailpipes on gasoline models aligning with Volvo's electrification goals. For 2023, updates included pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40 shared its Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with other Volvo and Polestar models, making it unique in North America for offering a combustion engine. Inside, the XC40 retained its minimalist design, featuring thin air vents, scalloped door elements, and dual-zone climate control. The Ultimate trim added luxury touches like a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt more utilitarian than luxurious.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models came with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, forming a competitive yet unremarkable powertrain. The Sportage SX, however, featured a more robust engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for a compact crossover, especially at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all but the base LX FWD model. The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available between 1,450 and 3,500 rpm, creating a sudden surge of power. The SUV's MacPherson strut front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension offered a smooth ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were noticeable. While fun to drive, the Sportage SX lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, adding a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator to assist the gasoline engine. The B5 models in Canada featured a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine with 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, outperforming rivals like the Audi Q3. The XC40's high level of refinement stood out, offering a composed ride and excellent bump absorption. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, delivered 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a 359-kilometre range. The Recharge also had a higher towing capacity than the gasoline model, making it a versatile option.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller on the compact crossover scale, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port, with heated rear seats on the SX grade. However, cargo space was limited, with 1,703 litres available with the rear seats folded and 868 litres behind the back seat. Kia's smart liftgate technology added convenience, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space among its competitors. It tied with the BMW X1 for rear-seat headroom and provided ample shoulder room, making the second-row middle seat usable. Cargo space was less than some rivals, with 566 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded. The XC40 featured a power tailgate and keyless entry, along with innovative interior storage solutions like scalloped door panels and a spacious centre console.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning, though the UVO Intelligence system lagged in sophistication, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

For 2023, the Volvo XC40 adopted an Android-based infotainment system, using Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on the Ultimate trim. The system offered pleasing graphics, though users preferring Apple might find the Google features less satisfying. The minimalist design meant most controls were on the touchscreen, which could be less convenient for some functions.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features on the EX and SX grades, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were also included. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Volvo's reputation for safety was evident in the 2023 XC40, which came with standard features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Plus trim added parking sensors and a 360-degree camera, while the Ultimate included adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the updated side-impact test resulted in an Acceptable rating.