2023 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 featured subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, maintaining a clean interior design with a new digital instrument cluster. While the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, the overall interior remained subdued compared to other Volvo models.

The 2023 Kia Sportage arrived with a completely redesigned look, drawing comparisons to French automakers like Renault and Citroen. Its exciting and exotic appearance featured standout elements such as boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar. The Sportage was available in five trim levels in Canada, with AWD standard on most. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather over real leather, offering a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob on higher trims. The interior boasted impressive visibility and a large display, though some materials felt typical for the class. Dual-zone climate control was standard from the EX trim.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, adding 13 horsepower in bursts. The B6 also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard AWD in Canada. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid delivered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, with a Polestar Engineered version offering 415 hp and 494 lb-ft. The XC60 emphasized luxury with a smooth ride and quiet cabin, enhanced by optional air suspension.

The 2023 Kia Sportage featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While more powerful than the previous model, it lacked the turbocharged engine option of its predecessor. Fuel economy was slightly improved, with FWD models achieving 9.3 L/100 km city and 7.4 highway. The Sportage offered the X-Line treatment for a rugged look but lacked off-road enhancements in Canada. It performed well off-road, with 21 cm of ground clearance on AWD models, but lacked the punchy driving experience of the Sportage Hybrid.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Cargo space was 611 litres with seats up and 1,410 litres folded for mild-hybrid models, slightly less for plug-in hybrids. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Kia Sportage grew significantly, offering more interior space than its predecessor. Rear-seat legroom was 1,050 mm, with 966 mm of headroom. Cargo capacity was 1,121 litres with seats up and 2,098 litres folded. The front featured ample storage, including a centre console bin and cupholders. However, the touch-sensitive HVAC controls were frustrating, complicating basic functions.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and available head-up display. Android-specific features like Google Assistant and Maps were integrated, with OTA updates enabled. The system was compatible with iPhones but favoured Android users. The digital cluster offered a "Calm" setting to reduce distractions.

The 2023 Kia Sportage boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims, paired with a digital instrument cluster on the X-Line Limited. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were wired on top trims, despite a wireless charger. The interface had similar-looking icons, complicating use. Standard features included Bluetooth, keyless entry, and wireless charging on higher trims, with a Harman Kardon audio system on the X-Line Limited.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. An optional driver assistance package offered adaptive cruise control and lane centring.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered standard collision-avoidance tech, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The X-Line Limited included advanced features like blind-view monitor and highway driving assist. Neither NHTSA nor IIHS had crash-tested the 2023 model.