2022 Kia Seltos vs 2023 Volvo XC90

Kia positioned the 2022 Seltos between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offering five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. All trims except the Seltos S included standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices at the start of the model year ranged from $22,590 to $28,080, excluding a $1,255 destination charge. The test vehicle was the Nightfall Edition, featuring matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a black grille, added body cladding, and robust roof rails. The MSRP was $28,045, including the destination charge.

The Seltos was an appealing small SUV, though the headlights beneath the wide, horizontal running lights were not favored. The Nightfall Edition’s intricate wheels were appealing but barely visible due to their matte finish. Inside, the Seltos displayed a stylish contrast-color dashboard panel, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents. However, the abundance of shiny hard plastic made the interior look cheap, despite excellent build quality. The controls were logically arranged, with knobs for commonly adjusted features and matte-black buttons with clear markings. The infotainment system’s purple accent color was not popular.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased how far Volvo had come from its boxy predecessors. The XC90 looked purposeful but not boastful, with a stout and solid front end, an assertive grille, and modern “Thor’s Hammer” headlights. The dimensions and shape leaned toward rectilinear but were far from the toaster-like designs of the past. The test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, had 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding drama to the otherwise stoic XC90. The Platinum Gray paint had brown undertones, giving it richness and depth.

Inside, the XC90’s design was elegant, with a gorgeous two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The interior had a beautiful and clean look, with wood deco inlays adding a touch of nature. The minimalist design featured few buttons or physical controls, contributing to a serene and sophisticated cabin.

The 2022 Kia Seltos LX, S, and EX had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The LX and EX included standard AWD, while the S offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and AWD. The Nightfall Edition and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo-DCT combination made the Seltos more engaging to drive, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Smart.

The AWD system had a Lock function for even power distribution at lower speeds, and ground clearance was 7.3 inches. The Seltos was suitable for light off-roading and snowstorms but not for more challenging terrain. The multi-link rear suspension improved ride and handling, but the suspension tuning was the least appealing aspect of driving the Seltos. The vehicle exhibited lateral rocking motions on uneven pavement and felt bouncy on undulating roads. Despite these issues, the Seltos was lively in urban environments, easy to park, and had excellent outward visibility.

For 2023, Volvo replaced the older turbocharged 2.0-liter engines (T5 and T6) in the XC90 with new B5 and B6 engines featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine, tested in the review, produced 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, with the electric motors handling climate control and ignition.

The XC90 delivered an enjoyable driving experience, with minimal body roll, quick acceleration, and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Road and wind noise were well-insulated, and the brakes inspired confidence. The XC90 lacked extensive off-roading features but performed well in a New Hampshire snowstorm, demonstrating its capability in adverse conditions.

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 Nightfall Edition had a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and heated front seats. The rear seat was spacious, with generous legroom and footroom, rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cupholders. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s front seats were peaceful and pleasant, but the minimalist design led to limited cubby space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. Cargo space was 12.5 cubic feet with the third row in position, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, contributing to its appeal.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims, with Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions, but the voice recognition system was frustrating.

The 2023 Volvo XC90’s 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The natural-language recognition was excellent, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were filed within the touchscreen interface, leading to some frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons for certain features, which could be inconvenient.

The 2022 Kia Seltos included forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Seltos EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX included adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The Seltos earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance from the car ahead and supported lane-keeping.