Kia Stonic vs Volvo ES90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Kia Stonic a rating. ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the Volvo ES90. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Kia Stonic features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Volvo ES90 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volvo ES90 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Kia Stonic gets cloth upholstery while the Volvo ES90 offers nordico fabric. Climate control is 1-zone in the Kia Stonic and 4-zone in the Volvo ES90.

Drivetrain

The Kia Stonic uses a Petrol producing 88kW and 172Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dct to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.2 seconds.

The Volvo ES90 responds with a Electric making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.

The Volvo ES90 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 88kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volvo ES90 is 4.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Kia Stonic measures 4,165mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 835mm shorter than the Volvo ES90 at 5,000mm (3,102mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo ES90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 352L in the Kia Stonic and 424L in the Volvo ES90, giving the Volvo ES90 a 72L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo ES90 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Kia Stonic's turning circle is 1.6 m tighter, 10.4 m against 12.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Kia Stonic costs about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km) and electricity for the Volvo ES90 about $826 a year (17.2 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 7 years / unlimited km (Kia Stonic) and 5 years / unlimited km (Volvo ES90).

Where each one leads

The Kia Stonic: the lower starting price ($26,990 against $88,880) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Volvo ES90: more power (245kW against 88kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (424L against 352L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,600kg against 900kg).

The Verdict

Kia Stonic scores higher, 72 vs 69

The Kia Stonic scores 72 to the Volvo ES90's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Volvo ES90 ahead by 41 points), value (Kia Stonic ahead by 23 points), technology (Volvo ES90 ahead by 21 points). Boot space with the seats up: 352L in the Kia Stonic, 424L in the Volvo ES90. Warranty: 7 years on the Kia Stonic, 5 on the Volvo ES90.

Common questions