2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative German aesthetic. Its exterior featured clean lines and a horizontal grille connecting the headlights, maintaining a classic car look without adventurous elements. However, the interior was less impressive, with plain design and hard black plastic surfaces, a departure from Volkswagen's previous interior excellence. The focus shifted to electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system as highlights.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, maintaining traditional styling features like a boxy profile and rectangular grille while adding character through softer lines and chrome accents. The LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights were a distinctive touch. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism, offering high-quality materials and thoughtful arrangement. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery added a unique touch, while the Orrefors crystal shifter provided a high-end feel.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. Despite its size, the Tiguan's powertrain provided a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag, though it was only moderately quick. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase affecting nimbleness. The suspension ensured a comfortable ride, but the steering remained light even in sport mode.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The base T5 produced 250 horsepower, while the T6, with turbocharging and supercharging, delivered 316 horsepower. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, achieving 400 horsepower. The XC90 excelled in luxury, with an optional air-suspension system providing excellent ride quality. However, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines, and the plug-in hybrid's electric mode was limited to low speeds.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan offered practicality with its sliding second-row seats, making the third row more usable. Front-drive models included a third row, while AWD models had it as an option. The third row, though not spacious, was roomier than many larger vehicles. The Tiguan's cargo capacity reached 73.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, surpassing competitors like the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4. The driver's seat provided ample space, and the Tiguan felt larger due to its abundant glass and seating position.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and seats lacked support. An optional power moonroof and standard four-zone climate control enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim offered luxurious features like 10-way power-adjustable seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 64.1 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, with an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with bright graphics and a speedy processor. The Digital Cockpit, available on top trims, offered a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. USB ports were available, with a wireless charging pad on higher trims.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system emphasized simplicity, with a 9-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, though some menus were difficult to read while driving. The XC90 included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available. However, the wireless charging pad was small, and USB-C ports were only in the second row.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package with features like forward-collision warning and blind spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for top trims. The Tiguan included Car-Net telematics, offering remote access and monitoring features. The IIHS rated it a Top Safety Pick for models with LED headlights, while most models had halogen headlights rated poorly.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist provided smooth adaptive cruise control and lane centering, though it struggled with highway curves.