2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim added a blacked-out, honeycomb grille, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims, enhancing its already handsome figure. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive features that made the XC90 instantly recognizable. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint, combined with a beige-leather and aluminum interior, created a stunning visual contrast.

The interior of the XC90 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The seats, available in leather, aluminum, or carbon-fiber trim, were sculpted for comfort and support, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The rear seats, whether a bench or captain's chairs, were almost as comfortable as the front. The cabin was filled with rich leather, padded materials, and finer details like the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat and a twist-action ignition knob. The vertical touchscreen integrated seamlessly into the dash, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

Volkswagen completely overhauled the Tiguan for the 2018 model year, addressing its previous shortcomings in size and price. The 2020 model retained the stylish and conservatively German design, with clean lines and a horizontal grille connecting the headlights. The interior, however, showed signs of cost-cutting, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic. The cockpit was simple, bordering on boring, with the focus on electronics like the optional digital dashboard and glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system.

The Tiguan's interior was practical but lacked the premium feel of its competitors. The second row of seats could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. The third row, while not spacious, had enough legroom for shorter adults and children. The split second-row seats folded flat, providing a cargo capacity of 65.7 cubic feet with the third row collapsed and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The driver's seat offered a roomy feel, with abundant glass and a seating position that made the Tiguan feel larger than it was.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for such a heavy vehicle. The T6 model, with a supercharger added to the turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune upgrade boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined for its price range. Fuel economy was also unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined.

The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with an 11.6-kWh battery providing up to 18 gas-free miles. However, the added weight negated the speed benefits, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined. The Polestar upgrade improved transmission, throttle, and steering response, but the XC90 was not a sporty vehicle. It excelled in comfort and quietness, making it a great choice for those prioritizing a smooth ride.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The engine drove either the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan's powertrain offered a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag, but it was only moderately quick. The automatic transmission downshifted smoothly, but passing on the highway with a fully loaded Tiguan required patience.

The Tiguan's engine was relatively quiet, with a deep and refined sound at high revs. The cabin was well insulated from wind noise, making it a quiet highway cruiser. However, road noise could filter through on rough surfaces. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase making it less nimble. The suspension was soft, ensuring a comfortable ride even on rough roads. The steering firmed up in sport mode but remained light, making the Tiguan less fun to drive compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-5.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system initialized faster and responded more quickly than previous models. The system controlled all climate functions, including seat and steering wheel controls, through the touchscreen. While the system was well-organized, some safety features were buried in menus. The XC90's cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable only for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a second row that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. The third row had enough legroom for shorter adults and children, though the low cushion position relative to the floor was a drawback. Front-drive Tiguans had the third row standard, while AWD models offered it as an option. The split second-row seats folded flat, providing a cargo capacity of 65.7 cubic feet with the third row collapsed and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The driver's seat felt roomy, with abundant glass and a seating position that made the Tiguan feel larger than it was.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The system was accurate and smart, especially in lower-speed traffic. The R-Design trim featured a phenomenal Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options compared to competitors.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 the following year. The current system was one of the best on the market, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base S trim and an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen in higher trims. The system was responsive and easy to use, with bright colors and graphics. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had USB-A ports and a wireless charging pad. VW's Digital Cockpit, available on top SEL trims, was a fully digital instrument panel that could be customized and reconfigured. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot were standard.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though the latter's headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels, curtain airbags, and a unique whiplash protection system.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package, adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. VW's Car-Net telematics package connected the vehicle to an owner's smartphone or watch, offering remote locking and unlocking, status checks, and vehicle location. The IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, while most Tiguans with halogen headlights received a poor rating.