2021 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 featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing the vehicle's luxurious feel. The interior boasted high-quality materials, including rich leather, padded surfaces, and finely detailed elements like the Swedish flag tag and twist-action ignition knob, showcasing Volvo's craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a clean, conservative, and timeless design that some might have found understated but undeniably elegant. The Tiguan was larger than its predecessor, providing a roomy and accommodating interior with ample space for four people, and an optional third-row seat expanded capacity to seven. The interior featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, with shiny detailing and a well-integrated touchscreen infotainment system. However, the use of hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks detracted from the overall premium feel. The Tiguan's design was practical and functional, with a focus on comfort and usability.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these enhancements, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. 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, but its added weight negated the speed benefits, and its fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4Motion AWD system was optional on most models and standard on the SEL Premium R-Line. The engine provided adequate performance but suffered from turbo lag, making it feel breathless during passing maneuvers. The Tiguan's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, but real-world testing showed an average of 22.6 mpg. Despite its performance shortcomings, the Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light, responsive steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling, making it well-suited for urban and suburban driving.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was well-organized, with the Sensus infotainment system initializing quickly and responding promptly. The system controlled all climate functions, which could be a minor inconvenience. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable only for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort, with large doors and tall seating making entry and exit easy. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments and excellent visibility, while the back seats provided generous legroom and support. The Tiguan featured a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, allowing for flexible cargo and passenger configurations. Cargo volume ranged from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, depending on whether the third-row seat was present, with a maximum capacity of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, providing an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked the customization options found in competitors' systems.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and expanded features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system had some quirks, and the voice recognition technology was subpar. The standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music, while the SEL Premium R-Line's nine-speaker Fender audio system offered better performance. The SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims also featured Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter's headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with IQ Drive, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Tiguan's safety features were effective but had some inconsistencies. The IIHS awarded the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick rating for the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, while the NHTSA had not published complete crash-test results.