2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Volvo XC60 exemplified a blend of elegant design and Swedish efficiency resulting from its unique ownership history. After Volvo was acquired by Geely Holding Group in 2010, the brand shed its Ford-era constraints and introduced innovative, near-luxury models. Nestled between the smaller XC40 and the larger XC90, the XC60 was built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). Its design featured short overhangs, a prominent upright grille with Volvo’s iconic iron mark, and distinctive Thor’s hammer LED daytime running lights. The paint finish, chrome details, and large alloy wheels (up to 21 inches in higher trims) were all high-quality and striking.

Inside, the XC60's cabin embraced Scandinavian design principles. It had a large portrait-oriented 9-inch touchscreen, which set the tone for modern in-car technology. Little details, such as the chromed grooved knob for HVAC vents and harmonious textures and colors, made for a serene and sophisticated interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a conservative, upscale, and timeless design that prioritized clean lines and balanced proportions. With its second generation, Volkswagen addressed the size complaints of the previous models by introducing a more spacious long-wheelbase version. The exterior maintained an understated and classy look, complemented by large interior dimensions and accessible features. The Tiguan was comparable to larger SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, offering practicality with a touch of elegance.

Inside, the Tiguan featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout typical of German engineering. It combined available digital instrumentation, shiny detailing, and a well-integrated touchscreen infotainment system. However, some critics noted that there was more hard plastic than expected from a near-luxury offering, and the steering wheel components felt somewhat flimsy.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was offered with a variety of powerful engine options. It utilized a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models generated 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, available with either FWD or AWD. The T6 models ramped up performance to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, exploiting both a turbocharger and a supercharger. The advanced T8 models included an 87-horsepower electric motor, reaching up to 400 combined horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The high-end T8 Polestar Engineered variant pushed these figures even further to 415 horsepower. Being a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the T8 models also provided up to 19 miles on electric power alone. The AWD system with torque vectoring made the XC60 agile and responsive in varying driving conditions, while the serene cabin and smooth suspension amplified the overall driving comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. However, this engine suffered from noticeable turbo lag. An eight-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels by default, with the 4Motion AWD system available as an option (and standard on the SEL Premium R-Line). Despite weighing nearly 4,000 pounds, which dulled the perception of power, the Tiguan provided a pleasurable driving experience with responsive steering and a compliant ride. The downside was the Tiguan's suspension, which allowed for excessive body motion during aggressive driving, limiting its performance on winding roads.

In terms of form and function, the 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in providing a safe, comfortable, and stylish mode of transportation. The front seats were highly adjustable and praised for their comfort. The vehicle handled snowy, icy conditions remarkably well, characteristic of Swedish ingenuity. The interior boasted smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, ensuring convenience for both front and rear passengers. Cargo space measured at 21.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 63.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Additionally, the XC60 was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan emphasized comfort and spaciousness. The SUV offered large doors and high seating for easy access, with front seats providing ample adjustments and visibility. The back seats were spacious and flexible, with the option of a small third-row seat for additional passengers. However, storage space felt somewhat limited. The Tiguan had a cargo volume of 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, depending on the presence of the third-row seat, and a maximum capacity ranging from 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet. Although cargo space was ample, the Tiguan did not offer any towing capacity.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured its intuitive, though divisive, Sensus infotainment system, likened to an embedded iPad. This system required a learning curve but offered significant functionality once mastered. Smartphone integration, WiFi hotspot capabilities, and an array of Volvo-specific apps were standard. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system in higher trims delivered exceptional sound quality, enhancing the quality of the overall tech experience.

Volkswagen upgraded the 2021 Tiguan with the MIB3 infotainment system from the SE trim level and upwards. This included a faster 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and various Car-Net connected services. Despite improvements, some interface quirks were noted, and the basic sound system struggled with certain audio demands. Higher trims like the SEL Premium R-Line benefitted from the nine-speaker Fender audio system, enhancing the overall audio experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 boasted an extensive safety heritage. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings for most variants from the NHTSA. Standard safety equipment included a comprehensive suite of features such as collision mitigation, lane assistance, and various airbags. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist with automatic braking when necessary. The XC60 was also one of the few vehicles to cap its top speed at 112 mph for safety reasons.

For the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Parking sensors and the optional surround-view camera helped with maneuvering in tight spots. However, Volkswagen's system had inconsistencies, particularly with adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warnings. The Tiguan earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for its LED headlights in higher trims. However, the NHTSA had not completed crash-test ratings for this model.