2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling to a more characterful yet distinctly Volvo appearance. The XC90 retained classic Volvo elements like a boxy profile and a blunt front end, but introduced softer lines, increased chrome detailing, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined and thoughtfully arranged interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a clean and balanced design that some might have found understated, but it exuded a timeless and upscale aesthetic. The Tiguan was notably large for its class, providing a spacious interior that could accommodate up to seven passengers with its optional third-row seat. The interior was characterized by modern geometric forms and a straightforward control layout, though it included some hard plastic elements. The Tiguan's cabin was dressed up with shiny detailing, digital instrumentation, and an integrated touchscreen infotainment system. The SEL trim, which was tested, featured 4Motion AWD and a price tag of $35,040, including destination charges.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 variant increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The XC90's powertrains provided adequate performance, but the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, though the base T5 FWD was limited to 4,000 pounds.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to the front wheels by default and 4Motion AWD available as an option. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate but suffered from turbo lag, making it feel sluggish in certain driving situations. The Tiguan's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined for FWD models and 24 mpg for AWD, though real-world testing showed slightly lower figures. Despite its powertrain limitations, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling, though it struggled with suspension isolation over rough surfaces.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom being average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The interior felt spacious due to an optional power moonroof and the XC90's upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with easy entry and exit, supportive front seats, and excellent outward visibility. The back seat offered generous legroom and foot space, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for passengers. The Tiguan's cargo space varied depending on the presence of the third-row seat, ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 73.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The Tiguan also featured a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was user-friendly, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed for easy navigation. However, the text and typeface could be difficult to read while driving. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, available from the SE trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included WiFi, SiriusXM 360L, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. While the MIB3 system was an improvement, it had some quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a nine-speaker Fender audio system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation.

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 a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came with the IQ Drive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control, while the SEL included lane-keep assist. The Tiguan's safety features were effective, though some systems, like adaptive cruise control, had limitations. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims.