2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. While maintaining its recognizable Volvo identity with a boxy profile and a blunt front end, the XC90 introduced softer lines and more chrome detailing, enhancing its character. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights added a distinctive touch. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, 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 trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos presented a straightforward design that fit seamlessly into Volkswagen's lineup. The Taos came in S, SE, or SEL trims, with the SEL 4Motion model showcasing 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint, adding to its vibrant personality. The exterior featured roof rails, dark gray plastic cladding, and simulated skid plates, typical of SUVs. However, the blacked-out front bumper was a questionable styling choice. Inside, the Taos used hard plastics, which some found reminiscent of children's toys, but it offered soft surfaces where needed. The SEL trim provided two-tone perforated leather, a stitched dashboard, and matching door panel inserts, enhancing its interior appeal.

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 featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90 provided ample power, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90's ride quality was excellent, aided by an optional air-suspension system, and it offered a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine's torque delivery was delayed, resulting in a sudden surge when it arrived. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but suffered from erratic shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic provided smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos excelled in handling, with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its ground clearance of 6.6 inches limited its off-road capabilities. The Taos SEL 4Motion achieved an average fuel economy of 27.1 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a choice between six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom in all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile created a spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 64.1 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a roomy cabin, with the SEL's front seats offering ample adjustment options. The rear seat provided generous legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with 27.9 cubic feet in the FWD model and 24.9 cubic feet in the 4Motion version. The Taos included a center pass-through for ski trips, enhancing its practicality.

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 intuitive, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that was easy to use. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The MIB3 infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but voice recognition was problematic. The user experience was complex, with unnecessary steps to change radio stations. The SEL trim included a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings, with the non-hybrid models earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos democratized its IQ Drive safety technologies, making them standard or available across all trims. The IQ Drive package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Taos SEL added features like rain-sensing wipers and road sign recognition. However, the reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive, causing issues in certain situations.