2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a simple yet detailed design. It offered three trims—S, SE, and SEL—with a single engine option and choices between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos was priced from $22,995 to $33,045, with additional options available for customization. The 4Motion upgrade significantly altered the driving dynamics, adding features like a dual-clutch transmission and independent rear suspension. The exterior styling was consistent with Volkswagen's lineup, featuring 19-inch wheels and Cornflower Blue paint on the SEL 4Motion model. However, the interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, though it did offer soft surfaces in key areas and upscale touches in the SEL trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design language, moving away from the boxy shapes of the past. The XC90 had a purposeful yet understated appearance, with a bold grille and distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The test vehicle featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood inlays, though it resulted in limited physical controls. The XC90's interior was praised for its beauty and clean look, offering a touch of nature and a serene driving environment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While the torque provided adequate power, the turbocharger's delayed response led to sudden throttle reactions. The 4Motion AWD system paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission offered spirited performance but suffered from erratic shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission provided smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos excelled in handling and road feel, especially in Sport mode, but its ground clearance of 6.6 inches limited off-road capabilities. The Taos SEL 4Motion achieved an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing 27.1 mpg.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The XC90 offered a refined driving experience with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The SUV handled corners well despite its size, and road noise was minimal. The XC90's brakes provided confidence with a solid pedal feel. While lacking extensive off-road features, the XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics appealed to some drivers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with ample room in the front and rear seats. The SEL trim offered power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, along with a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with front-wheel-drive models offering up to 65.9 cubic feet and 4Motion models providing 60.2 cubic feet. The Taos featured a center pass-through for ski trips, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which led to limited storage space for small items. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. While the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, its cargo capacity fell short compared to competitors like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the S trim, while SE and SEL trims featured an 8-inch display with MIB3 software. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The SE trim added wireless smartphone integration, SiriusXM, and voice control, while the SEL trim included navigation and a BeatsAudio sound system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity and slow response.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant integrated. The system offered natural-language recognition and could be controlled via Google Home devices. Despite its advanced technology, the XC90's reliance on the touchscreen for key functions led to frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons, requiring drivers to interact with the screen for basic controls. While some features might become intuitive over time, the initial learning curve was notable.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies as standard or optional across all trims. The IQ Drive package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were also available, providing advanced driving assistance and emergency response features. The Taos SEL included additional safety features like rain-sensing wipers and road sign recognition. However, the reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive, causing issues in certain situations. As a new model, the Taos had not yet been crash-tested by major safety organizations.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The XC90 came standard with advanced driver safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. These features supported Volvo's Pilot Assist system, which maintained distance and lane position at various speeds. The XC90's comprehensive safety suite reinforced its reputation as one of the safest vehicles on the road.