2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet appealing design, distinguishing itself from its less attractive competitors. Its refreshed exterior featured a new front styling that aligned with Volkswagen's larger models, such as the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The restyled grille, standard LED headlights, and redesigned aluminum wheels contributed to its modern look. The Tiguan's interior was equally impressive, with the SEL R-Line trim offering a luxurious cabin adorned with perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and metallic accents. However, the presence of hard plastic in the lower cabin areas reminded occupants of its mass-market status.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a sophisticated and upscale design, moving away from the boxy shapes of its predecessors. The XC90's exterior boasted a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, all of which emphasized its athletic stance. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and a choice of Nappa leather or tailored wool blend upholstery. The interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, making it a comfortable sanctuary even in extreme weather conditions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The Tiguan provided various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional settings for 4Motion models. Despite its nimble handling, the Tiguan's performance was somewhat hindered by turbo lag and a modest power output, resulting in an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined for the R-Line with 4Motion.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, including the T5, T6, and T8 models. The T5 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 250 horsepower, while the T6 added a supercharger for a total of 316 horsepower. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering an impressive 455 horsepower. The XC90's driving experience was smooth and enjoyable, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, particularly in the T8 Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the T8 achieving 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in front-wheel-drive models, while 4Motion models provided ample cargo space. The SEL R-Line trim featured comfortable leather seats with power adjustments, excellent visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging for some users. Cargo capacity was generous, with up to 73.4 cubic feet available in 4Motion models.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, depending on the seating configuration. The third row was suitable for children, while the second row offered easy access with a one-handed slide and fold mechanism. The XC90 provided up to 85.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, and it could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds. The interior was thoughtfully designed with ample storage, comfortable seating, and a standard panoramic moonroof, making it ideal for family trips.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available in most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the natural voice recognition feature required a subscription and was not active during testing. The Tiguan also offered a Park Assist system and various Car-Net plans for remote access and safety features.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system provided a tablet-like interface with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it was occasionally slow to respond. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 came with a standard Harman Kardon audio system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles. USB ports and a WiFi hotspot ensured connectivity and convenience for passengers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features such as Front Assist and Side Assist. The IQ Drive system offered Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The 2021 Tiguan received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to maintain or improve this rating.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Pilot Assist. The XC90 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, reflecting its comprehensive safety suite and commitment to occupant protection.