2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet appealing design, standing out among its competitors with a creased and symmetrical aesthetic. The refreshed front styling aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan's exterior was further enhanced by redesigned aluminum wheels and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate. The SEL R-Line trim, in particular, offered a sportier look with options like the Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a refined cabin with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and new technology, although the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past designs, moving away from the boxy aesthetics of earlier models. The XC90's purposeful yet understated front end, assertive grille, and distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights contributed to its modern appeal. The test vehicle, equipped with 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones, added a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather steering, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, although the limited physical controls could be frustrating for some users.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the option of VW’s 4Motion AWD system. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional settings for AWD models. Despite its enjoyable drive, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its fuel economy was modest, achieving around 24.7 mpg during testing. The suspension and steering provided a balanced ride, though the vehicle's performance was not particularly thrilling.

For 2023, the Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. The B5 engine delivered 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency slightly and enhanced the driving experience with smoother operation. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, and the vehicle handled corners with minimal roll. The XC90's brakes were reliable, and the cabin remained quiet, thanks to effective insulation. While the XC90 lacked extensive off-road capabilities, it provided a straightforward and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out in the compact crossover segment with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The SEL R-Line trim offered comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and excellent visibility. The second row was roomy enough for adults, and the panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's airy feel. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use. The Tiguan's cargo space was impressive, with up to 73.4 cubic feet available in models without the third-row seat.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which, while elegant, led to some storage limitations. The front seats were comfortable, but the lack of dedicated space for small items like cell phones was noticeable. The second row was spacious, but accessing the third row was difficult, especially 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. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle, enhancing its appeal as a three-row SUV.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line offering a more advanced Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. However, the natural voice recognition required additional subscriptions to function effectively. The Car-Net system provided remote access features, and the SEL R-Line trim included a Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech was centered around a 9-inch touchscreen running Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing for seamless interaction. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating. The XC90's minimalist design meant fewer physical controls, which some users might find challenging to adapt to initially.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with enhancements to its IQ Drive system, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. These features provided adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and emergency stopping capabilities. The 2021 Tiguan received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to maintain or enhance this rating.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The XC90's standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance and lane position at various speeds. These features contributed to the XC90's reputation as one of the safest vehicles on the road.