2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 saw some subtle yet impactful styling updates. Volvo introduced a new front fascia featuring “air blades” that flanked either side of the grille, enhancing the XC60's sporty aesthetic. The rear bumper design was updated to hide the tailpipes, adding a cleaner look, and all models received new wheel designs. Additionally, a reworked front grille moved sensors for the driver-assist systems behind the Volvo logo, which is heated to ensure functionality in cold weather.

Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform like its larger sibling, the XC90, and the S90 and S60 sedans, as well as V90 Cross Country and V60 Cross Country wagons, the XC60 maintained a cohesive family resemblance.

The interior saw minimal changes, retaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. Notable was the new digital instrument cluster. The B6 R-Design test car featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and elaborately textured seats, adding flair, though the overall interior still felt more subdued than other Volvo models. The Inscription trim level featured Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, providing a more luxurious interior atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan remained mostly unchanged from its 2022 iteration. Volkswagen did, however, offer a complementary five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure connected services plan. Available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, the Tiguan presented a variety of choices in exterior colors, interior colors, wheel designs, and upholstery options. However, these choices were restricted by trim level, complicating the customization process.

Our SEL R-Line test vehicle, finished in Atlantic Blue with a Storm Gray leather interior, presented a sporty and upscale appearance. The SEL R-Line carried a conservative design that aged well, featuring adaptive front lighting and a light bar across the grille that illuminated at night.

Inside, the Tiguan’s cabin also aimed for a premium feel, with quality leather upholstery and appealing artificial wood trim. Despite some materials indicating the SUV’s more budget-friendly base price, the vehicle exhibited solid construction.

For 2022, Volvo replaced the previous T5 and T6 powertrains with new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid options. Both combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, which could add 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 gained an electric supercharger alongside the turbocharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 offered standard FWD and optional AWD, while the B6 came with AWD exclusively.

The mild-hybrid system improved power delivery smoothness, making the B6 feel quicker than the acceleration figures suggested (0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds). The XC60 excelled in combining a smooth ride with impressive body control, favoring a luxurious driving experience over sportiness. The optional air suspension in the R-Design test car further enhanced ride comfort.

Volvo also offered the XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version took performance further, delivering 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and featuring Öhlins adjustable dampers and Akebono brakes.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, while AWD with various driving modes was available. The SEL R-Line included AWD as standard, which offered additional settings for different driving conditions.

The Tiguan’s engine provided adequate power for most situations but felt underwhelming during overtaking or quick acceleration. Switching to Sport mode improved responsiveness but at the cost of fuel economy. Road noise and an occasional resonance were noted at higher speeds, although the vehicle’s handling and ride comfort were generally excellent. The Tiguan’s light and lively steering, excellent tire grip, and overall stability made for an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive edge in passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but less impressive rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down. Plug-in hybrid models provided slightly less cargo capacity at 21.1 cubic feet and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively.

The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors. Even with a somewhat pinched roofline, rear visibility was adequate.

By comparison, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space. AWD models provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a generous 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, rivaling some midsize SUVs. FWD models, which included a third row, had less cargo space: 33 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.3 cubic feet behind the front seats, with only 12 cubic feet behind the third row.

Our SEL R-Line test car featured comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The cabin had abundant storage spaces, but the dashboard layout with touch-sensing controls was cumbersome and distracting.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the new Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Features included Google Assistant voice control, Google Maps navigation, and Google Play Store access for third-party apps like Spotify. The system supported over-the-air (OTA) updates and was compatible with both Android and iPhone users, though syncing Google profiles was more beneficial for Android users.

The system’s graphics were clear, and the sideways-swiping menu layout was intuitive. The Calm setting on the digital instrument cluster minimized distractions by displaying only essential information.

Each 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came with digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display on most trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL R-Line. The larger display offered a full-panel navigation map and helpful notifications to ensure drivers turned on headlights at night.

The center touchscreen varied between a 6.5-inch display on the base trim and an 8-inch screen on higher trims, including our test vehicle, which featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, Car-Net connected services, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a nine-speaker Fender sound system.

While the 8-inch touchscreen appeared user-friendly, its multi-step processes for simple tasks like changing radio stations or adjusting settings added unnecessary complexity. The voice-recognition system failed to perform as expected due to an inactive Car-Net Hotspot subscription in the test vehicle.

The 2022 Volvo XC60’s safety features were comprehensive. The XC60 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included a Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist.

The XC60 also offered Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering for highway driving. While effective, Pilot Assist was no longer a unique feature as many competitors offered similar systems. The 2021 XC60 received top marks from IIHS and NHTSA, which likely applied to the 2022 model as well.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety tech, with standard Front Assist (forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking) and Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert). The Automatic Post Collision Braking System reduced the risk of secondary impacts.

The IQ.Drive package, standard on most models, added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and other semi-autonomous features. These systems worked seamlessly and without causing irritation.

However, crash-test ratings were not entirely clear for the 2023 Tiguan. The NHTSA had incomplete testing and noted the driver's door unlatched during the side-impact test. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ for 2022, but the rating was not current for 2023.