2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards a more upscale, luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new vehicle platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and athletic profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, complemented by the distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos, although exclusive to North America by name, was designed for global appeal, balancing affordability with passenger comfort and utility. In its inaugural year, the Taos became Volkswagen's third-best-selling model in the U.S., surpassing the Jetta. The 2023 Taos offered a range of trims, from the base S to the top-tier SEL, with prices starting at $24,155. The SEL trim, priced at $35,830, featured bold 19-inch alloy wheels and a stylish design that gave it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Taos SEL boasted leather seats, gloss black trim, and metallic detailing, creating a premium feel akin to a budget-friendly Audi. The spacious interior, nearly as roomy as the larger Tiguan, made the Taos one of the largest small crossover SUVs available.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp. The T5 models were available in FWD or AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined, while the T8 offered 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The FWD models paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD versions used a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Taos offered up to five driving modes, but the powertrain response was unpredictable, with occasional surges of torque and transmission quirks. Despite its sporty character, the Taos lacked power compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona N. The test vehicle averaged 26.8 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 28 mpg combined rating. The Taos SEL's Germanic driving character, firm handling, and excellent visibility made it enjoyable to drive, but brake pedal feel and response were inconsistent.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row, suitable for children. Cargo capacity ranged from 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row to 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The XC90's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well, even in extreme heat, making the XC90 a comfortable choice for all seasons.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offered different upholstery options across trims, with the SEL featuring real leather. The SE and SEL trims included cold-weather features like heated seats and mirrors. The Taos provided generous rear-seat space, with ample legroom and a panoramic sunroof in the SEL. Cargo space was also plentiful, with 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with them folded, slightly reduced in 4Motion models. However, some storage areas were unlined, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While the system was intuitive, it was occasionally slow to respond. The XC90 supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a WiFi hotspot and a Volvo Care app for remote functions. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos came with digital instrumentation, with the SEL offering a 10.25-inch display. Infotainment options varied, with the Taos S featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen and the SE and SEL offering an 8-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL included a native navigation system and an eight-speaker Beats Audio system. However, the user experience was hindered by hidden controls, complex radio tuning, and limited voice-recognition capabilities. Pairing a smartphone and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a smoother experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist, which provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning the Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall safety rating.

For 2023, the Volkswagen Taos improved its standard safety features, with the Taos S including Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SE trim added the IQ.Drive suite, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency assist. The Taos also featured automatic high-beam headlights, parking sensors, and road-sign recognition. Travel Assist performed well in real-world testing, providing smooth and accurate assistance. However, crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were decent but not perfect.