2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's history of box-shaped cars and wagons. The vehicle maintained the brand’s family-friendly and safety-oriented reputation but teetered on the brink of luxury class with its upscale design. Riding on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, introduced with the 2016 model, the XC90 displayed a sleek stance and an athletic profile. Its long and sleek roofline managed to contain a big greenhouse without projecting bulk. The pronounced wheel arches and snub nose, recalling the classic 245 wagon, underscored its sophisticated yet sporty demeanor. High-quality finishes paired with LED details in the headlights, often referred to as "Thor's Hammer," added a unique Swedish touch.

Internally, the XC90’s design echoed “Scandinavian Modern” and “Swedish Luxury.” The use of natural wood and metal trim provided an authentic feel. Features like the sliding wood tambor cover on the center console and the clear crystal gear selector handle emphasized its luxury status. Though Volvo aimed to be leather-free by 2030, the 2022 XC90 still offered Nappa leather for ventilated front seats, with a wool blend upholstery alternative that promised durability and ease of care.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, following significant updates in 2022, retained a conservative yet gracefully aging design. Offered in trims ranging from S to SEL R-Line, the Tiguan presented a sporty stance in its R-Line variants, highlighted by 20-inch machined-finish wheels and adaptive front lighting. However, customization was restricted by trim levels. For instance, the SEL R-Line trim in our test vehicle featured Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Gray leather interior, but certain preferred combinations, like Noisette leather with Atlantic Blue, weren’t available.

Inside, the Tiguan's interior aimed for an upscale feel, characterized by quality materials, soft touch points, and impressive digital instrumentation. The leather seats in the SEL R-Line were notably comfortable, though the dashboard’s touch-sensitive controls in glossy black plastic were less user-friendly. The panoramic sunroof and spacious cabin added to the Tiguan’s appeal, cementing its place as a stylish yet practical choice.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a versatile range of powertrains. The T5 models utilized a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine delivering 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. T6 models added supercharging, producing 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 variant, with its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing an impressive 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All engines ran on premium gasoline, and the XC90 was equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission across all trims. EPA estimates for fuel economy varied, with T5 FWD achieving 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway, while the T8 displayed exceptional efficiency with 55 MPGe and up to 36 miles of EV range. The XC90 excelled in driving dynamics, offering minimal body roll and a smooth, powerful acceleration, particularly in the T8 model.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a single powertrain: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard with an available 4Motion AWD system providing additional driving modes like Onroad and Offroad. The Tiguan’s EPA fuel economy rating was 24 mpg combined. During our testing, it achieved 22.6 mpg in varied conditions, with Normal mode being the predominant setting. The SEL R-Line model, equipped with 4Motion, delivered a balanced yet somewhat underpowered performance, especially noticeable in high-rev situations. The driving experience was otherwise pleasant, with responsive steering and stable handling, although the brake pedal required more effort than expected.

In terms of interior flexibility, the 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row suitable mainly for children. The XC90 offered considerable cargo space: 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet when folded, and a substantial 85.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. The cabin was optimized for storage with ample pockets and compartments, making it a versatile family vehicle. The XC90 also excelled in climate control, providing efficient cooling under extreme conditions.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan delivered a spacious interior, especially in AWD models which omitted the third-row seat to provide maximum cargo volume. The AWD Tiguan offered 37.6 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and up to 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing the FWD’s 33 cubic feet and 65.3 cubic feet, respectively. The SEL R-Line trim featured highly comfortable front seats with comprehensive adjustments and adequate storage options, though the central bin was smaller. Rear seating was generously spacious, and the Tiguan excelled in overall cabin practicality. Yet, the ergonomic design flaw of its dashboard controls somewhat detracted from the overall usability.

The XC90’s Sensus infotainment system mirrored tablet functionality with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. Though intuitive, it proved glitchy under heavy input but performed better with Apple CarPlay. It also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, optional head-up display, and 360-degree camera system. Standard Harman Kardon sound was impressive, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade delighting audiophiles. Multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot added convenience, while the Volvo Care app enabled remote vehicle control.

The 2023 Tiguan came standard with digital instrumentation, with a sophisticated 10.25-inch display in the SEL R-Line. Its infotainment system varied by trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen in most models offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a premium nine-speaker Fender sound system. However, the interface’s complexity and touch-sensing controls created usability issues, particularly for simple tasks like changing radio stations. Enhanced voice-recognition capabilities were undermined by frequent connectivity issues, diminishing the system’s overall effectiveness.

Volvo’s commitment to safety was evident in the 2022 XC90, which boasted an extensive suite of safety features including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system provided a semi-autonomous driving experience, enhancing safety and driver relaxation on highways. The XC90 earned top safety ratings, receiving the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Tiguan also excelled in safety, offering features like forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking as standard. The IQ.Drive package, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, was standard on higher trims. Travel Assist allowed semi-autonomous driving, while Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. Nevertheless, the Tiguan’s incomplete NHTSA testing and issues with the side-impact test affecting the driver’s door latch were concerns. The 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS did not carry over to 2023, indicating some ambiguity in crash-test performance.