2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos was designed to appeal to a broad audience, offering a balance of affordability and comfort. Despite its higher base price compared to the Jetta, the Taos quickly became a popular choice in the U.S., even surpassing the Jetta in sales during its first year. The Taos was available in S, SE, and SEL trims, with options for front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The SEL trim, in particular, stood out with its stylish design, featuring bold 19-inch alloy wheels and a premium interior that resembled a more affordable Audi. The Taos was also noted for its spacious interior, nearly matching the larger Tiguan in roominess, making it one of the largest small crossover SUVs available.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design language, moving away from the boxy shapes of the past. The XC90 featured a purposeful yet understated design, with a solid front end and the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The test vehicle, in the Ultimate trim, came with 21-inch wheels and a rich Platinum Gray paint. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather seats. The minimalist interior design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and sophisticated look. Despite its size, the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, offering a comfortable and refined driving experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel drive models, while all-wheel drive versions came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Taos offered up to five driving modes, but its powertrain response was unpredictable, with occasional surges of torque and transmission hesitations. Despite its sporty handling and firm ride, the Taos struggled with power, especially when compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona N. The Taos averaged 26.8 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine, tested here, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothed out the driving experience, though it didn't match the fuel economy of full hybrids. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission was smooth and responsive, and the vehicle handled well for its size, with minimal road and wind noise. The brakes provided a confident feel, and the XC90's driving dynamics were straightforward, with limited customization options.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of interior features depending on the trim level. The SEL trim included real leather seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Taos was spacious for a small SUV, with ample rear-seat room and a panoramic sunroof in the SEL trim. Cargo space was generous, with 27.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down, though slightly reduced in all-wheel drive models.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which sometimes led to limited storage space. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging with the standard bench seat. Cargo space was 12.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The XC90's smaller size compared to other three-row SUVs contributed to its agile driving dynamics.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos came with standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL trim featuring a 10.25-inch display. Infotainment options ranged from a basic 6.5-inch touchscreen to an 8-inch system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL trim included a native navigation system and an eight-speaker Beats Audio system. However, the user experience was hindered by hidden controls and a cumbersome interface, making smartphone integration a more appealing option.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen running Google OS, with Google Maps and Google Assistant integrated. The system offered natural-language recognition and could be controlled via Google Home devices. While the tech was advanced, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating. The minimalist design meant fewer physical controls, which some users might find inconvenient.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its safety features, with standard Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SE trim added the IQ.Drive suite, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Taos received decent crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, which maintained distance and speed on the highway.