2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Volvo XC90

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
$26,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2023 Volvo XC90
2023 Volvo XC90
$56,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
$26,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Volvo XC90
$56,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2023 Volvo XC90 scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2023 Volvo XC90 is the recommended choice, offering a more luxurious experience, advanced technology, and superior safety features.

Overview

MSRP

$26,950

MSRP

$56,000

Average price

$26,192

Average price

$48,268

Listings

820

Listings

562
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Poor ergonomic design
  • Unintuitive technology
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Beautiful interior
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Limited cargo space
  • Third-row seats are difficult to access
  • Technology is too touchscreen-dependent

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews Summary

The Tiguan is larger inside than many of its rivals, and it is one of two vehicles in its segment to offer a third-row seat. In addition, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is more upscale in appearance and enjoyable to drive than many of its primary competitors.

However, the Tiguan is imperfect, and some people may decide its flaws are too significant to consider owning one. Especially people who are easily frustrated by technology.

2023 Volvo XC90 Reviews Summary

In sophisticated circles, the XC90 can feel like an old friend. Its design has evolved subtly over the past twenty years, making it recognizable without looking old. For 2023, the XC90’s powertrains have evolved, too. Out with the T5 and T6 engines, in with the B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains. Finally, Google lovers will absolutely want to investigate the new XC90’s forward-thinking infotainment technology.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 184 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 247 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

184 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

247 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

28
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
$26,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Volvo XC90
2023 Volvo XC90
$56,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
$26,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Volvo XC90
$56,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2023 Volvo XC90 scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2023 Volvo XC90 is the recommended choice, offering a more luxurious experience, advanced technology, and superior safety features.

Overview
MSRP
$26,950
$56,000
Average price
$26,192
$48,268
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
5.0
5.0
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Plenty of cargo space
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Poor ergonomic design
  • Unintuitive technology
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Beautiful interior
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Limited cargo space
  • Third-row seats are difficult to access
  • Technology is too touchscreen-dependent
Summary

The Tiguan is larger inside than many of its rivals, and it is one of two vehicles in its segment to offer a third-row seat. In addition, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is more upscale in appearance and enjoyable to drive than many of its primary competitors.

However, the Tiguan is imperfect, and some people may decide its flaws are too significant to consider owning one. Especially people who are easily frustrated by technology.

In sophisticated circles, the XC90 can feel like an old friend. Its design has evolved subtly over the past twenty years, making it recognizable without looking old. For 2023, the XC90’s powertrains have evolved, too. Out with the T5 and T6 engines, in with the B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains. Finally, Google lovers will absolutely want to investigate the new XC90’s forward-thinking infotainment technology.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 184 hp I4
2.0L 247 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
247 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
24
22
MPG Highway
31
28
Look and feel
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
8/10
2023 Volvo XC90
10/10

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, following its updates in 2022, remained largely unchanged. A notable addition was the complimentary five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure connected services plan offered to Tiguan owners. Available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, the Tiguan's price ranged from $26,950 to $37,680, excluding a $1,295 destination charge. The SEL R-Line trim, priced at $38,975, featured sporty styling and 20-inch wheels. Despite offering various exterior and interior color options, the choices were limited by trim level, restricting customization. The Tiguan's design was conservative yet aging gracefully, with features like adaptive front lighting and a light bar across the grille. Inside, the cabin was upscale, with quality leather upholstery, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic sunroof, though some materials reflected its lower base price.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past boxy designs. Its purposeful yet understated front end, assertive grille, and modern "Thor’s Hammer" headlights marked a departure from the brand's older models. The XC90's dimensions remained somewhat rectilinear, but it no longer resembled a toaster. Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones, adding richness to its appearance. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior included wood deco inlays, but limited physical controls, emphasizing a clean and sophisticated look.

Performance
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
7/10
2023 Volvo XC90
8/10

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system available. The SEL R-Line trim included AWD as standard, offering various driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The Tiguan's EPA rating was 24 mpg combined, but our test yielded 22.6 mpg. The turbo-four engine provided adequate power, though it struggled at higher revs, and the transmission occasionally stumbled. The Tiguan's dynamic qualities were commendable, with excellent tire grip and stable handling, though the brake pedal required more effort. The ride was compliant, and road noise communicated road texture. Visibility was excellent, aided by thin windshield pillars and variable-assist steering.

For 2023, Volvo replaced the XC90's older engines with new B5 and B6 powertrains featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and 48-volt system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Our test car had the B6 powertrain, combining a supercharger, turbo, and mild-hybrid tech for 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though not significantly. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Road and wind noise were minimal, and the brakes inspired confidence. The XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, focusing on simplicity. During a New Hampshire snowstorm, it performed well, though dedicated winter tires would have been preferable.

Form and function
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
7/10
2023 Volvo XC90
6/10

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a roomy interior, with FWD models featuring a standard third-row seat. However, the third row reduced cargo space, so AWD models were recommended for more cargo capacity. The SEL R-Line trim had comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. Storage space was generous, though the center armrest bin was small. The dashboard's touch-sensing controls were problematic, with reflections and awkward placement hindering usability. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with large rear door openings and a spacious back seat. The hands-free power liftgate revealed a cavernous cargo area, with adjustable load floor height and handy features. AWD models offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, though Scandinavian minimalism led to storage frustrations. There was limited cubby space, and the USB port for phone charging was inconveniently located. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, with a standard bench seat for seven-passenger seating. Removing the middle seat for captain's chairs required an upgrade to the B6 engine. Accessing the third row was difficult, and space was limited. With the third seat in position, the XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, contributing to its appeal.

Technology
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
7/10
2023 Volvo XC90
7/10

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured 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 sophisticated appearance and a full-panel navigation map. The dashboard's touchscreen display varied by trim, with the SEL R-Line having an 8-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Fender sound system. However, the infotainment system's user interface was complex, with sub-menus and multi-step processes for simple tasks. The voice-recognition system underperformed, likely due to inactive subscriptions. The touch-sensing controls introduced unnecessary complexity and distraction.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, featuring Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The 12.3-inch driver information display also showed Google Maps. Natural-language recognition enhanced the user experience, and commands could be issued via Google Home devices. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons and redundant controls, requiring screen interaction for tasks like adjusting the driver's seat. While these quirks might fade with familiarity, they could be challenging during a test drive.

Safety
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
9/10
2023 Volvo XC90
9/10

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, offering tech often found in luxury models. Standard features included Front Assist with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking, as well as Side Assist with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Automatic Post Collision Braking System helped avoid secondary impacts. The IQ.Drive package, standard on most models, added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The Tiguan's safety technology worked well, with minimal false alerts. However, crash-test ratings were incomplete, and the NHTSA noted a safety concern with the driver's door unlatching during a side-impact test. The IIHS gave the 2023 Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, but this did not apply for 2023.

Volvo's reputation for safety was well-deserved, with the XC90 carrying a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2022. The XC90's advanced driver safety tech included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, which worked effectively even in challenging traffic conditions. These technologies supported Volvo's Pilot Assist, maintaining distance and speed on highways. The XC90's safety features were standard, reinforcing its status as a safe vehicle.

Cost Effectiveness
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
8/10
2023 Volvo XC90
8/10
N/A
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