2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained its design from the previous year, with the most notable update being the addition of a complimentary five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure connected services plan for owners. Available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, the Tiguan offered a range of exterior and interior color options, though choices were limited by trim level. The SEL R-Line trim, with its Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Gray leather interior, was particularly appealing, featuring sporty 20-inch wheels and adaptive front lighting. The interior, while upscale with quality materials and digital instrumentation, had some ergonomic issues with touch-sensing controls that detracted from usability.

The 2024 Volvo XC90, available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, showcased a sophisticated exterior with earthy paint tones and a variety of wheel designs. The Recharge T8 model, in Ultimate trim, featured luxurious amenities such as massaging front seats, a premium audio system, and an active air suspension. The interior, though dated, was adorned with rich materials like wool-blend upholstery and natural wood trim. Volvo allowed for more customization in terms of paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to discerning buyers. Despite its age, the XC90's design remained elegant, emphasizing practicality, safety, and sustainability.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The SEL R-Line trim came with AWD and additional driving modes for various conditions. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate for everyday driving, though it lacked punch at higher speeds and exhibited some turbo lag. The ride quality was compliant, with good road feel and stability, though the brake pedal required more effort than expected.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an 18.8-kWh battery and a 107-kW electric motor, delivering a total of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only range and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The XC90's performance was lively, with quick acceleration and a satisfying powertrain sound. However, its handling was more luxury-oriented, with a firm ride and less agility than some competitors. The XC90's steering lacked sharpness, and the brakes showed signs of fade during spirited driving.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, especially in AWD models without the third-row seat. The SEL R-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The dashboard's touch-sensing controls were a drawback, as they were difficult to use and distracting. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with generous rear legroom and a large cargo area. With AWD, it provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a four-zone climate control system. The interior was comfortable, with a commanding driving position and good visibility. The XC90 seated seven, with a third-row seat that was more accommodating than expected. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down provided up to 65.5 cubic feet, and with the second row folded, it offered 85.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line trim offering a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a nine-speaker Fender sound system, and Car-Net connected services. However, the system's user interface was complex, with multi-step processes for simple tasks and a voice-recognition system that underperformed due to inactive subscriptions.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system used Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. It was compatible with Android devices and included Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio. The XC90 offered a choice between a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the digital instrumentation panel's controls were not always user-friendly.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and an Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous driving assist. The Tiguan's safety technology was effective and unobtrusive, though its crash-test ratings were incomplete at the time of review.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning high crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as some competitors. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, but it struggled with certain driving conditions and made a significant error during testing.