2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. This model showcased a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being overly flashy. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The XC90's design retained some rectilinear elements but was far from the toaster-like shapes of its predecessors. The test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Gray paint with subtle brown undertones, adding depth to its appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, presented a more premium appearance compared to its non-European rivals. Its design was more refined, with standard LED headlights and taillights, and an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line trim. The test model featured silver roof rails and a stylish rear end with the model name prominently displayed. The Tiguan's color options were somewhat limited, with the base trim offering only grayscale colors. However, higher trims introduced more vibrant options like Atlantic Blue and Kings Red Metallic, albeit with some restrictions. The interior of the Tiguan was characterized by firm seating surfaces, and while the AWD models only seated five, they offered more cargo space. The two-row configuration provided ample cargo capacity, while the three-row version sacrificed some space but still managed to offer reasonable passenger comfort.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. These new engines incorporated mild-hybrid technology, offering improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 powertrain, which our test car featured, combined a supercharger and turbocharger with mild-hybrid tech, delivering 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. While the mild-hybrid system didn't allow for electric-only driving, it enhanced the XC90's fuel-saving auto stop-start technology, making it nearly imperceptible. The XC90 provided a comfortable and composed driving experience, with minimal body roll and quick acceleration. Its eight-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly, and the brakes inspired confidence with their solid pedal feel. Despite lacking extensive off-road features, the XC90 handled a New Hampshire snowstorm with ease.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came 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, the Tiguan offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the option for Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive. The AWD system slightly impacted fuel economy, reducing the combined mpg from 27 to 25. The Tiguan's power delivery was inconsistent, with noticeable turbo and transmission lag during acceleration. The gas pedal felt touchy, even in Eco mode, while the brake pedal had excessive travel. Steering was light but somewhat rubbery, though visibility and handling were commendable. The Tiguan provided a comfortable ride, with minimal road noise, but the seating surfaces drew some complaints from passengers.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a serene and pleasant front-seat experience, but its Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage frustrations. The lack of dedicated space for smaller items, such as cell phones, was a drawback. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging with the standard bench seat configuration. Opting for captain's chairs required an upgrade to the B6 engine and an additional cost. The third row provided limited space, and cargo capacity was modest with all seats in place. However, folding the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 65.5 cubic feet, though it fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's seating configuration varied based on drivetrain. While FWD models offered a third row, AWD versions, including the SEL R-Line, seated only five. This allowed for more cargo space, with 37.6 cubic feet available with all seats in place and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row Tiguan had reduced cargo capacity but maintained reasonable passenger space. The front row provided ample headroom and legroom, while the second row offered slightly less legroom in the three-row configuration. The third row was notably tight, but the Tiguan remained one of the few compact crossovers to offer this option.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen infotainment display running on Google OS. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, enhancing the user experience with natural-language recognition. The XC90 also allowed for voice commands via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions, including seat adjustments and climate control, could be frustrating. While the minimalist design was appealing, more physical buttons and redundant controls would have been appreciated.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system included haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. However, the physical volume knob's integrated on/off button was sensitive and could be frustrating. The infotainment system featured monochromatic graphics, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base trim had a smaller 6.5-inch screen and fewer USB-C ports. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System on the top trim received positive feedback from audiophiles.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The XC90 came equipped with advanced driver safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, which provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. These features were standard, enhancing the XC90's reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan received a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and its safety features improved for 2024. The IQ.DRIVE suite of driver-assistance features became standard, including adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. These technologies provided semi-autonomous highway driving and enhanced safety. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection.