2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 test vehicle in Ultimate trim featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, a premium headliner, active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145, including the destination charge. The XC90's exterior paint palette was subdued and earthy, aligning with its luxury SUV status focused on practicality, safety, and sustainability. The interior design, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a premium appearance, especially in the SEL R-Line trim, which featured LED headlights and taillights, an illuminated grille light line, and silver roof rails. The base trim was limited to grayscale colors, while higher trims offered more color options, albeit with some restrictions. The Tiguan S came with heated front seats and cloth upholstery, while the SE added leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a power tailgate. The SE R-Line included a panoramic sunroof, and the SEL R-Line upgraded to real leather, front-seat ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and three-position driver’s seat memory. The Tiguan's exterior design was complemented by its interior features, though the configurator for color and material combinations could be complex. The Tiguan's design and features made it stand out among compact SUVs, offering a stylish and functional package.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, the XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 offered various driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, the XC90's electric performance waned as the battery approached its minimum state of charge, and the gas engine would assist when necessary. The XC90 was quick but lacked thrilling handling, with a firm ride on irregular pavement and a cabin that wasn't as quiet as expected for its price.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,500 on lower trims and standard on the top trim. The AWD system slightly reduced fuel economy, with the base Tiguan S rated at 25 mpg combined and the R-Line AWD trims at 24 mpg combined. The Tiguan SEL R-Line's power delivery felt inconsistent, with turbo and transmission lag in some scenarios. The gas pedal was touchy, and the brake pedal had a lot of travel. The steering was light and rubbery but provided good visibility and handling, making the vehicle feel smaller and more maneuverable. Road noise was minimal, and the ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces drew complaints.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. A panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and upgraded interior lighting. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their design could catch on clothing. The XC90 seated seven or six with second-row captain’s chairs, with a comfortable bench seat in the test model. Access to the third row was tight for adults, but the space was more accommodating than expected. Interior storage was adequate, and with the third-row seat folded, the XC90 offered up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat down.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, in its top-trim SEL R-Line, featured firm seats in both rows. While FWD Tiguans seated seven, AWD models, including the SEL R-Line, seated five, offering more interior space for luggage or gear. The two-row Tiguan provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. In the three-row configuration, cargo space was reduced, but passenger space was minimally affected. The Tiguan offered up to 39.6 inches of headroom and 40.2 inches of legroom for front passengers, with slightly reduced space in the second row. The third row, though tighter, was more spacious than some competitors. The Tiguan was one of the few compact crossovers to offer a third row, providing a practical option for families.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium audio options available. The infotainment system, though small by modern standards, was intuitive and included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also had a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system included haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. The physical volume knob, however, was less user-friendly. The infotainment system relied on monochromatic graphics, accessed through an 8-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base Tiguan S had a smaller 6.5-inch screen and fewer USB-C ports. Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line featuring a fully configurable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro screen. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight of the SEL R-Line trim.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not as innovative as some rivals. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, but it struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error during testing, affecting confidence in the system.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and its safety offering improved for 2024 with the standardization of the IQ.DRIVE suite. This included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The Tiguan also featured standard rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection. Park Distance Control was standard on higher trims, though its Maneuver Braking feature was intrusive.