2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while adding a touch of modern character. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines and more chrome detailing, it presented a more refined appearance. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights were a distinctive feature that blended seamlessly with the overall design. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced Swedish minimalism with high-quality materials and thoughtful design, featuring matte-finish wood trim and unique upholstery options like wool and Nappa leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan adopted a conservative yet timeless design, aligning with Volkswagen's larger models like the Atlas. The refreshed front styling included a new grille with the updated VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan's design was symmetrical and creased, appealing to those who appreciate simplicity. The Highline R-Line trim, with its Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and 20-inch wheels, exuded a sporty elegance. Inside, the Tiguan offered a rich cabin with perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and advanced technology like touch-sensing controls. However, the hard plastic in the lower cabin hinted at its mass-market status. The Tiguan's interior was spacious, with excellent visibility and comfort, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90's power was impressive, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90's drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—offered varying levels of efficiency and performance, but the Pure mode was limited to low speeds. Despite these challenges, the XC90 excelled in luxury, with a smooth ride and quiet cabin, thanks to its optional air-suspension system. It also boasted a respectable towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, along with Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. While the Tiguan's torque arrived later than some competitors, resulting in slight turbo lag, it was enjoyable to drive once the power kicked in. The Tiguan's ride and handling were balanced, with responsive steering and a comfortable suspension setup. However, its performance was more focused on efficiency, with a combined fuel consumption of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The Tiguan's off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and shallow approach angles, making it more suited for urban environments.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, offering flexibility for families. While headroom and legroom were average, the third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The optional power sunroof and upright roof profile enhanced the sense of space. The XC90's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was also on the lower end, with 317 litres behind the third row, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with all seats down. The hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out for its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The Highline R-Line trim offered leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats with excellent visibility and a panoramic sunroof. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children comfortably. The Tiguan's switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard added sophistication but required adjustment. Cargo space was generous, with 339 litres behind the third row, 934 litres with it folded, and 1,854 litres with all seats down. The two-row configuration offered even more space, with 1,064 litres behind the back seat and 2,078 litres in total.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. The optional 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display added to the premium experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was intuitive, though the text could be challenging to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was a welcome addition, but its size limited compatibility with larger phones.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line featuring the advanced Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, offered an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. While the MIB3 system promised natural voice recognition, it fell short in practice. The Tiguan also offered Park Assist, which could autonomously steer the SUV into parking spaces, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 earned the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, reinforcing Volvo's commitment to safety.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with available upgrades like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, while Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improved safety features aimed to enhance its safety credentials.