2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet appealing design, standing out among its competitors with a creased and symmetrical aesthetic that leaned towards minimalism. The refreshed model featured new front styling, aligning it with Volkswagen's larger Atlas models, and included a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan offered four trim levels in Canada, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and prices ranged from $33,395 to $43,395. The interior of the Highline R-Line trim boasted a rich cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, although the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status.

The 2022 Volvo XC90, as Volvo's flagship SUV, showcased a sleek and athletic design with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. The "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a touch of Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim, and exquisite details like a crystal gear selector. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, though Nappa leather was still available. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, with a standard panoramic moonroof, making it a comfortable sanctuary during test drives in extreme weather conditions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired with VW’s 4Motion AWD system allowed for power distribution to the rear wheels when needed. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, along with Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. Despite its nimble handling, the Tiguan's performance was somewhat limited by its engine, resulting in a combined fuel efficiency of 9.8 L/100 km. The Tiguan's ride was comfortable for everyday driving, but it lacked the excitement for more spirited driving.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid. The T5 delivered 250 horsepower, the T6 offered 316 hp, and the Recharge combined gasoline and electric sources for 455 hp. All models featured AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge model boasted an EV range of up to 58 kilometres. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, making it enjoyable to drive despite its size.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, offering an optional third row and ample cargo space. The Highline R-Line trim provided comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and excellent visibility. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children alike. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it cramped. The XC90 provided up to 1,855 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it versatile for family adventures. The interior was well-utilized, with ample storage and a comfortable, airy cabin enhanced by the panoramic moonroof.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included 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. However, the natural voice recognition was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch touchscreen and standard Bluetooth. The system was occasionally glitchy, but Apple CarPlay improved its performance. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display enhanced driver awareness. The Advanced package included a 360-degree camera system and an advanced air cleaner. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, along with available 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 earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to enhance its safety credentials.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Pilot Assist. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious consumers.