2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, following its 2022 updates, remained largely unchanged. In Canada, it was available in Trendline, Comfortline, Comfortline R-Line Black, and Highline R-Line trims, with prices ranging from $36,675 to $47,175, plus a $2,050 destination charge. The R-Line trims featured sportier styling. Despite offering six exterior colours, four interior colours, and various wheel designs, choices were limited by trim level, complicating the selection process. Our U.S.-spec test vehicle, similar to the Canadian Highline R-Line, sported Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Grey leather seats, a combination unavailable in Canada unless opting for the Highline R-Line. Standard features included keyless entry, remote start, and an 8-way power driver’s seat. The Highline R-Line stood out for its sporty appearance and 20-inch wheels, with adaptive front lighting and a light bar across the grille enhancing its appeal. Inside, the Tiguan offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic sunroof, though some materials reflected its mid-$30,000s base price.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past designs, moving away from the boxy aesthetics of the 1980s and 90s. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated look, with a stout front end and assertive grille. Its "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch. Our test vehicle, in Ultimate trim with standard AWD, featured 21-inch wheels and Platinum Grey paint with brown undertones. The interior was elegant, with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design included wood deco inlays, though the limited physical controls could be frustrating. The XC90's cabin was a blend of style and functionality, offering a clean and sophisticated environment.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the 4Motion AWD system was standard, offering various driving modes like Eco, Normal, and Sport. The Tiguan averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though our test showed 10.4 L/100 km. The turbo-four engine provided adequate power, but higher revs revealed a lack of motive force, and the transmission occasionally stumbled with delayed downshifts. The Tiguan's dynamic qualities were commendable, with excellent tire grip and stable handling. The ride was compliant, and road noise communicated road texture. Visibility was excellent, aided by thin windshield pillars and variable-assist steering.

For 2023, the Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B6 produced 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than the T6 but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing the auto stop-start technology. The XC90 offered a reserved driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The brakes were solid, and road noise was minimal. The XC90 lacked extensive customizable driving dynamics, focusing on simplicity with a manual shift feature and an off-road mode.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a roomy interior, with some configurations featuring a third-row seat. Our test vehicle had comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. Storage space was generous, though the centre armrest bin was small. The dashboard's touch-sensing controls were problematic, with reflections and awkward placement affecting usability. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with large rear door openings and a spacious back seat. The hands-free power liftgate revealed a cavernous cargo area, with adjustable load floor height and handy features for convenience. With AWD, the Tiguan offered 1,064 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 2,078 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was peaceful and pleasant, though Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with the third seat in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded, and maxing out at 1,856 litres. This was less than some competitors. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, benefiting from its compact dimensions.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with R-Line trims offering a larger 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included a touchscreen display, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch screen. The system offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the user interface was complex, with multi-layer processes for simple tasks. The voice-recognition system underperformed, likely due to inactive subscriptions.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, integrating Android Auto features. Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant were standard, with natural-language recognition enhancing usability. However, many functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, lacking physical controls. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display optional.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, offering tech often found in luxury models. Standard features included Front Assist and Side Assist, with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The Tiguan's safety technology was effective, though crash-test ratings were incomplete, with concerns about the driver's door unlatching during a side-impact test.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard safety tech included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology supported semi-autonomous driving, maintaining distance and speed.