2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting comfortably within Volkswagen's lineup between the subcompact and compact segments. It was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with a single engine option and a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive on the base model. The Taos featured a design that aligned with Volkswagen's existing SUV lineup, with notable elements like 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. However, the interior was criticized for its use of hard plastics, which detracted from the overall quality feel, despite the presence of soft-touch materials in key areas.

The 2022 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, represented a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, embracing a more luxurious and modern design. The XC90's exterior featured a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and the distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and a commitment to leather-free interiors by 2030. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, with a focus on comfort and quality, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the engine provided adequate power, the turbocharger's delayed response led to a noticeable lag in throttle response. The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but was criticized for its erratic and harsh shifting. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission, available only with front-wheel drive, provided smoother operation. Despite these issues, the Taos delivered a pleasant driving experience with responsive steering and commendable handling. However, its ground clearance of 16.2 centimetres limited its off-road capabilities compared to competitors.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a choice of three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 horsepower, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 horsepower. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's driving experience was characterized by minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the Recharge model, which eliminated turbo lag with its electric motor. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied by powertrain, with the Recharge offering an impressive 29-kilometre EV range.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with ample room for both front and rear passengers. The Highline trim offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and power-adjustable driver's seat. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with the front-wheel-drive model offering more room due to its torsion-beam rear suspension. The Taos provided 790 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,866 litres with the seats folded down in FWD models, while the 4Motion version offered slightly less.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The third row was suitable for children, while the second row offered easy access with a one-handed slide and fold mechanism. Cargo capacity ranged from 357 litres behind the third row to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. The XC90 excelled in interior storage, with ample compartments and a spacious cabin enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed admirably during hot weather, and the XC90's AWD system and heated features made it well-suited for winter conditions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims offering an 8-inch display with MIB3 software. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless functionality available on Comfortline and Highline trims. The Highline trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system. However, the infotainment system was criticized for its complex user interface and unreliable voice recognition.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with intuitive smartphone-like gestures. While the system was occasionally slow, it performed better with Apple CarPlay. The XC90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Harman-Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims, and the XC90 included multiple USB ports for device connectivity.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of safety features, but many were only available on higher trims or as part of optional packages. These included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highline trim offered additional features like lane-keeping assistance and Travel Assist, a Level 2 advanced driving assistance system. However, the Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of review.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.