2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, competing with models like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek. It offered a range of trims, including Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline, with options for front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos featured a stylish exterior with elements like 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint, though some questioned the blacked-out front bumper design. Inside, the Taos had a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the Highline trim offering two-tone perforated leather and an upscale dashboard.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design language, moving away from the boxy shapes of the past. The XC90 had a purposeful yet understated look, with a bold grille and distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a sophisticated Platinum Grey paint. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design included wood deco inlays and a clean, button-light dashboard, creating a serene and luxurious cabin environment.

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 and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission offered smoother performance but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos excelled in handling, with responsive steering and effective brakes, but its ground clearance was less than ideal for off-road adventures. Fuel efficiency was decent, with an average of 8.7 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This setup offered a smoother driving experience and slightly improved fuel efficiency. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly, and the vehicle handled corners well despite its size. The mild-hybrid system enhanced the auto stop-start feature, making it nearly imperceptible. While the XC90 lacked extensive off-road capabilities, it provided a comfortable and composed ride, with excellent noise insulation and confident braking.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a spacious interior, with ample room for both front and rear passengers. The Highline trim offered power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, while the rear seats provided generous legroom and air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 1,866 litres available in the front-wheel-drive model. The Taos also featured a centre pass-through for skis, enhancing its practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had limited storage space for small items. The second row was comfortable, though adjusting the seats could be challenging. The XC90 offered a seven-passenger configuration with a second-row bench or optional captain's chairs. Access to the third row was tight, and cargo space was modest, with a maximum of 1,856 litres. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle, making it easy to manoeuvre in various settings.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8-inch display and MIB3 software. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless connectivity available on Comfortline and Highline trims. However, the infotainment system's user experience was not always intuitive, and the voice-recognition technology had limitations. The Highline trim included a BeatsAudio premium sound system, though some users preferred the previous Fender system.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertical touchscreen running Google OS, with integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The system supported Apple CarPlay, though iPhones were not as seamlessly integrated. The XC90's natural-language recognition was a highlight, allowing for voice commands via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, and more physical controls would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of safety features, though many required upgrading to higher trims or purchasing additional packages. Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning were available on Comfortline and above, while more advanced features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were exclusive to the Highline trim. The Taos had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations at the time of review.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping assist and Pilot Assist technology provided additional support, maintaining distance and lane position at various speeds. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in the XC90's comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies.