The content of the article:
- Exterior appearance of VW Touareg and Volvo XC90
- Interior design VW Touareg vs Volvo XC90
- Specifications VW Touareg vs Volvo XC90
- Dynamic characteristics of Volkswagen Tuareg and Volvo XC90
- Cost and equipment VW Touareg and Volvo XC90
- Test drive Volvo XC90 against VW Touareg
The premium mid-size crossover segment is represented by a large number of first-class vehicles. But if earlier it featured mainly models from BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Audi, today they are joined by the Swedish brand Volvo, which is experiencing a renaissance.
One of the most striking Volvo models of the last few years is the XC90 crossover, which underwent a generational change in 2014. In February 2019, the car underwent a planned restyling, while sales of new items in Russia will begin towards the end of this year.
To reveal all the advantages and disadvantages of the Volvo XC90, we decided to compare it (the 2014 version) with the real bestseller of the market - the latest generation VW Touareg, which is doing its best to make its way into the premium segment. And, I must admit, he is good at it.
But be that as it may, today the Touareg has one of the best value for money, quality and technical capabilities.
Exterior appearance of VW Touareg and Volvo XC90
The third generation VW Touareg was shown to the world in March 2018. The car has incorporated the best developments of the company in the field of design, which is confirmed by a powerful and extremely stylish "face". Here the manufacturer has placed a spectacular head optics and a huge false radiator grille, as well as a laconic front bumper.
The crossover's dynamic profile features a long bonnet, large wheel arches, a sloping roofline and elegant "waves" on the sidewalls.
The look is completed by a lean stern with sophisticated side lights, a powerful bumper and two exhaust nozzles. The outer dimensions of the car are as follows:
| Length, mm | 4878 |
| Width, mm | 1984 |
| Height, mm | 1702 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2895 |
The standard ride height is an impressive 220 mm, but with the optional air suspension it can be adjusted between 195-290 mm.
Despite the fact that the second generation Volvo XC90 was introduced back in 2014, its design does not lose in any way to the freshly updated German. And if we compare it with the restyled version of the "Swede", then it loses altogether.
But since the modernized XC90 will reach Russia no earlier than the first quarter of 2020, we will compare VW with its pre-styled version.
So, the front part of the Volvo body flaunts branded head optics with LED elements in the form of a "Thor's hammer", a strict false radiator grille and a stylish front bumper with coolly beaten foglights.
The imposing profile features large wheel arches, stylish sidewalls, a large glass area and an almost flat roof.
The laconic stern is represented by the vertical shades of the parking lights, which have become the hallmark of the model, as well as a large luggage compartment door and a neat bumper with a pair of "trunks" of the exhaust system.
The dimensions of the XC90 are as follows:
| Length, mm | 4950 |
| Width, mm | 2140 |
| Height, mm | 1775 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2984 |
Standard ground clearance is 18 mm higher than that of the Touareg, and with the pre-installed air suspension it can be adjusted between 227-267 mm.
We do not undertake to judge which of the cars has a more attractive appearance, but purely subjectively, Volvo is perceived as more solid.
Interior design VW Touareg vs Volvo XC90
The VW Touareg salon is made according to the classic patterns of the brand: laconicism, maximum ergonomics and functionality.
Of course, there are some modern touches here, including a 12-inch LCD dashboard display and a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment complex. The latter also controls the climate system. However, this applies to the top-end equipment, while the basic versions are represented by analog devices and a more modest multimedia system.
The quality of materials and workmanship is in no way inferior to the cars of the higher price segment. The interior of the crossover has a 5-seater layout.
The front riders are offered comfortable chairs with a lot of adjustments and all kinds of benefits of civilization, and the back - a spacious sofa that can easily accommodate three adult riders. The trunk volume is 810 liters.
The interior design of the Volvo XC90 is also made in a laconic style, but here everything is somehow "at home".
In front of the driver is a cool steering wheel with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster (optional with 12.3-inch).
The central part of the dashboard is reserved for the vertical 9.5-inch screen of the information and media complex, which is also in charge of managing the interior climate. The build quality and finishing materials can satisfy even the most picky critics.
As standard, the car is equipped with a 5-seater saloon, but the third row of seats can also be installed as an option.
There is more than enough free space on the first and second row of the seat, but only people whose height does not exceed 170 cm will be comfortable in the "gallery". The trunk volume is standardly 613 liters, and with the third row of seats it decreases to 368 liters.
Specifications VW Touareg vs Volvo XC90
In the photo: VW Touareg engine
One of three engines can be installed under the hood of the VW Touareg:
- 2-liter gasoline engine TSI series with a capacity of 249 liters. with. and 370 Nm of torque.
- 3.0-liter 249 hp TDI diesel generating 600 Nm of peak torque
- 3-liter "top-end" TSI turbo petrol, producing 340 "horses" and a maximum thrust of 440 Nm.
Regardless of the type and power of the engine, its partner is an 8-speed "automatic", which transfers traction to the proprietary all-wheel drive transmission with a multi-plate clutch. Normally, the car allows you to choose one of 4 types of movement: auto, sand, snow and gravel.
VW Touareg is based on the modular platform MLB Evo, and its suspension is represented by a double wishbone at the front and a multi-link at the rear. The steering is complemented by an electric booster with variable characteristics, and the braking system is represented by disc brakes on both axles (front with ventilation).
The line of engines for the Volvo XC90 is represented by 2 power units:
- 2-liter turbodiesel, available in two boosts: 190 hp. and 400 Nm of maximum torque, as well as 235 "horses" and 480 Nm of peak thrust.
- 2-liter turbo petrol engine, also available in two versions: 249 liters. and maximum 350 Nm of thrust, as well as 320 "horses" and 400 Nm of thrust.
As in the case of VW, the motors are aggregated with an uncontested 8-speed automatic transmission and a proprietary all-wheel drive system.
At the heart of the Swedish crossover is a new SPA trolley, which assumes the presence of a front suspension with double levers and a multi-link system. Reinforced disc mechanisms are responsible for braking, and the steering sports an electric booster with variable characteristics.
Dynamic characteristics of Volkswagen Tuareg and Volvo XC90
In the photo: Volvo XC90, control panel elements
The "weakest" VW Touareg exchanges a "hundred" in 6.8 seconds, while the "most powerful" does this exercise in 5.9 seconds. The maximum speed is between 225-250 km / h and the combined fuel consumption is between 7.1-9.1 l / 100 km.
From the point of view of dynamics, the Volvo XC90 loses somewhat to its opponent, reaching a speed of 100 km / h in 6.5-9.2 seconds. and developing the maximum 205-230 km / h. However, the car wins in economy, consuming an average of about 5.2-8 l / 100 km.
Cost and equipment VW Touareg and Volvo XC90
Pictured: Volvo XC90 media system
The base cost of VW Touareg in Russia starts from 3.499 million rubles, while for the top version you will have to pay at least 4.809 million rubles.
For comparison: the base Volvo XC90 will cost at least 3.38 million rubles, and the cost of the top version starts at 3.833 million rubles.
Both cars offer a rich level of equipment, where the equipment is already in the base:
- alloy wheels;
- heated and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors;
- parktronic front and rear;
- climate control;
- adaptive cruise;
- navigation system;
- multifunction steering wheel;
- LED headlights for head and rear lighting;
- LED running lights;
- start / stop system;
- heating system for the steering wheel and front seats;
- front and side airbags;
- audio system with 6-8 speakers;
- rain and light sensors;
- seat belts and more.
Conclusion
Both cars deserve close attention if you want a quality, spacious and dynamic crossover with the makings of a full-fledged SUV.
However, our favorite is the Volvo XC90, which can please its driver with a more attractive price, a rich set of passive and active safety systems, as well as an optional third row of seats.
Test drive Volvo XC90 against VW Touareg:
