Comparison of VW Touareg and Volvo XC90 models: specifications, appearance, interior, ride quality, price tags. Test drive video.
The content of the article:
The mid-size premium 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 the Swedish Brand Volvo experiencing a renaissance.
One of the most striking Volvo models of the past few years can be considered the XC90 crossover, which survived a generation 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 (version 2014) with the real market bestseller - VW Touareg latest generation, which is trying with all its might to get into the premium segment. And, you have to admit, he's pretty good at it.
But be that as it may, today Touareg has one of the best ratios of price, quality and technical capabilities.
The appearance of the VW Touareg and Volvo XC90
The third generation VW Touareg was shown to the world in March 2018. The car has absorbed the best practices of the company in the field of design, which is confirmed by a powerful and extremely stylish "muzzle". Here the manufacturer placed a spectacular head optics and a huge false radiator grille, as well as a laconic front bumper.
The dynamic profile of the crossover shows a long hood, large wheel arches, a sloping roof line and elegant “waves” on the sidewalls.
The image is completed by a roasted stern with refined parking lights, a powerful bumper and two nozzles. exhaust system. The external dimensions of the car are as follows:
| Length, mm | 4878 |
| Width, mm | 1984 |
| Height, mm | 1702 |
| Wheel base, mm | 2895 |
The standard ride height is an impressive 220 mm, but with the optional air suspension it can be changed between 195-290 mm.
Despite the fact that the second-generation Volvo XC90 was introduced back in 2014, its design is in no way inferior to the freshly updated German. And when compared with the restyled version of the "Swede", it loses altogether.
But since the upgraded XC90 will reach Russia no earlier than the first quarter of 2020, we will compare VW with its pre-styling 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 cool fog lights.
The impressive profile demonstrates large wheel arches, stylish sidewalls, a large glass area and an almost flat roof.
The laconic feed is represented by vertical shades that have become the hallmark of the model. parking lights, as well as a large tailgate 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 |
| Wheel base, mm | 2984 |
The standard ground clearance exceeds that of the Touareg by 18 mm, and with pre-installed air suspension it can be adjusted between 227-267 mm.
We do not undertake to judge which of the cars has more attractive appearance, but purely subjectively, Volvo is perceived as more solid.
VW Touareg interior design vs. Volvo XC90
Salon VW Touareg is made according to the classic patterns of the brand: conciseness, maximum ergonomics and functionality.
Of course, there were some modern “things” here, including a 12-inch LCD dashboard display and a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment complex. With the help of the latter, the climate system is also controlled. However, this applies to top-end equipment, while the basic versions are represented by analog devices and a more modest multimedia system.
The quality of materials and assembly is in no way inferior to cars of a 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 sorts of benefits of civilization, and the rear ones have a spacious sofa that can easily accommodate three adult riders. Trunk volume is 810 liters.
Interior design The Volvo XC90 is also made in a laconic style, but here everything is somehow “home-like”.
In front of the driver is a cool steering wheel with an 8-inch digital dashboard(optional with 12.3-inch).
The central part of the dashboard is reserved for a vertical 9.5-inch screen of the information and media complex, which also manages the interior climate control. The build quality and finishing materials can satisfy even the pickiest critics.
As standard, the car is equipped with a 5-seater saloon, but a 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 seats, but on the “gallery” it will be comfortable only for people whose height does not exceed 170 cm. 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
Under the hood of the VW Touareg, one of three engines can be installed:
- 2-litre TSI petrol engine with 249 hp. With. and 370 Nm of torque.
- 3-litre 249 PS TDI diesel generating 600 Nm of peak torque
- A 3-liter "top" TSI turbo petrol engine, delivering 340 "horses" and a maximum thrust of 440 Nm.
VW Touareg is based on the MLV Evo modular platform, and its suspension is represented by a two-lever front and a multi-link rear. Steering supplemented by an electric amplifier with variable characteristics, and brake system represented by disc brakes on both axles (front ventilated).
The range of engines for the Volvo XC90 is represented by 2 power units:
- 2-liter turbodiesel, available in two boosts: 190 hp. With. and 400 Nm of maximum torque, as well as 235 “horses” and 480 Nm of peak thrust.
- A 2-liter turbo petrol engine, also available in two versions: 249 hp. With. and limiting 350 Nm of thrust, as well as 320 "horses" and 400 Nm of thrust.
At the heart of the Swedish crossover is the new SPA bogie, which implies the presence of a front suspension on double levers and a multi-link saddle. Reinforced disc mechanisms are responsible for braking, and the steering flaunts 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. Max Speed fluctuates 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 limit of 205-230 km / h. However, the car wins in efficiency, consuming an average of about 5.2-8 l / 100 km.
Cost and equipment of VW Touareg and Volvo XC90
Pictured: Volvo XC90 media system
The base cost of the VW Touareg in Russia starts from 3.499 million rubles, while the top-end version 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 top version starts from 3.833 million rubles.
Both cars offer a rich level of equipment, where equipment is already present in the base:
- alloy wheels;
- external mirrors with heating and electric adjustments;
- parking sensors front and rear;
- climate control;
- adaptive cruise;
- navigation system;
- multifunction steering wheel;
- LED headlights and rear lighting;
- LED running lights;
- start/stop system;
- steering wheel and front seats heating system;
- 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 need a quality, spacious and dynamic crossover with the makings of a full-fledged SUV.
However, our favorite is the Volvo XC90, which is able to please its driver with a more attractive cost, a rich set of passive and active safety, as well as an optional third row of seats.
Test drive Volvo XC90 against VW Touareg:
The segment of powerful SUVs is growing every year. This tidbit of the pie has long been tasted by the Germans and the Swedes. The first generation Volvo XC90 debuted in 2002 and was immediately liked by many, especially American customers. In total, the Swedish crossover has found more than 635,000 buyers in the world. The car became famous for its safety, comfort and versatile interior that can accommodate up to 7 people. Hopes for the second generation of the model are even higher, especially since the company spent about $11 billion to develop the new Volvo XC90.
Volvo, wanting to slightly change the image of its flagship product, decided to upgrade a number of electronic on-board systems, change the style and offer dynamic and at the same time economical powertrains. The result was brilliant. The Volvo XC90 looks very modern and represents the beginning of a new design era for the brand.
XC90 significantly exceeds in size Volkswagen Touareg. The Swedish SUV is 15 cm longer, 10 cm wider and 4 cm taller.
Both SUVs have different front end designs. The Scandinavians have put on futuristic lines with a huge grill and vertical chrome grills as well as full LED lighting. The German competitor has more conservative forms - a nod to those who appreciate elegance and modesty.
5 years of difference in development are noticeable, first of all, inside. Despite the very high quality of the finishing materials used in the Tuareg, the XC90 is undoubtedly better. It offers many more color combinations and interior design details. In addition to decorative elements made of natural crystal, you can find aluminum, wood and other high-quality materials.
Heated, ventilated, and adjustable leather seats make it easy to get into a comfortable driving position in both SUVs. The Bowers&Wilkins audio system in the top-of-the-line XC90 is an important advantage. The purity and quality of the sound pouring from 10 speakers will take passengers directly to the Philharmonic Hall. This is definitely money well spent.
An interesting solution is the control panel in the form of a tablet in the central part of the front panel. Its interface repeats the work of modern smartphones and does not have any particular difficulties in management. However, knowing all the features will require dedication, a lot of time, and regular monitoring of the cleanliness of the screen in order for the sensors to work properly. Another novelty is all-round cameras. The 360-degree picture is invaluable when maneuvering in the city and in the parking lot.
Seats in two rows are plentiful - the supply of space is comparable to the VW. The third row will comfortably accommodate people up to 170 cm tall.
Volkswagen, as befits a flagship car, demonstrates a very high level of quality. Yes, there are no inserts made of natural wood or polished aluminum, but all the plastic is pleasant and soft to the touch. The set of additional gadgets is not as rich as that of the Swedish competitor, however, it is quite enough to move comfortably.
For lovers diesel engines Volvo has prepared two 2-litre turbocharged units. The first generates 190 hp. and 450 Nm of torque, the second - 225 hp. and 470 nm. The 4-cylinder twin-turbo of the most powerful version accelerates an almost 2-ton car to 100 km / h in 7.8 seconds and guarantees very decent elasticity. The engine is quite economical, consuming an average of 10-11 liters in the city, and a little more than 7 liters on the highway.
Despite its impressive dimensions, the Volvo XC90 behaves like compact crossover. All thanks to the low center of gravity, good weight distribution and 4-way air suspension. The difference in ground clearance between the sport and off-road modes is about 8 cm. In the first mode, the car obediently obeys the driver’s commands, is neutral in corners, and the body does not show any tendency to roll.
However, Comfort mode delivers the most pleasure. The steering does lose a bit of precision, but despite the 20-inch low-profile wheels, the suspension effectively dampens all sorts of bumps. When driving at high speed on the highway, you can appreciate the excellent sound insulation.
German engineers, among others, proposed a 3-liter 6-cylinder V-shaped turbodiesel. The engine develops 245 hp. and 550 Nm of torque available in the range of 1750-2750 rpm. The 3-liter engine accelerates a more than 2-ton SUV to 100 km / h in 7.6 seconds.
Compared to Volvo, the German SUV has better dynamics, which is the merit of a more capacious power unit. Volkswagen Touareg, if desired, can be equipped with an air suspension. On a straight line, the Tuareg demonstrates good stability, but when cornering, one has to recognize the superiority of the Volvo XC90. The test VW was equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels and courageously hid any bumps - from holes in the asphalt to protruding roots on forest roads.
In the city, everyone will appreciate the good visibility from the driving position of the Touareg. A classic rear-view camera will help you maneuver in the parking lot, and pneumatics will help you fight curbs, allowing you to increase ground clearance up to 300 mm. Fuel consumption in the urban cycle lies within 10-12 liters, and on the highway on-board computer shows no more than 9 liters.
Ultimately, Volvo seems to be more “ripe”. Air suspension copes better with dynamic cornering, the interior offers a higher level of finish and variety of materials, and the cabin itself is slightly larger. For Tuareg, it is worth recognizing the victory in smoothness on paved paths and higher ability to overcome obstacles (due to greater ground clearance).
Volvo XC90 with 225 hp turbodiesel and 8-speed automatic transmission gear is estimated at 3,300,000 rubles, and the top R-Design - at 3,800,000 rubles. For a diesel Volkswagen Touareg, they ask a little less: from 2,900,000 rubles to 3,100,000 rubles.
Main technical data
XC90 D5 Volvo AWD
Engine: 1969 cm3
Quantity, arrangement of cylinders: 4, in-line
Power: 225 HP at 4250 rpm
Torque: 470 Nm between 1750-2500 rpm
Dimensions (Length / Width / Height): 4950/1931/1775 mm
Wheelbase: 2984 mm
Curb weight: 1868 kg
Average CO2 emissions: 152 g/km
Dynamic characteristics.
0-100 km/h: 7.8 seconds
Max speed: 220 km/h
Fuel consumption:
City: 7.8 (test 10.9)
Route: 4.7 (7.2 in test)
Combined: 5.8 (8.4 in test)
Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI 4Motion
Engine: 2967 cm3
Number, arrangement of cylinders: 6, V-shaped
Power: 245 HP at 3800 rpm
Torque: 580 Nm between 1750-2750 rpm
Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
Dimensions (Length / Width / Height): 4800/1940/1730 mm
Wheelbase: 2,893 mm
Curb weight: 2185 kg
Average CO2 emissions: 174 g/km
Dynamic characteristics.
0-100 km/h: 7.3 seconds
Max speed: 225 km/h
Fuel consumption:
City: 7.7 (test 11.3)
Route: 6.0 (7.9 in analysis)
Combined: 6.6 (8.9 in test)
You don't have to buy a DSLR with a long lens to be considered a photographer. The leader of opinions no longer needs a tribune - enough of a personal blog. And the “evil” nameplate on a car now far from always hints at a killer amount in terms of transport tax Horse power under the hood. R-Design for Volvo and R-Line for Volkswagen are styling packages, embellishment of standard crossovers, but rich in content. Or, if you like, SUVs, since both models are endowed with the qualities necessary for a painless exit from the asphalt. Four-wheel drive, a high-torque turbodiesel, air suspension with the possibility of increasing ground clearance, special all-terrain electronics are offered by both the XC90 and the Tuareg. Downshifts and hard locks are just not enough.
VW Touareg
Volvo XC90
The Tuareg database is cheaper - from 3,399,000 rubles, the XC90 costs at least 3,820,000. Diesel R versions noticeably more expensive: for Volkswagen they ask from 4,539,000, and for a seven-seater Volvo - from 4,816,000. And this is not the limit - test cars, due to numerous options, crossed the mark of five millionBut it is a pity to dip stylish cars into serious mud. And expensive - there is a risk of finishing off the openwork 20-inch wheels and the very elegant decor a la sports. Moreover, the angular Volvo, in our opinion, looks more interesting and meaner than the streamlined Volkswagen. The rims on the XC90 seem bigger for the same size; a front bumper with a double “lip” of a pseudo-spoiler is more elegant than a chrome rod grille with sloppy holes for mounting screws on the opponent’s nose; accents like matte overlays on side mirrors, color imitation of a diffuser and tricky vertical lights at the back - more noticeable. And the flagship Touareg is like ... just a Tuareg, modestly hinting at a special status with barely noticeable R-Line logos.
Salons: surprise me with screens
Inside, it's exactly the opposite. In 2014, the second generation XC90 made the public gasp with a Tesla-like virtual cockpit with digital instrument cluster and a vertical 9-inch tablet in the center of the dashboard. Only better performance. The salon with touching “jewelry” details like a rotary engine start lens or a dial for selecting travel modes with a textured notch still looks nice today. But ... only if you do not look into the third generation Tuareg: now even those who restrained themselves at the Swedish presentation gasped. That's where the hi-tech is! The driver is covered by the "situational center" of huge, visually spliced colorful screens called the Innovision Cockpit. In front of the passenger is a ventilation deflector extended into all the free space (although it blows only as usual on the sides). And this cybernetic economy in a disco style is emphasized by contour lighting integrated into the interior ornament. Moreover, it produces colors for every taste: from warm to poisonous-acid - just move the setting slider.
VW Touareg
Volvo XC90
Ergonomics on trifles is more successful in Volvo. And comparing equipment is a thankless task, such cars are completed according to individual requests. The XC90, for example, pleased with the head-up display, clear 360-degree cameras, and chic Bowers & Wilkins music. The Touareg responded with a windshield heating film, wireless charging (however, it fixes the phone poorly), door closers and a smart climate that distributes flows based on the actual number of passengers.Touareg generally impresses with the number of fine settings: literally everything is configured, there are seven driving modes (Volvo has three) plus several air suspension positions. At first, you get lost - where is what lies in the nooks and crannies of the menu and submenu network? The Volkswagen interface requires learning and getting used to. Volvo is friendlier to the user, easier to understand - the faster it wins you over. Anyone who has ever held a smartphone in their hands will instantly understand the controls. The home screen is divided into popular functional sections - phone, navigation, music... Touching the silhouette of a man at the bottom activates the climate control zone, swiping to the side takes you to the car's systems menu, and pressing the center button returns you to the main one. And the XC90 is made better: premium without question. Touareg, on the other hand, throws multimedia dust into the eyes, but in fact the Germans furtively saved money. They took fashion from Kia with imitation stitching. The bottom of the front panel is oak, like dried pasta, the door cards are not much richer. And the glossy key so quickly lost its neat appearance, covered with micro-scratches, that the Volvo key against its background looks like a solid accessory that is not ashamed to put on the table during negotiations.
VW Touareg
Volvo XC90
Volvo's custom deep R-seats look cool and fit well, but Volkswagen's modest-looking ergoComfort seats are just as comfortable and ventilated. Both cars have a rear sofa on a sled with adjustable backrest, as well as curtains on the windows and acoustic laminated glassBut rear passengers the Tuareg is more comfortable: it is shorter than the XC90, narrower and wheelbase it is more modest (2904 mm versus 2984), but inside the Volkswagen is more competently arranged - it is much wider in the shoulders, it provides more knee room. In addition to separate climate control and a full 220/230-volt outlet, which Volvo also has, german crossover provided the second row of seats with a couple of additional USB ports. The XC90 has only two of them - both under the cover of the center armrest. The Swedish car parries with seven seats - the chairs in the trunk are quite functional, but for the Tuareg they are not provided in principle.
VW Touareg
Volvo XC90
The XC90 R-Design comes standard with Pilot Assist. This is almost a full-fledged autopilot: the crossover itself accelerates and slows down, enters gentle turns - just hold the steering wheel lightly. Although you should not get carried away, electronics lose control suddenly. And all the same, artificial intelligence in Volvo is more developed: the car allows remote control from a smartphone (locks, starting the engine, etc.), understands colloquial speech - even the temperature in the cabin changes with a voice commandOn the go: learn materiel
A rare buyer bothers to study automotive engineering: studies show that many are not even aware of the type of drive in their own car. But in our case, we will have to learn the materiel, since this is the key to understanding the difference in the behavior of crossovers. The Tuareg is based on the MLB Evo modular platform with a longitudinal engine placement and power distribution along the axes using a Torsen mechanical self-block (40/60 in favor of rear wheels). Lamborghini Urus are built on the same "trolley", Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, ... Aristocratic relatives, that's the step of the "Volkswagen" is also thoroughbred: it spreads collected, densely along the road, successfully dissolving bumps and waves somewhere in the bowels of aluminum air suspension. Unless it shudders on speed bumps, but on large pits, echoing vibrations run through the body from weighty wheels with 285/45 R20 tires. In general, reasonable settings - the passengers are not yet shaking, but they are not motion sick. And if you want to shift the balance on the go - turn the washer of the chassis presets on the central tunnel. Strongly smoother Touareg will not go, but sportier - please. Although in the basic mode, Volkswagen pleases with responsiveness. Maneuvers are readily accepted by a trained dog: the owner has not yet thrown a wand, the beast is already taking off. But we tested the car even without the optional 48-volt active stabilizers and rear wheel thrusters ...
VW Touareg
Volvo XC90
The engine compartment of both cars is covered with flimsy anthers, but the units are arranged correctly - nothing sticks out under the body. In the normal position of the air suspension, Volvo's sills and bumpers are higher, the maximum clearance (according to our measurements) is also greater for the XC90 - almost 26 cm versus 25 for the TuaregVolvo also drives reliably and in some ways even more academically: for example, it does not react to ruts. And in sport mode stabilization system allows you to fun (and no less confident) to slide sideways on the snow. But after the Volkswagen, the feeling is that the XC90 has not fully woken up - the steering wheel is noticeably lighter and more relaxed, a little more delay in reactions, sometimes irregularities in the arc pulled Volvo off the trajectory. And here I would say that the Swedish crossover is better suited for travel, where excessive accuracy is useless. Two nuances interfere with this: the XC90 on wheels of dimension 275/45 R20 badly filters seams, joints and other pits with sharp edges - the suspensions work them out flabby, booming. Plus, at highway speeds, the tires are clearly audible in the cabin. The Tuareg is also dominated by road noise, but they are not so pronounced.
VW Touareg
Volvo XC90
With the third-row seats retracted, the trunk of the Volvo is roomier. In addition, it has a convenient load divider, and when you fold the middle sofa, you get a flat floor. Both crossovers are endowed with sockets, clamps, nets, hooks and the ability to lower the body into the loading position.Dynamics: V6 vs tricky boost
The initially loud and soft winter non-studded studs definitely affected the character of Volvo Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV (Volkswagen was wearing summer Goodyear Eagle F1 SUV). But the difference in sensations from power plants you won’t write off on a raznoshinnitsa. The fact is that the Volvo SPA modular platform is simpler, in front-wheel drive: the fifth-generation BorgWarner multi-plate clutch (formerly Haldex), if necessary, supplies torque to rear wheels, the engine under the hood is transverse, and most importantly - it can only be a four-cylinder. The Swedes, however, contrived with double supercharging, thanks to the pneumatic accumulator of the turbines, removing 235 hp from a two-liter diesel engine. - not much less than the 249 horsepower of a Volkswagen three-liter V6. But, as they say in America, "No replacement for displacement" - the working volume decides. With an equal mass of about two tons, the Tuareg seriously outperforms the XC90 in terms of elasticity (600 N∙m versus 480), it sounds nicer and rides much more cheerfully: it follows the gas pedal better, the eight-speed automatic fusses less and does not stumble so often with a switch to a lower one - you can’t say that according to the passport, the “German” is ahead in acceleration to “hundreds” for just a second (6.8 versus 7.8). Volvo saves the Dynamic mode, but Volkswagen also has electronic doping on board, so the overall impression of dynamics is brighter here. Moreover, the V6, even without the start-stop system, turned out to be not much more voracious than the Swedish “four”, also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission - on average, it ate 10.4 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km against Volvo's 9.5. Unpleasantly surprised german motor except for vibrations when cold, the XC90 runs quieter and smoother after a cold start.