Volkswagen Touareg vs Volvo XC90 comparison

When the buyer has more than 4 million rubles at his disposal, it is tempting to buy one of the representatives of the elite crossover category.

These include the latest versions of Volvo's XC90 and Volkswagen's Touareg.

These are two large, roomy and very expensive crossovers. But which of them is better, has to be decided within the framework of the comparative analysis. The final decision is in any case made by the buyer.

General technical information

Volkswagen in March 2018 presented the third generation of its mid-size crossover. This is an exclusively all-wheel drive car, which has improved in all respects in comparison with its predecessor. But now the model can no longer be called an SUV. This is a real SUV.

The Touareg is built on the modular MLB Evo platform. The engine is located longitudinally. 52% of the body consists of high-strength steel, and another 48% of aluminum.

The suspension is fully independent as standard, with hydraulic shock absorbers, anti-roll bars and springs. Ahead is a double wishbone system, and a multi-link architecture at the back. But for a surcharge, you can get pneumatic struts.

The steering gear is rack and pinion, but has an adaptive electric power steering. All brakes are disc and ventilated.

The second generation Volvo XC90 has front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The model was presented in August 2014, and by 2019 the car went through a planned small upgrade. Moreover, the changes mainly affected the front of the car and partly the interior. Plus, they introduced new hybrid technologies.

The Swedes used a completely new SPA platform to create their mid-size premium crossover. It served as the basis for the creation of a number of new products from Volvo.

Front and rear independent suspension is made of aluminum with steel subframes. At the front are double wishbones, and at the rear are a multi-link system with a transverse leaf spring. Optionally, the suspension can be pneumatic, where the ground clearance changes automatically depending on the current situation on the road or the control mode selected by the driver.

The brakes are disc and reinforced, but only the front ventilated. The steering gear is made in a rack and pinion type, supplemented by an electro-hydraulic amplifier, capable of changing the operating mode, adapting to the current road situation.

Exterior and dimensions

Externally, the Swedish crossover looks modern, catchy, sometimes brutal. The rear part seems quite heavy, but this problem is solved by smooth lines and optics.

Volvo worked on the design in its own corporate style, so fans of this brand will definitely appreciate the exterior solutions.

Dimensions fully correspond to the class of mid-size SUVs:

• length 4950 mm .;
• width 2140 mm .;
• height 1775 mm .;
• wheelbase 2984 mm.;
• ground clearance from 227 to 267 mm.

In the usual version of the suspension, the ground clearance is standard, and is constant 238 mm. But if you take pneumatics, then the clearance can vary from 227 to 267 mm.

The new Volkswagen Touareg can be characterized as brutal, austere and monumental. The car corresponds to its status as a flagship in the lineup. Moreover, the proportions of the body are maintained better than that of the competitor.

As for the dimensions, the Touareg has them:

• length 4878 mm .;
• width 1984 mm.;
• height 1702 mm .;
• wheelbase 2895 mm.;
• ground clearance from 195 to 290 mm.

Like the XC90, the Touareg crossover can be equipped with air suspension. With it, the ground clearance varies from 195 to 290 mm. With a conventional suspension, the clearance is always the same at 220 mm.

Interior and luggage compartment

There is no need to talk about the quality of materials, finish, fit of parts and assembly. These are premium crossovers where everything is done at the highest level.

But in terms of the interior, it is worth giving preference to the XC90. The car is better and more beautifully equipped in the basic version, the car looks more solid and expensive inside. Volkswagen was somewhat greedy about equipping starter kits. But this can be explained by the difference in price.

Another advantage of the Volvo XC90 is the fact that the interior can optionally have 3 rows of seats. The Touareg has only 2 rows of seats.

With 7 seats, the Volvo crossover holds 368 liters in the luggage compartment. If there are only 2 rows, then the trunk volume will be 613 liters up to the glazing level. By lowering the rear sofa, you get 1,889 liters of free loading space.

The Touareg has a boot capacity of 810 liters. The back row folds down and the volume more than doubles.

Motors, gearboxes and their capabilities

The confrontation between the Volvo XC90 VS Volkswagen Touareg is gaining momentum. Next we have technical specifications.

If you look into the engine compartment of two cars, you can draw certain conclusions. No, it will not decide the outcome of the Touareg VS Volvo XC90 fight, but it will bring some potential buyers closer to making a decision.

For the Russian market, the German mid-size crossover is offered with 3 motors.

• As standard, the car is equipped with a 2.0-liter TSI gasoline engine with a turbine. It produces 249 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque. The top speed here is 225 km / h. Acceleration to hundreds takes 6.8 seconds. On a combined cycle, the car consumes 8.2 liters of fuel.
• An alternative to the initial gasoline internal combustion engine is a 6-cylinder 3.0-liter turbodiesel. It is capable of delivering the same 249 horsepower, but already 600 Nm of torque. With this diesel engine, the Touareg can accelerate to 230 km / h, gaining the first hundred in 6.8 seconds. Passport fuel consumption is 7.1 liters per 100 km. paths.
• The top trim is offered with a turbocharged 3.0-liter TSI. At the output, the motor has 340 horsepower and 440 Nm. With such an internal combustion engine, the car can accelerate to 250 km / h, exchanging the first hundred in 5.9 seconds. In this case, the average consumption will be at the level of 9.1 liters.

There is no need to choose a gearbox and drive. All engines are offered only with an all-wheel drive system and an 8-speed torque converter automatic. Four-wheel drive is implemented on a multi-plate clutch. The system automatically distributes traction between the front and rear wheels. Up to 70% of the power can be transferred forward, and up to 80% back.

Making a comparison between the Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC90 crossovers, it is imperative to look under the hood of the Swedish flagship.

This premium SUV is actually offered with 2 motors. But each of them has 2 degrees of forcing.

• The first diesel has 2.0 liters of volume and is turbocharged. It generates 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.
• The same diesel engine is boosted to 235 hp. from. and 480 Nm.
• The petrol unit has 2.0 liters and is turbocharged. The top version has a drive compressor. In the first degree of forcing, there is 249 liters. and 350 Nm.
• The most powerful version has 320 horses and 400 Nm.

All engines, except for the weakest diesel, are offered with four-wheel drive on a multi-plate clutch and an 8-speed automatic. For the 190-horsepower diesel engine, there is no alternative front-wheel drive.

Acceleration from zero to hundreds takes from 6.5 to 9.2 seconds. The maximum speed is within 205-230 kilometers per hour. Diesel engines consume 5.2-5.8 liters per 100 km. Driving on gasoline internal combustion engines will require 7.6-8.0 liters per 100 km. paths.

You can make a choice based on what is the priority of the buyer. If dynamics and speed are in the first place, then the Volkswagen Touareg is the favorite. If the car enthusiast is ready to sacrifice a little dynamics, but get more efficiency, then the Volvo XC90 comes out on top.

Cross-country ability and handling

Despite its mid-size dimensions and impressive ground clearance, which can vary over a wide range on air suspension, the cars in question should not be perceived as off-road vehicles.

The gearbox is automatic, there are no transfer cases and a downshift. Yes, the Touareg and XC90 can go through rather difficult obstacles, but their main element is still the city and light off-road in the form of dirt and a country road.

The Volkswagen Touareg has received a special solution in the form of active stabilizers, which improve the crossover's behavior on asphalt road sections. This makes city driving really smooth, stable and accurate. The car easily enters corners, maneuvers without problems in conditions of heavy traffic, despite its dimensions.

This is where the Volvo feels heavier and heavier. This is a kind of cruiser that is not designed for active maneuvering. In this regard, the Germans have done a little better. Although in terms of cross-country ability, it is the XC90 that should be the leader.

Depending on the planned operating conditions, you can decide which is better to choose - Volvo XC90 or Volkswagen Touareg.

Safety

For motorists who are planning a rather financially serious purchase in the form of a new premium crossover, it is very important to compare the proposed options and decide what will be better in the end, not only in terms of characteristics, but also in terms of safety.

If we take the top-end configurations, then here you can put a sign of approximate equality with a slight superiority of the Swedish automaker. Yet they are more serious about equipping their cars with advanced technology.

As standard, Volvo is back at the top. More airbags, a wide range of different assistants and assistants.

But if we talk about the overall safety performance, then here the cars are equally good. This is clearly demonstrated by the results of crash tests carried out by Euro NCAP. Both crossovers received a maximum 5 stars.

But here it is important to make one amendment. The Touareg rated driver and adult passenger, child and pedestrian safety at 89%, 86% and 72%, respectively. Similar estimates for XC90 were 97, 87 and 72%

In the basic configuration, Volvo's safety devices score 94% in the Euro NCAP tests, while Volkswagen has only 81%.

In the final confrontation of cars for safety, the Volvo XC90 wins.

Service costs

Buying even used crossovers of such a level as the Volkswagen Touareg or Volvo XC90, you should definitely not count on cheap service.

If we compare the cars in terms of maintenance, maintenance and repair costs, then the Swedish crossover will cost more. The cost of consumables and spare parts is high, and the prices for the work carried out are higher. Volkswagen is much more democratic in this regard.

Options and prices

In the Russian market, the Volkswagen Touareg has 4 levels of equipment:

• Respect at a price of 3.5 million rubles.
• Business with a minimum price tag of 3.7 million rubles.
• Exclusive for at least 4.26 million.
• R-Line for 4.8 million rubles from the start.

The cost of purchasing a Volvo XC90 will be slightly higher.

In total, 3 configurations are provided for this crossover from the Swedish manufacturer:

• Momentum for at least 4 million rubles.
• Inscription for 4.35 million rubles.
• R-Desing. Such a complete set will cost at least 4.5 million rubles.

Just keep in mind that the most complete and rich equipment of the Touarega will cost the buyer about 5.5 million rubles. At the same time, prices for Volvo XC90 are approaching the 7 million mark without any problems.

Who to give preference to

Now the potential buyer will have to make a decision and determine what to choose among the presented mid-size crossovers of the premium segment.

At its core, the Volvo XC90 is richer, more expensive and more solid. Yet Volkswagen has not yet managed to go beyond its capabilities and leave its comfort zone. German crossovers are not perceived in the same way as the same developments of the level of Infiniti, Lexus or Volvo. These are more down-to-earth machines oriented to a wide range of consumers. Even the flagship Touareg has remained the same.

If you are looking for status, 7-seater saloon and fantastic safety, choose Volvo. It's a decent but expensive car. For the price and for the service.

If comfort, city driving, a spacious trunk, good dynamics and a decent level of economy with extremely high safety indicators are a priority, it is better to take a Volkswagen Touareg for less money.