NEW VW Tiguan vs Volvo XC40 review - what's the best SUV? | What Car?

Is the new VW Tiguan the best SUV you can buy? Or is the Volvo XC40 still king? Watch to find out.
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[@NZsarge1]

I would say based on the video here I think they slightly over favoured the Volvo, I’d say they’re both 4 stars

[@PD-cn7xd]

I am everyday driver. A week ago I drove new Vw Tiguan 1.5etsi match edition and Volvo xc40 plus trim B3 same day almost same environment most of it city. Car specks almost same but Vw Tiguan in match edition have full electric tailgate also laminated safety glass. My quote at dealers for Volvo £39262 for Vw Tiguan £36095. After driving in city I did find Vw more engaging to drive and quarter then Volvo.A lot of noise coming from Volvos wheels but maybe this is the question of different tyres.Cabin noise definitely better suppressed in Vw. On the short test after resetting consumption dials Vw did 43miles per gallon and Volvo 32miles per gallon after test drive. And I am sorry to say because Iam not big fan of Vw in my test Vw have much better infotainment system. Three grands cheaper then Volvo. Also Vw servicing is cheaper than Volvo. Why would you say Volvo is better car?? But I am only every day driver. Also I strongly agree that previous version of Vw Tiguan was better looking.

[@vp272]

This Volvo looks great on the road. Looks have aged well due to the rugged simplicity. Previous gen Tiguan looked better than this new one

[@bThatcatfan]

They gave the backseats points to the 2 cars, the Tiguan is really known for his back seats space so the Tiguan deserves 5 points and the Volvo 4 or 3.

[@pixie706]

Amazing that knobs are still better than touch screen . couldn't agree more

[@principsus]

Why Tuguan was selected with lower trim?

[@krane15]

Those thing tested wouldn't have mattered. Except for the power lift gate. Even the highest trim still give you a steerage class rear seat. Although they are heated. Did they mention rear climate control of either cars.

[@EkeluoChukwuogor]

15:17 lovely transition 🤯

[@katowamusonda1374]

So good I didnt even notice😅

[@whatcar]

😎

[@LukaszOrlas]

Fork me all night! That’s was brilliant

[@marcorezzani1741]

Love comparative, well done!

[@indetailcarcaresolutions3770]

I’m not sure if you mentioned it, but here in Australia, when I bought my Tiguan service costs each year were 4 times more expensive for the XC40 than Tiguan. FYI, here in Australia, these manufacturers warranties are 5 years unlimited kilometres. I know it adds to the cost in the long run, but is it something as motoring journalists to start pushing with their European arms. Very satisfying. Also, Skoda now offer, across the range (which is very limited here compared to Europe) 7 years unlimited km with capped priced servicing plans of 10 years duration with free roadside assistance. Packaged in my purchase, I can sell it on if i sell my car!! Currently 5 Years remaining on all fronts and loving my Skoda Kodiaq (all are 7 seaters here) just an oversized Tiguan with a better overall, quality, features and price. Lloyd

[@wxyzpqrst]

Hi WhatCar, kudos for an excellent comparison review as always. Could you kindly do something similar with your 2 favourite mid-sized SUVs, i.e XC40 vs Kia Sportage? I am torn between the two. Family is gradually increasing and I need a practical, reliable, economical SUV for long term. Thanks in advance :)

[@bThatcatfan]

Love the VW Tiguan.

[@gavinsmith9016]

We looked at all of the VW Group variants of the Tiguan plus the Volvo XC40, XC60, BMW X1 and the Mercedes. We have one family car, and my Wife drives the most out of the two of us, so essentially if she didn't like a make/model for any reason it was out - whatever the reason. And that's exactly the choice that we came down to. Our final two was the XC40 vs Tiguan. We chose the XC40.

[@bThatcatfan]

The Tiguan is way better for a family and more practical, so the Tiguan is better in your case.

[@gavinsmith9016]

@@bThatcatfan lol

[@krane15]

@@bThatcatfan The XC40 has a higher quality interior. But the VW is more practical e.g. fuel economy, cargo, rear seat space.

[@oaip1878]

Wrong choice, vw in r-line version got better materials and is significantly bigger and cheaper to run and service

[@gavinsmith9016]

@@oaip1878 That would be your choice based upon your budget, likes/tastes, requirements and so forth. For example the comparative size of the two vehicles was not an issue for us. We felt the interior, exterior and ride was better with the XC40, and so forth. If we all felt the same way we'd all drive the same cars. The VW was very good. It all comes down to personal choice, taste and budget.

[@vhol93]

Great video!

[@disarchitected]

Love the XC40. Took it on an extended test drive. Quiet, smooth, comfortable. Was even quite fun to drive for what it was. Only had a couple of weaknesses. A compromised rear bench, shrunken and upright compared to the full sized rear bench in a XC60. The steering might as well be a Sega video game controller, it lacked any feel. However, preferred it overall to the Kia Sportage which is currently Whatcar’s class champ. It had that sense of all rounded rightness that is missing in most cars, I think only the Golf Mk7.5 had a similar vibe, out of the cars I’ve tried. At the end of the day ended up in a Peugeot 3008, because the monthlies on it were the lowest by a significant margin. It’s not as good as the Sportage nor XC40. It suits my daily needs really well, but lacks that sense of rightness, I won’t be sorry to see it go.

[@theanswer1993]

Dacia Duster 2024 is the best. 520 liters of boot space, mild hybrid with 5,5 liters of consumption and extra heated seats, steering wheel and windshield for 25k. You can't get better than this.

[@guinnessharvey4476]

My self esteem isn’t high enough to buy a Dacia.

[@aye3678]

Poor crash test results though.

[@theanswer1993]

@@aye3678 It hasn't even been tested yet

[@theanswer1993]

@@guinnessharvey4476 That's your problem.

[@Sevan59]

@@guinnessharvey4476so your self esteem is too low , you mean that ?

[@georgekoumen3865]

If you travel 900 km in the XC 40 back seat tell me that there is a match. Also if you have a disabled kid check how you get in and out of the VOLVO. Not to mention the claustrophobic feeling into the Geely back seat. Not fair not professional comparison.

[@ManoelDanov]

Such a bad test - VW is bigger, cheaper, and costs less to own. Comparing leasing as a cost measurement is lame. Where does Volvo have more equipment than the 2024 VW Tiguan, so it takes more stars? Measure everything about the car, dimensions, and ground clearance. Compare similar trim levels. The life trim is very basic compared to the higher trims, which are better value. And finally you are saying they 6-7 years old car cannot compare with new cars in safety test, but since there is no test of the Tiguan yet, - the cars have equal stars - absurd. Rerun your tests and do not lie to your viewers.

[@erichweggelaar1320]

I couldn't agree more

[@johnwhite5318]

It would be nice to see a similar comparison with the new Tiguan R Line model

[@erhanozdal7930]

🫵🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Jmy777]

The R Line looks Completely different

[@george_ts]

@@Jmy777 I did test drive here in Switzerland the R line 2.0 tdi 4motion full specked with DCC pro leather seats massage+ cooling Seats and so on. the higher spec tiguan feels way more upmarket then the XC40 not to mention the DCC pro with its 2 valve system makes huge difference in the riding comfort and that was with 20 inch wheels . I am waiting for the 2.0 Petrol 265HP version of the tiguan.

[@krane15]

Yeah, but the Volvo has a higher spec as well.

[@beautyofnature4890]

Great video thank you so much..could you please review hybrid small suv like kona juke yaris cross honda hrv .. it's gonna be great comparison

[@jkkchow74]

0:08 Gave me a fright there... Thought you killed Will there... Good review but an unusual comparison. Different class there

[@kinansleiman1060]

Great comparison Keep doing great work

[@whatcar]

Thanks, will do!

[@davedaggitt6926]

great review...XC40 has become the car to go for in all aspects, quality always wins..I will be looking at that car for my next change

[@iiwaasnet]

I hope they will allow more features to be controlled with the dial by future software updates...

[@krane15]

Thing is, once you go beyond two it gets confusing. What I would like to see is a SAVE customer feature with all the seating, comforts setting all save under individual user name.

[@guinnessharvey4476]

The only deal breaker for me is how comfortable the ride is. It’s now easily the most important thing in a car other than price for me. I like riding on 15s and high wall tyres:)

[@grassyknoll9647]

The cars aren’t the same trim! So not the greatest test!

[@Marc-fr6ls]

Nice review. Very professional. Easy for me to understand as a non native speaker. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@paultasker7788]

2.0 litre is a definite plus for the volvo. The 1.5 in VW will have to work much harder especially when fully loaded. I've got the 1.5 in a mark 7 golf estate and i agree it's a bit coarse and loud when revved. Good in everyday use but not an engine to enjoy revving out. If the extra weight of the Tiguan means it has to rev higher to keep up that won't be very nice. The extra sophistication from having an engine with more torque is nice in the volvo.

[@krane15]

Tiguan has 5 engine configurations.

[@franga7870]

Awesome guys keep up

[@erics2147]

With the current state of the roads it would be nice to know if either car has a spare wheel - I suspect neither has which is a bit of a worry in rural Wiltshire where huge potholes and corrugated surfaces are common.

[@omenz878]

It is available on tiguan as a cheap option.

[@zarodkiewicz]

You guys need to chill a bit more. You look so tense. I know its a car review but it would be better to make the experience better than an excel spreadsheet.

[@autoenthusiastindia1365]

Is yhe interior quality of the new Tiguan a step down from the previous gen?

[@grassyknoll9647]

No

[@davisko007]

No

[@krane15]

Actually, its a step up. The ergo-active seats are far superior.

[@christof72]

Literally trying to decide between these 2 a the moment, so a very useful review. For me, the only significant advantage that the Tiguan has is the bigger boot and sliding rear seats. Other than that the XC40 is the clear winner.

[@whatcar]

Glad we could help!

[@erichweggelaar1320]

There is only one winner when considering total ownership experience. Car reviewers are like beauty pageant judges. They look at first appearance and totally disregard living with a model on a daily basis. VW has economy of scale. Dealership presence. Reliability. Resale value just to mention a few. Volvo on the other hand, you will have a car with good interior but fixing the car will cause unavoidable cash flow problems. Then that perceived quality means absolutely nothing.

[@adamerdgas5188]

XC40 has fixed rear head restraints which makes installation of many child seats virtually impossible. It is a reason why I chose BMW X3 over XC40

[@graemetaylor629]

New car prices are ridiculous but if people are prepared to pay it they will charge it

[@krane15]

Bu used. Get the last generation Tiguan.

[@keithlivingstone2525]

Just sold my 2nd Gen Tig last week. Had it nearly 4 years and whilst I never had an issue with it it was just a little boring. I replaced it with a Q4 and one annoying thing about that….the haptic steering wheel buttons 😂

[@krane15]

They're being phased out. At least on the steering wheel. Not sure in the HVAC will be physical.

[@Cooplix101]

You should have compared the updated Life Plus trim as a basic not this one which has glass isolation and electric tailgate etc at the same pricing as the base. Major mistake. Plus xc40 is not in Tiguan's segment.

[@MrKristb17]

I dont think he was very impressed with the “blow your mind” volume control lol 😅

[@MisterTee]

Wouldn’t it be more fair to select a Tiguan with a higher trim package?

[@andrewwheeler8591]

Changing my Q3 35tfsi black for the XC40 in this test, B3 plus dark. Think that'll do 👌

[@alterbridgebrad]

Tiguan R-Line for me, thanks!

[@JoziGB]

07:15 is me every time I see someone I met 7 months ago (Acting as though it’s the first time I’m seeing them) Reference to WhatCar Tiguan review from 7 months ago

[@CATCHMOUSKY1949]

Such a shame Volvo still doesn’t have wireless CarPlay in this day and age it should have,

[@NordicGroove]

The Volvo is a smaller car. It's almost 12 cm shorter. They are not comparable if you ask me. That's because people will take the decision of which to buy based on size and then nothing else will matter.

[@DavidSmith-eh9im]

Why mix litres and miles?

[@lammiwinks3775]

The Volvo's brilliant they've just really screwed the pooch with not updating the interface on its infotainment despite it supposedly being evergreen with OTA updates! Looks so dated and they've now started replacing it with a new one (see ex30).

[@Jmy777]

Ridiculous comparison, at least do the comparison on price. Go to any Volvo dealer and they are jam packed with pre-registered models that are not selling. The future value will suffer, the VW will not. Reliability, Volvo 22 out of 34 and a guess the new Tiguan will be bottom half, you sound like politicians.

[@jamiep61]

VW is the best 😊

[@stevegiovs8786]

Ma per piacere, come si può dire che la qualità degli interni è migliore nella Volvo quando, per esempio, le mancano le maniglie passeggeri posteriori!. Mancanza assolutamente non perdonabile visto il prezzo e il segmento drl modello. E poi avete scelto il modello Life della Tiguan. Con il modello Elegance non ci sarebbe nemneno stato da discutere: vittoria Tiguan senza discussioni.

[@Whatshisname346]

Residuals on the Volvo are also really good. Which is wild given the age of the design. The VW will probably struggle to maintain its value as well as the Volvo.

[@CKGoldiing]

Go on, lads 🏆

[@Benny8940]

Another biased review. Made up their minds before they started.

[@ThrottleBody]

In what way?

[@iiwaasnet]

It's a difficult choice: Volvo is more comfortable to drive, but long trips would probably not be appreciated by the rear sitting passengers. And the other way around for VW

[@george_ts]

You need to test drive the tiguan with the new DCC pro (i have done so) (its a new 2 valve system) makes huge difference in the ride quality

[@george_ts]

Oh and their new Ergo Seats with massage and cooling way more comfortable (for me at least) then the volvo (maybe it has todo that the new tiguan shares the same platform as the new Passat)

[@alextoft9199]

I really didn't like anything about the XC40 on the drive. I can't remember the spec because it left no positive impression on me. The engine was weedy, slow and noisy. Gearbox was poor compared to DSG, and the cabin noise was bad. Worst of all though, utterly dull. Driving experience a good replacement for sleeping tablets.

[@mrgr]

Volvo needs to update their line. They look the same for years

[@rosswhittleton6277]

Prefer the Volvo but who makes their engines these days?

[@HS-yz7ui]

Xc40 all the way.

[@Allanhyde264]

More VWF cost cutting. Buttons cost money. They have to give you a screen nowadays so putting button features into the screen is a backward step

[@krane15]

Except Mercedes does it too. Who cuts cost on an S-Class?

[@Allanhyde264]

@@krane15 you are 100% correct

[@kevindreyer6710]

You guys, favour the Volvo.. The Tiguan is abetter car for me I still drive the first gen tiguan its still brilliant

[@user-pb7xf8dr9j]

In what world looks the Volvo interior more plush?

[@willielarsson9651]

Hard plastic door trim on a vw at this price point..im afraid VW is taking the pi55

[@spughatti]

00:08 me after looking at the BMW i3

[@svgnxx]

Lazy comparison. What is the point of comparing mid level trim to base level trim? At least make the effort to research what VW offers in other trims and as an optional packages.

[@mda5003]

Indicators and wipers together on the left-hand stalk - not a good idea VW and putting the gear selector on the steering wheel to free up space for what? A volume knob! Useless as there's a volume control on the steering wheel - with buttons!

[@krane15]

I agree with the clean space. Although VW doesn't make the best use of it. I would prefer the driving profile there instead of in the infotainment. Those things you need to hit instantly, without have to go through a menu.

[@wayneoxborough351]

Is the Tiguan leaving a vapourtrail at 3.40? WTF?

[@nomkhoziluphoko992]

Volvo is the beat and looks good too, makes you look and feel like a billionaire #Volvo

[@rupertbeehsley1680]

No adaptive cruise control, no deal. Tiguan for me.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

I’d not call them Family SUVs. More like compact SUVs. You’d want something bigger for families. XC60 would be closer to a Family SUV.

[@krane15]

A small family, bub.

[@citynomad13]

The cars are not comparable in size.

[@krane15]

Yes, they are. The exact same class: compact SUV.

[@neilrushworth5958]

The "old" Tiguan looks better ,inside and out.

[@krane15]

No it doesn't. The materials are a step above the outgoing model.

[@Gioamor99]

@@krane15 He did not talk about the materials, but about the looks!

[@urbanstrencan]

Volvo wins for me on design 😊❤

[@krane15]

Its a higher line. But it also cost more too.

[@mattleistner313]

Your conclusions are via biased and not very objective at all! Im pretty sure that the Tiguan also drives better and with more comfort if you take the DCC. XC40 is never a 5 star against the Tiguan.

[@mitchreeves1]

I saw a new Tiguan on the road yesterday and I couldn't believe how cheap and bland it looks. The previous model looks way better.

[@krane15]

That's because the final model always has all the bell and whistles by the time it ends production.

[@oaip1878]

Because you have seen lower trim new tiguan with top trim old one, wait for r-line which looks way better than this basic version

[@TheHutchRuns]

Think the old Tiguan looked better personally

[@huss1205]

Don't buy Volvo XC40, buy Lynk&Co 01 instead. Same platform, PHEV, with more than 70km of EV range, fully loaded, and cheaper...

[@aXimo]

Did you actually placed a Volvo next to a VW...

[@rafalmlynarczyk6279]

Why would you compare those two cars when the Tiguan is much bigger vehicle

[@krane15]

Because they're both in the compact SUV class.

[@Chris-fx6np]

I have to say, the Skoda Karoq and Kodiaq are far superior. I swapped my BMW x1 for the Skoda karoq. My X1 I chose because it was superior to the volvo and vw in 2020 in my opinion

[@hakanake]

Is your Karoq a fwd 1.5 tsi or a 4x4 ?

[@Chris-fx6np]

@@hakanake fwd 1.5 tsi

[@hakanake]

@@Chris-fx6np Did you experience any booming cabin noise from the suspension when going over imperfect roads or potholes? It is commonly mentioned in reviews e.g. by "what car" and "car expert".

[@Chris-fx6np]

@hakanake no absolutely nothing, the Karoq has the comfiest seats I've ever had in a vehicle including my GLE 350. The cabin is extremely quiet and it drives fantastically, road condition permitting obviously. Honestly I never thought I would buy a skoda or non luxury vehicle but the karoq has absolutely changed my mind mate

[@doktor80]

Volvo xc40!!!

[@sjh7880]

I’m currently driving a Volvo XC40. The Tiguan is loads better.

[@Whoyouare-zl6ro]

What a coincidence! I’m going to test both new Tiguan and xc40 tomorrow! But xc40 is chf10k more expensive than new Tiguan although xc40 offers 5 years free service and warranty in Switzerland but vw only 2 years warranty…

[@george_ts]

This test is Garbage to say the least. I am also living in switzerland and have test driven both. I do not share their opinion. First they test the basic Tiguan spec (and motor) with a Mid tier specked XC40 to make it a valid test you need to have both at the same trim level. I have driven the Tiguan TDI 191 4motion R-Line full specked with all bells and whistles, (most noticeable where the R Line Ergo Leather seats with Massage and cooling (very comfortable for long rides) their New HUD the full noise Insulation 15 inch Info system and most important the DCC pro (the pro is a newer Gen 2 valve system) the DCC is a must makes huge difference in ride comfort. I will order the same spec but waiting for the new 2.0 265 petrol. And one more the New tiguan is based on the same platform as the new Passat.

[@oaip1878]

You better choose tiguan otherwise you will be regretting

[@vincentcheng5709]

That new Tiguan is ugly. Sorry VW needs a new design chief😢

[@MrAndinho1]

It doesn't look anywhere near as good as the old Tiguan

[@neuro.weaver]

The previous Tiguan was several steps up. This one is so bland and ugly, it fell off the ladder.

[@grassyknoll9647]

It’s the lower trim level tho with the vw!

[@omenz878]

As the owner of the previous tiguan, I can say it is not. The base spec of the previous tiguan was terrible if you compare it to this new one.

[@vladmihai306]

xc40 is kinda getting long in the tooth...it's a 2017 car basically, so i would not even look at it

[@Megaice1809]

Volvo cant rival olie cars Volvo dont makes now oile since 2021 Volvo rival is ID4 Model Y with EX40 (old XC40)

[@Kurre.]

Olie?

[@Kurre.]

Gas/petrol?

[@Megaice1809]

@@Kurre. yes

[@Kurre.]

@@Megaice1809 Volvo still produces the XC40 alongside the EX40

[@Megaice1809]

@@Kurre. in my counter we can only buy Electric SUV and XC60 XC90 XC40 is only available Electric (EX40) (Denmark) V ans S no longer Available Only EX and some XC

[@josemj9415]

vw best car❤

[@erichweggelaar1320]

Fully agree

[@brianallan9035]

An odd choice of vehicles to compare.

[@royed31]

On the whole , for families , MPVs are far better than SUVs .

[@Natscha]

I like the Volvo more!

[@MrMarcob73]

VW designers were drunk, when they create this new Tiguan. Design wise they are completely off. Look like 2017 car of the year Volvo xc40 is more modern and sofisticated in terms of design that a new Tiguan.

[@Jmy777]

The r line looks fantastic, got to agree on the others though

[@timjenkins8538]

Can’t beat those Volvo seats! Not a fan of having a tiny 1.5L VW engine in such a large car

[@kellypaws]

There seemed to be no quantitative assessment of the fact that the Volvo looks stylish and attractive (for an SUV). The VW looks like an amorphous, featureless, bland blob of tramp’s dung.

[@whatcar]

We don’t award marks for styling in our reviews. That’s because it’s such a subjective area - some people love the looks of cars that others hate. We stick to the objective areas and allow buyers to make their own minds up about looks. Hope this helps.

[@kellypaws]

@@whatcar Whilst I respect the stance, and very definitely the professionalism of your reviews (10/10) I very much doubt anyone could genuinely find the VW attractive.

[@oaip1878]

Tiguan won easily for me, volvo is overrated

[@thebigcheese6606]

Pay 36k but then worried about the petrol price😅

[@hlapanesello]

Volvo always Volvo guys Tiguan big no maybe Audi yes.

[@buck3103]

xc60 is the tiguan rival

[@EV6-Gear]

How can you compare the box xc40 against Tiguan. The xc60 is smaller than Tiguan.

[@disarchitected]

This is wrong. Look up their dimensions.

[@EV6-Gear]

Sorry inside it is smaller everyway. I tried both.

[@Kurre.]

@@EV6-Gearthe Volvo is tight because it has thicker doors! That’s why they had be industry leading side crash protection

[@EV6-Gear]

Ahhh would you cop on

[@oaip1878]

​@@Kurre.Lol, who cares when is smaller and a lot more expensive

[@ThrottleBody]

VW have forgotten who they are

[@disarchitected]

They had to cut back investment to pay for Dieselgate, so their own fault really.

[@ThrottleBody]

@@disarchitected true, but even then, the direction they decided to go on isn’t related to money issues alone. The ID range, for example. I can’t remember the last time where the previous generation vehicles are a better quality product than the current gen.

[@krane15]

@@disarchitected That's the last thing they need to do. Selling half backed cars will turn people off even more. What they should do instead is reduce all the redundant models, and concentration on just the flagship cars, like Chrysler did back in the 1980s. They put everything in a single chassis -- the K-car.

[@ThrottleBody]

@@krane15 what do you mean by flagship cars exactly?

[@barozanul2]

Dacia Duster