Two SUVs. One Summit. Volvo XC90 vs VW Touareg

This one goes beyond the executive car park. To the streets. Through the valleys. All the way to the top. 

Today we're putting two big hitters head-to-head: the Volvo XC90 and the Volkswagen Touareg.

Both are big. Both are what we’d call premium. Both have four-wheel drive. Both have enough room for the family, the luggage and probably a small garden shed.

But which one will take the crown?

Side by Side

Design & Presence

The XC90 has that classic Volvo trick of looking expensive without being all self-promotional about it. 

Clean lines, high-gloss black detailing, integrated roof rails and that unmistakable Scandinavian design appeal. It's understated, but park one outside the automatic office doors and nobody's confusing it with a hatchback.

The Touareg takes a slightly more muscular approach. It has bravado with black styling details, big proportions and a Final Edition finish give it plenty of road presence.

It's the sort of car that looks like it has somewhere important to be.

While the Volvo is effortlessly cool. The VW has a bit more "move out of my way" about it.

Winner: Touareg

Interior & Comfort

This is where both cars start throwing big hits.

The XC90 brings Volvo's signature minimalist approach, with premium Nordico quilted upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel and a Harman Kardon premium sound system with 13 speakers and 600W of power.

It's comfortable, beautifully put together and, crucially, doesn't feel like someone has thrown every possible button at the dashboard.

The Touareg goes for traditional German luxury. Varenna leather, heated multifunction sports steering wheel, panoramic sunroof and plenty of high-quality materials give it a properly premium feel. 

It's close, but the Volvo has that Scandinavian knack for making a cabin feel like somewhere you actually want to spend time. 

Winner: XC90

Space & Practicality

Here's where the XC90 has a rather large card up its sleeve.

Seven seats. That's right. The Volvo can carry seven people, making it a serious contender for bigger families or anyone who regularly needs to transport more humans than a normal SUV allows.

There's also plenty of clever storage, a load protection net, luggage compartment divider and third-row storage.

The Touareg is no slouch either. It's a large SUV with plenty of passenger and luggage space, but it's strictly a five-seater.

With more seats comes more flexibility. And more opportunities to regret offering everyone a lift.

Winner: XC90

Technology

Both cars come loaded with technology, but they approach it differently.

The XC90 brings Volvo's impressive driver-assistance package, including Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree surround-view parking camera, lane-keeping assistance, intelligent speed assistance and Volvo's Driver Understanding System. 

The Touareg counters with Park Assist, driver attention monitoring, dynamic road-sign display, multifunction camera and Volkswagen's connected services.

Both are packed with clever kit. The Volvo feels more focused on keeping you safe. The VW feels more focused on making driving easier.

Winner: Draw

Performance & Driving

Now we're moving into real car-lover territory. 

The XC90's 2.0-litre B5P produces 250PS and gets from 0–62mph in 7.7 seconds. 

But the Touareg has other ideas.

Its 3.0-litre V6 TDI produces 286PS and gets from 0–62mph in just 6.4 seconds.

For something this big, that's properly quick.

The diesel also produces the sort of effortless torque that makes long motorway journeys and heavy loads feel like child's play.

Winner: Touareg

Running Costs

This one is more complicated.

The XC90's 2.0-litre petrol engine is the more modern-feeling choice, but its official combined fuel consumption is around 30.7–32.8mpg, depending on the WLTP configuration. 

The Touareg's 3.0-litre V6 diesel returns around 33.2mpg combined on the quoted specification. 

Neither is going to win an economy rally.

These are big, powerful, premium SUVs. You don't buy one because you're passionate about hypermiling.

Winner: Touareg

Which SUV Is Best For You?

Choose the Volvo XC90 if:

• You need seven seats

• Safety is a major priority

• You love Scandinavian design

• You want a premium SUV without shouting about it

• You regularly carry family, friends or approximately half the population

• You want a refined petrol-powered SUV

Choose the Volkswagen Touareg if:

• Five seats are enough

• You want more performance

• You cover lots of motorway miles

• You like the effortless power of a V6 diesel

• You want understated German luxury

• You'd like your family SUV to be surprisingly quick

Summit-Up

The XC90 is the sophisticated Scandinavian. Safe, stylish, practical and probably already has everyone's emergency contact details saved.

The Touareg is the German powerhouse. Leather seats, V6 diesel and enough performance to make you forget you're driving something roughly the size of a small flat.

Both are excellent.

The winner depends on whether you want to arrive safely, comfortably and sensibly... or get there suspiciously quickly.

Either way, you're getting a serious amount of SUV for your monthly rental.

Click, Lease, Go!