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Volkswagen Tiguan Vs Land Rover Freelander Vs Volvo XC60

Volvo’s XC60 DRIVe joins a new breed of eco-branded compact SUVs. We test its green credentials as it meets key rivals from Land Rover and VW. Which gets our vote?

August 2009

The last decade has been a rollercoaster ride for SUVs. Sales rocketed at the end of the Nineties, but rising fuel costs and increasing environmental concerns have hit registrations in the past year.

However, manufacturers are fighting back with a new crop of ‘green’ models that promises to win over customers. In the past, the idea of SUVs being branded with eco-themed badges would have seemed ridiculous; now, it’s almost essential to boost sales.

First up is Volvo’s XC60 DRIVe. The latest addition to the Swedish firm’s green range features a five-cylinder 173bhp diesel and promises low CO2 emissions of 159g/km. Impressive stuff, but to achieve this figure it sacrifices four-wheel drive – power is sent to the front tyres only.

That’s not a compromise made by Land Rover’s Freelander TD4_e, which retains its superb off-road ability. It delivers reduced carbon output and better economy by using stop-start technology.

Even so, on paper, it isn’t as clean as our final contender: the lighter, more compact Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 140. It doesn’t wear any eco-friendly badging, but emits a mere 167g/km.

So, which of our trio is the best choice for off-roader buyers with one eye on the environment?

For an alternative review of the latest Volvo XC60 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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2 Comments

Why do you not compare these models with the new Subaru Forester Diesel? I would suggest that it is better than these in terms of off-roading and possibly power / eco-friendly - and not to mention reliability!

By DaveMacKintosh1 on 10 September, 2009, 9:41am

Tired of these 4x4 comparisons

You simply dont need 4x4 in everyday use. Yes agricultural workers and those who work and live in environments that require rugged vehicles will require such as car

However to punish a car that doesnt have 4x4 is pointless, especially as it wont go off-road. Why have it in the group test then ?.

I would have to discount the Freelander straight off as its built for off-roading first. The Tiguan and XC60 are simply taller estate and hatchback cars with a rugged look. These softer SUV's dont look to climb a curb let alone a rutted field. For most of us you really dont need 4x4 everyday it just unnecessary.

I'm fed up of reading reviews where these SUV's
have their off-road capabilities measured. Todays SUV's, including the X5's, the M-Class's and all those smart looking softer 4x4's like the Tiguan, Kuga etc simply do not need to have their 4x4 credentials shown as most of us run between the School and Tesco's. Who really cares if the XC60 has 4 Wheel drive of not.

If after reading this review knowing that everyone has a 4x4 and that we all live in a tree on a very steep hill then I could discount the XC60, however given that the XC60 has best MPG here and offers the highest power output and is the quicklest as well as being the newest model here, then I'd have to give the No 1 spot to the Volvo.

If its a price thing, well lets take out the Tiguan from this group test as its in a different league..

Surely given our current climate all we are bothered about is :

Whats its mpg/CO2?,
how nice does it look?
how practical is it?
how in fashion is it?
How Comfortable is it?
and maybe(at a stretch) how good does it handle on the road?....

Please stop this nonsensical chat about 4x4 performance. Leave that to farmers weekly.

A pretty frustrated

Steve, Notts

By Sunstone on 17 September, 2009, 10:14am

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Full Car Reviews

1st VW Tiguan TDI 140 SE

The smallest and cheapest car here makes a strong case for itself

2nd Land Rover Freelander TD4_e HSE

Stop-start system promises to revolutionise 4x4 favourite

3rd Volvo XC60 DRIVe SE Lux

SUV has lost its 4WD in pursuit of low emissions. Is it a step too far?
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

So, which is the eco-friendly king of this trio? Well, the Volvo has incredibly low emissions, so if CO2 output is your only concern it should be the winner. We’re looking for the best all-round green SUV in this test, though.

The XC60 has a high-quality cabin, smart styling and punchy performance, while a large boot and class-leading safety make it the sensible choice. But its low emissions come at the expense of all-wheel drive, and the sloppy manual box, vague steering and harsh ride mean it finishes third.

Land Rover’s Freelander is a far more versatile SUV that blends genuine mud-plugging ability with strong road manners, and has a great cabin. Yet even with a stop-start system, it emits the most CO2 here. The car remains our class favourite, but it isn’t green enough to take victory.

The Tiguan is not only smaller and lighter than its rivals, it’s also cleaner than the Land Rover and has more true off-road ability than the Volvo.

To top things off, it recorded the best economy, has the strongest residuals and is the cheapest car to buy. If you’re in the market for an eco-friendly SUV, look no further.

 * 1ST:
VW Tiguan
The Tiguan doesn’t wear any eco branding, but it averaged impressive fuel economy here, thanks to a lighter kerbweight and more compact dimensions than its opponents. Car-like to drive, and with a surprisingly versatile cabin, it takes the win.

 * 2nd:
LR Freelander
Fitting Stop/Start technology has lowered emissions and improved economy, without sacrificing any of the Land Rover’s legendary off-road ability. However, it’s pricey in this company and still produces the most CO2 of our test trio.

 * 3rd:
Volvo XC60
You have to hand it to Volvo: the XC60 DRIVe delivers both the strongest performance and lowest emissions, but at what price? With a lack of four-wheel drive, it falls short in this SUV encounter. Truly green buyers would be just as well served by a conventional estate.

 
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