2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners. The ID.4, based on VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, followed the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The interior combined Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-focused design, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning its looks with Nissan's new signature exterior design. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Armada featured a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED headlights and taillights, giving it a modern yet traditionally beefy appearance. Standard features included body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and an acoustic windshield. Depending on the trim, the Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch wheels, all wrapped in all-season tires. The new Nissan logo was prominently displayed on the grille, rear, steering wheel, and wheel caps. Despite the updates, the Armada retained its underbite, which aged the model compared to its redesigned competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

At launch, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, with a smooth ride over bumps and potholes but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, relying more on friction brakes to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a 5.6-liter V8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The Armada came standard with rear-wheel drive, with automatic four-wheel drive available. Despite its weight, the Armada was a capable off-roader, featuring a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and up to 9.2 inches of ground clearance. However, its fuel economy was low, with RWD models getting an EPA-estimated 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, and 4WD models getting 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. The Armada had a best-in-class towing capacity of 8,500 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, more than several EV competitors but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but its interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The center console was narrow, offering limited storage space, but the heated steering wheel and front seats were effective in maintaining cabin heat during cold weather.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, as a full-size SUV, offered ample space and practicality for families. The interior featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, though some controls were hard to reach due to the vehicle's width. Front seats were power-adjustable, with captain’s chairs available in the second row for added comfort. The third row was less comfortable for adults but usable in a pinch. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The high load floor made loading and unloading challenging for shorter individuals. Small-item storage was limited, but the center console storage bin was spacious.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 10-inch touchscreen (a 12-inch screen was optional), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster. Haptic touchpads replaced most switchgear, which proved difficult to use without tactile feedback. The natural-language voice-control system responded to the prompt “Hello ID” and allowed for easy adjustments. The ID.Light feature communicated information through a light strip at the base of the windshield. While some features seemed gimmicky, the touchscreen was well-positioned with easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with navigation, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Available features included a wireless charging pad, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, a rearview camera mirror, and a second-row entertainment system. The analog tachometer and speedometer were functional but less attractive compared to other SUVs. The steering wheel allowed for limited control of the driver information screen and some infotainment functions.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were new standard features, with Travel Assist providing automated lane centering and Emergency Assist stopping the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received a three-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking. Additional standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and rear door alert. Advanced driving assist technologies like ProPilot Assist were not available.