2022 Nissan Armada vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

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 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its crossover classification, 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 2022 Nissan Armada, originally launched as the Pathfinder Armada in 2004, was closely related to the Nissan Titan pickup and the international Nissan Patrol SUV. By 2017, production moved to Japan, and the Armada became a cousin to the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV. The Armada was undeniably large, measuring 208.9 inches in length, 75.8 inches in height, and 79.9 inches in width, with a ground clearance of 9.1-9.2 inches. Its exterior featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents. The Armada was available in seven colors, with wheel sizes ranging from 18 inches on the base models to 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels on the Platinum trim. The large wheels complemented the SUV’s size, adding a touch of sparkle to its robust appearance.

At launch, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured 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 (RWD) Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4’s RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered increased power and traction. However, the ID.4 was tuned more for comfort than sporty performance, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for deceleration.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It was available in RWD and 4WD configurations, both using a seven-speed automatic transmission. The RWD models had an EPA rating of 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined, while the 4WD versions achieved 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway/15 mpg combined. Despite its weight of 5,650 to 6,034 pounds, the Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds. The SUV’s four-wheel independent suspension provided a controlled ride, even on rough roads. The Armada’s brakes, including 13.8-inch vented discs and a four-wheel/four-channel/four-sensor anti-lock system, effectively managed its substantial mass.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, more than several EV rivals but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk), prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious from the driver’s seat, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the narrow center console. Standard heated steering wheel and front seats helped maintain cabin warmth efficiently.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight people comfortably. The first row featured bucket seats with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and six-way for the passenger, both with power lumbar support. The second row offered a 60/40-split bench seat or optional captain's chairs with a removable center console. The third-row bench seat could accommodate three passengers and had power folding and reclining options. The Armada’s cargo capacity was impressive, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The SUV included nine cupholders, four bottle holders, and numerous storage cubbies. A power liftgate was standard on higher trims, aiding access to the tall rear.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most physical controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with intuitive menus and smart graphics.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured NissanConnect technology with a 12.3-inch color touchscreen in a horizontal orientation, allowing for customizable split-screen options. Standard tech included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging (except on the base model), navigation, hands-free text messaging, and a rear-view monitor. The audio system varied by trim, with the base S model having a basic setup and the SL and Platinum trims boasting a Bose system with 13 speakers. All models included multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The Platinum trim also offered a Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation 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. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, which could stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360 with high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent lane intervention, and rear-door alert. The Armada also offered an intelligent rear-view mirror with a high-resolution camera view. Standard airbags included dual-stage front, front-seat-mounted side impact, and roof-mounted curtain airbags. Trailer brake controller and sway control were available on higher trims.