2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was a departure from Volkswagen's traditional gasoline models, aiming to showcase its electric vehicle (EV) identity. While other automakers often modeled their electric cars after their gasoline counterparts, the ID.4 embraced a distinctive design. It forwent the rugged appearance of Volkswagen's gasoline crossovers like the Tiguan and Atlas, opting instead for a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the body’s corners. The ID.4 was part of VW's EV-specific MEB platform, sharing some design elements with its European sibling, the ID.3 hatchback. Yet, despite its SUV classification and plastic body cladding, it didn’t quite look like an SUV, much like its EV peers such as the Chevy Bolt EUV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Tesla Model Y.

Inside, the ID.4 blended Volkswagen’s characteristic minimalism with a tech-savvy feel, using piano black and matte plastics reminiscent of a 1990s computer monitor. The cabin featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats as standard, with higher trims offering leatherette upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder adopted bold design cues reflecting Nissan’s new SUV era. Upfront, it featured a refreshed V-motion grille, LED headlights, and slim LED daytime running lights. Paying homage to the original Pathfinder, it included a three-slot grille and a prominent C-pillar design. A range of 14 paint schemes and color combinations, including a black roof option, enhanced its aesthetic. Wider by 0.6 inches and higher by 0.2 inches than its predecessor, with a 1.2-inch wider track, the Pathfinder had a more robust and planted look.

The Pathfinder’s interior aimed for upscale impressiveness, especially in its high trims. Featuring standard body-color door handles, chrome accents, privacy glass, and options like a panoramic moonroof and roof rack, the SUV could seat eight passengers (seven in higher trims with captain’s chairs). Cloth upholstery was standard initially, with upper trims offering semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, available in a quilted design in the top-tier Platinum model.

At its 2021 launch, the Volkswagen ID.4 was available with a single rear-mounted electric motor, generating 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This RWD setup made the ID.4 Volkswagen's first rear-wheel-drive passenger car in the U.S. since the Beetle. By the or later half of 2021, an AWD version with an additional front motor increased the output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque.

The RWD configuration of the ID.4 attracted driving enthusiasts by providing a balanced handling experience thanks to the distribution of labor between the front and rear wheels. Although not designed for sportiness, the ID.4 delivered a smooth ride and balanced handling, albeit with noticeable body roll due to its comfort-oriented tuning. VW's decision to minimize regenerative braking and rely on traditional friction brakes aimed to provide a more familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline cars, despite disappointing some EV enthusiasts.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained a 3.5-liter V6 engine from its predecessor, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF. This transmission replaced the older continuously variable transmission (CVT), offering smooth gear changes. The Pathfinder was available in both FWD and AWD, with the latter featuring a seven-position drive mode selector and hill descent control.

Fuel economy for the Pathfinder was rated at 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway for FWD models, with slight variations for AWD and fully-equipped Platinum models. Its handling was stable, absorbing road imperfections well, and it boasted a superior turning radius compared to rivals like the Highlander, Pilot, Explorer, Telluride, and Palisade. Additionally, it could tow up to 6,000 pounds, supported by features such as a Class II tow hitch, trailer harness, and trailer sway control technology.

The Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample front and rear headroom compared to other EVs, although its legroom was average for the segment. With 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, it outperformed the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and Chevy Bolt EUV but fell short of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It lacked a front trunk (frunk), but the spacious interior and good forward visibility compensated. However, thick rear pillars and a small back window hampered rearward visibility. Interior storage included conveniently placed spots for phones and small items, albeit with a narrow center console.

In contrast, the Nissan Pathfinder emphasized interior comfort and versatility, with improved noise insulation and family-friendly features. It pioneered the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seats, which enabled easy access to the third row, even with a forward-facing car seat installed. The Pathfinder's interior flexibility shone with removable second-row center console and 13.4 liters of front console storage. Cargo-wise, it offered 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 45 cubic feet with the third row down, and 80.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

Volkswagen outfitted the ID.4 with a standard 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to 12 inches, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, VW's reliance on haptic touchpads over conventional switchgear posed usability challenges. The voice-control system allowed users to bypass these controls but was sluggish at times. The ID.Light feature added visual flair and information cues but faded into obscurity after the initial novelty.

Nissan ensured the Pathfinder featured accessible tech across most trims. Standard offerings included an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. High trims added a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, Bose audio, a 9-inch screen, wireless charging, and connected navigation. Overall, the Pathfinder balanced useful tech features without overwhelming users.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation, and the NHTSA, with a five-star rating for its RWD version. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. Notably, the Travel Assist system provided automated lane centering and responsive adaptive cruise control.

For the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Safety Shield 360 was standard, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and more. Higher trims added a surround-view monitor and an extra airbag. Although it hadn't been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA at the time, the suite of standard features enhanced its safety profile.