2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from the new era of Nissan’s SUV design. It featured a new take on the V-motion grille, similar to the Rogue and Armada, with the new Nissan logo on its three-slot grille, paying homage to the first-generation Pathfinder. LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights flanked the grille, leading to a bulky, slated C-pillar reminiscent of the original Pathfinder. The SUV was available in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, with a black roof option. The side panels and hood gave the Pathfinder a beefier look, more in line with the Kia Telluride than the Toyota Highlander. The rear featured sleek, thin taillights wrapping around a large liftgate with bold badging. The vehicle was 0.6 inches wider, with a track 1.2 inches wider, giving it a planted look. It was 0.2 inches higher and 0.8 inches shorter end-to-end, with more legroom than the previous generation. The design changes aimed to position the vehicle as more capable and rugged.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 had subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lit up. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform, didn’t look particularly SUV-like, lacking the upright profile and added ground clearance of traditional SUVs. This might have been a drawback for some buyers, but it was a common trait among many current electric vehicles. The interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline-car interiors, with a minimalist design and an overall feeling of quality. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers was standard for 2023, and the base ID.4 Standard model didn’t feel like much of a downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old CVT. The transmission provided smooth gear shifts, and the SUV was available in both FWD and AWD configurations. FWD models had a five-position drive mode selector, while AWD models offered seven drive and terrain modes. Hill-start assist was standard, and hill descent control was available on AWD models. The FWD Pathfinder had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. AWD models had similar figures, with a slight increase on the highway. The Pathfinder had a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity, with a Class II tow hitch and trailer harness standard on the Platinum grade. The suspension setup allowed for a stable ride, and the steering was reasonably connected, making it easy to park and steer on city streets and off-road trails.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with RWD. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models retained the 82-kWh pack, available with RWD or AWD. Single-motor RWD models had 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while dual-motor AWD models had 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4’s regenerative braking system allowed for energy recovery while decelerating, but it didn’t offer one-pedal driving. The AWD ID.4 had acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks like the Golf GTI and Golf R, but it allowed too much body roll to be truly entertaining on twisty roads. The ID.4 was comfortable and refined, making it a great choice for long drives.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder’s interior was designed for comfort and flexibility. Improved insulation, acoustic laminated glass, and thicker second-row glass reduced road and engine noise. The rear door Intelligent Key, wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and the ability to fit three car seats across the second-row bench seat were thoughtful innovations. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed for easy third-row access. The second-row center console was removable and could be stored in the rear under-floor cargo space. The front center console offered 13.4 liters of storage space. The Pathfinder had 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The flush rear cargo space sides made it easy to load large items, and the under-floor cargo space provided additional storage. The Pathfinder offered abundant space and comfort in the front and second-row seats, with heated and ventilated seats available on higher trims. Tri-zone automatic climate control was standard, and there were 16 cup and bottle holders throughout the vehicle.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. It had 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in terms of interior space, it was the most practical among affordable EVs. The ID.4 had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. VW made small changes to the interior for 2023, including a conventional lid for the center console and a better spot for a phone. Three-zone climate control was now available, with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came loaded with technology that was user-friendly and functional. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, hands-free text messaging, a 7-inch digital driver-information display, two 12-volt DC power outlets, and four USB ports. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, head-up display, 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, door-to-door connected navigation, additional USB ports, HomeLink, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and NissanConnect Services.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen for all models, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. The user interface included sharp graphics, smartphone-like icons, and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting and lacked physical feedback. The ID.4 also featured ID.Light, an ambient lighting system that provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional standard features included a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, forward-collision warning, and a rearview camera. Upper trims offered a surround-view monitor. The Pathfinder had ten airbags, with the Platinum trim adding an eleventh. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Pathfinder.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS’ highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4 came with standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus automated parking, an automated lane-change feature for Travel Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.