2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

In 2022, Nissan unveiled the fifth-generation Pathfinder, drawing from its historic design while adding modern touches reflective of Nissan's latest SUV lineup. At the front, the redesigned V-motion grille, paired with LED headlights and slim daytime running lights, echoed the grilles of the Rogue and Armada models. The new Nissan logo, prominently displayed on the three-slot grille, paid homage to the Pathfinder's first generation. The substantial C-pillar added a rugged flair to the design, a nod to the original Pathfinder. Nissan offered buyers 14 paint jobs and color combinations with options for a black roof that extended down the C-pillar.

The side panels and hood gave the Pathfinder a more muscular look reminiscent of the Kia Telluride, setting it apart from competitors like the Toyota Highlander. With sleek, thin taillights wrapping around its large liftgate, and bold, gate-wide "PATHFINDER" badging, the Pathfinder achieved its goal of presenting a more robust and capable aesthetic. It was slightly wider by 0.6 inches and had an increased track width of 1.2 inches, ensuring a planted stance. The vehicle stood 0.2 inches taller and was 0.8 inches shorter than its predecessor but offered more legroom.

The Pathfinder was available in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, all featuring body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a distinctive chrome grille. Privacy glass was standard for all rear windows, and buyers could add a panoramic moonroof and roof rack on trims SV and higher. Seating configurations included standard eight-passenger capacity, with the option for seven passenger seating in the Platinum trim due to its standard second-row captain's chairs.

Volkswagen’s 2023 Tiguan continued from its significant updates in 2022 without much alteration. In the design realm, VW provided four trims: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line, with R-Line trims boasting sportier styling. Prices ranged from $26,950 to $37,680. Despite offering seven exterior colors and four interior colors, options were restricted by trim level, limiting customization. Specifically, the SEL R-Line, with its 20-inch machined-finish wheels and sporty demeanor, looked refined, albeit its choices in color and interior materials were limited.

Our test Tiguan, decked in Atlantic Blue with Storm Gray leather interior, showcased its upscale intentions. Despite some questionable touch-sensitive controls, the Tiguan’s overall cabin exuded quality, granted by the leather upholstery, artificial wood trim, soft-touch materials, and digital instrumentation. A panoramic sunroof added to its charm. The conservative design of the Tiguan aged gracefully, with the SEL R-Line featuring adaptive front lighting and an illuminated light bar across the grille.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder didn’t introduce new powertrains, retaining its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Despite not offering hybrid or electric options, the V6 paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old continuously variable transmission (CVT). The transmission, sourced from ZF, provided smooth and responsive shifts. The Pathfinder was available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. The FWD models featured a five-position drive mode selector, while AWD offered seven drive and terrain modes, including hill-start assist and hill descent control.

Fuel economy for FWD models was rated by the EPA at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The AWD variants saw similar figures with a slight dip in the Platinum AWD trim. The Pathfinder maintained its stable and comfortable ride quality, thanks to an improved suspension setup and a tight turning radius, making it easy to maneuver. With a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, it stood strong, comparable to competitors like the Subaru Ascent.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with the 4Motion AWD available. The SEL R-Line featured AWD as standard, offering Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. The Tiguan’s AWD system could send up to 50% power to the rear wheels as needed.

The EPA estimated the Tiguan SEL R-Line’s fuel economy at 24 mpg combined. However, real-world testing yielded 22.6 mpg. The Tiguan, despite adequate power delivery for typical driving scenarios, struggled with turbo lag during quick maneuvers and delays in downshifts from its transmission. Sport mode improved responsiveness but impacted fuel efficiency. The Tiguan excelled in handling dynamics, with light and lively steering, excellent tire grip, and a composed ride on varied road conditions. Despite some road noise and peculiar resonance on certain freeways, the Tiguan offered a driving experience that felt stable and predictable.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder’s interior emphasized comfort and functionality, starting with enhanced sound insulation. Acoustic laminated glass, thicker second-row glass, and improved insulation reduced road and engine noise. The interior's design focused on flexibility, catering to families. Features included wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain's chairs, and the ability to fit three car seats across the second row. Innovations like the EZ Flex Latch and Glide technology made accessing the third row easy, even with a car seat installed. The Pathfinder also offered a removable second-row center console and a spacious front center console with 13.4 liters of storage.

Cargo space behind the third row was 16.6 cubic feet, expanding to 45.0 cubic feet with the second row up, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. The rear cargo area’s design facilitated loading wide items like plywood. Additional under-floor storage space added to the utility. Front and second-row seats offered ample space and comfort, with heated seats available on upper trims. The Pathfinder featured tri-zone automatic climate control and 16 cup holders, ensuring convenience for all passengers.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, particularly the SEL R-Line, boasted a spacious interior with comfortable leather-wrapped front seats, heated and ventilated with eight-way power adjustment. Storage spaces were generally generous, despite a small center bin. The dashboard, however, had some ergonomic flaws with touch-sensitive controls creating usability issues. Climate controls and steering wheel buttons required precise touch, often diverting attention from the road.

Passenger space in the Tiguan was commendable, with large rear door openings, generous legroom, and headroom in the back seat. The cargo area in AWD models offered 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, while FWD models, with the third-row seat, provided less cargo space. The hands-free power liftgate revealed a versatile cargo area with adjustable load floor height, deep storage wells, and handy levers for seat folding.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with user-friendly technology. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Upper trims featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display. A premium Bose audio system, 9-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, and additional USB ports were available on higher trims. The technology catered to a broad range of needs without overwhelming the user.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation across all trims, with an 8-inch display standard and a larger 10.25-inch display available on the SEL R-Line. The infotainment system, although visually appealing, was hampered by complex sub-menus and touch-sensing controls. The 8-inch system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, SiriusXM, and a premium Fender audio system. Despite its sophisticated appearance, usability issues detracted from the overall experience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, 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 safety features included driver alertness monitoring, forward-collision warning, and a surround-view monitor for upper trims. It offered ten airbags, with the Platinum trim adding an eleventh airbag. Crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan provided an extensive array of safety features, standard across all trims. These included Front Assist with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, Side Assist with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and an Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The IQ.Drive package offered adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and emergency assist. Despite its advanced safety tech, NHTSA testing was incomplete, with a concerning result of the driver’s door unlatched during the side-impact test. The 2023 Tiguan did not maintain its previous year’s Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.