2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over its design from the 2022 model year, maintaining its modern yet traditional aesthetic. Its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar gave it a forward-thinking look that was expected to remain relevant for years. Inside, the Pathfinder's cabin featured clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. The Pathfinder offered various trims, including the S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum, each with distinct features ranging from basic amenities to luxurious upgrades.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan continued with minimal changes from its previous model year, offering a sporty appearance, especially in the SEL R-Line trim. The Tiguan's design was conservative yet gracefully aging, with adaptive front lighting and a light bar across the grille. Inside, the Tiguan's cabin was upscale, featuring quality leather upholstery, artificial wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. However, some interior controls, like the touch-sensing steering wheel and climate controls, were criticized for their usability. Despite these quirks, the Tiguan provided a solid and well-constructed feel.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered a slightly more powerful version, with 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered through a 9-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Pathfinder's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Rock Creek trim, featuring off-road shocks and a taller suspension. Despite its rugged features, the Pathfinder's ride was smooth and quiet, though the new shifter design was noted as potentially distracting.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and an available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, with additional off-road settings for models equipped with 4Motion. While the Tiguan's powertrain was not the most powerful in its class, it provided a stable and predictable driving experience, with excellent tire grip and a comfortable ride.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With the second row in use, it provided 45 cubic feet, and with all seats upright, 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The Pathfinder's interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows, and a third row suitable for shorter trips. The Rock Creek trim featured a robust roof rack capable of holding up to 220 pounds, though its proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, particularly in the SEL R-Line trim, provided a roomy interior with comfortable front seats offering eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The Tiguan's dashboard, however, had questionable ergonomics due to touch-sensing controls. Despite this, the Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with large rear door openings and a spacious back seat. The cargo area was versatile, with an adjustable load floor and generous storage capacity, especially in AWD models without the third-row seat.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, with additional features like wireless device charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. While the infotainment system was easy to use, some found it dated compared to competitors. The Pathfinder also included multiple USB ports and a six-speaker stereo, ensuring connectivity and entertainment for passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display on most trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL R-Line. The Tiguan's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system, and Car-Net connected services. However, the system's user interface was criticized for its complexity and reliance on touch-sensitive controls, which could be distracting while driving.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like ProPilot Assist, a 360-degree parking monitor, and a head-up display. The Pathfinder's safety technology was designed to enhance driver confidence and convenience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan also offered a robust set of safety features, with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, including forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The IQ.Drive package, standard on most trims, added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. While the Tiguan's safety technology was praised for its effectiveness, its crash-test ratings were incomplete, with some concerns noted by the NHTSA.