2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, having undergone a redesign in 2022, maintained its modern aesthetic into 2023 with minimal changes. Its design featured futuristic headlights and an angular C-pillar, blending traditional elements with forward-thinking design. This approach resulted in an SUV that was expected to remain relevant for years. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a cabin with clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. The trims ranged from the base S to the luxurious Platinum, each adding more features and comfort, with the Rock Creek trim offering a rugged, off-road-ready option.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a more premium appearance, often perceived as more designed than its non-European rivals. Standard LED headlights and taillights, along with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line, added to its sophisticated look. The Tiguan's exterior was marked by silver or black roof rails, depending on the trim, and a stylish rear end with the model name in all-caps. The color options were limited, especially on the base trim, but expanded with higher trims, albeit with some restrictions and additional costs. The interior of the Tiguan was noted for its firm seats and the absence of a third row in AWD models, which allowed for more cargo space.

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 variant offered a slight power increase to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was delivered through a 9-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which Nissan labeled as 4WD. The Rock Creek trim aimed to enhance off-road capabilities with a taller suspension and off-road shocks, though the ride on highways was rougher due to the off-road tires. The Pathfinder's engine provided ample power for city and highway driving, though the unique shifter design was noted as potentially distracting. The vehicle featured a rotary drive mode dial with various modes, including an All-Terrain mode in the Rock Creek, and a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with certain trims.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional cost on lower trims and standard on the top trim. The AWD models had a slightly larger fuel tank to accommodate the system's impact on fuel economy. The Tiguan's power delivery was inconsistent, with noticeable lag in some acceleration scenarios. The steering was light but provided good visibility and handling, making the vehicle feel more maneuverable. The ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces received some criticism.

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 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The optional second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row. The Pathfinder featured 12 cupholders and four bottle holders, along with numerous cubbies and compartments. The Rock Creek trim's roof racks were practical, though snow removal could be challenging due to their proximity to the roof.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, in its two-row configuration, offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row version provided less cargo space, with 12 cubic feet behind the third row and 65.3 cubic feet with only the front seats in use. Passenger space was minimally affected by the third row, with the front and second rows offering generous headroom and legroom. The third row, however, was significantly tighter, especially in terms of legroom. Despite this, the Tiguan was one of the few compact crossovers to offer a third row, providing a competitive edge over rivals like the Mitsubishi Outlander.

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. While the system was user-friendly, some found the graphics dated. The Pathfinder included four USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and voice recognition. The SV trim added a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the SL trim introduced wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, and additional USB ports. The Platinum trim offered even more connectivity options, though the tech was not the most cutting-edge.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. The infotainment system, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen, had monochromatic graphics that felt out of place in the stylish vehicle. The base Tiguan S had a smaller 6.5-inch screen and fewer USB ports. Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System on the top trim received positive reviews, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder included standard driver assistance features such as forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The SL trim introduced front parking sensors, a 360-degree parking monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. The Platinum trim added rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display. The Pathfinder also offered off-road mode with front- and side-view cameras for trail navigation.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and its safety features improved for 2024 with the standard inclusion of Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite. This included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Additional standard features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection. Park Distance Control became standard at the SE R-Line Black trim level, though some features were found to be intrusive.