2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with dimensions that emphasized its substantial presence on the road. It measured 5,305 millimetres in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width, making it a formidable vehicle. The Armada's design featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome, including sharp-looking vents on the front fenders. Its tailgate boasted a large expanse of convex glass and big taillamps, contributing to its luxurious appearance. The Armada was available in five colours, with deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome that added to its appeal. In Canada, the Armada SL came with standard features like LED fog lights, roof rails, a power moonroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Platinum trim featured 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels that filled the wheel arches perfectly.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4, on the other hand, had a more subtle and modern design. VW made some minor styling changes for the 2023 model year, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design to improve aerodynamics. The ID.4 was based on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and it featured a minimalist interior design with a focus on quality. The ID.4's exterior design was distinctively EV-like, lacking the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance. However, it offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample legroom and headroom. The ID.4's interior was equipped with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres, and it featured a conventional centre console with improved functionality.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its size and weight, the Armada offered impressive towing capabilities, with a capacity of up to 3,855 kilograms. Its fuel consumption ratings were 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 12.9 on the highway, and 15.4 combined. The Armada's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable and controlled ride, even on rough roads, and its 22-inch wheels added to its stability.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a different kind of performance, with its electric powertrain. The base model featured a 62-kWh battery pack with rear-wheel drive, while the Pro model had an 82-kWh pack and was available with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The single electric motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for energy recovery while decelerating, and its handling was comfortable and refined, though not as sporty as some hot hatchbacks.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight passengers in comfort and style. It featured spacious seating with power adjustments for the front seats and a choice of a second-row bench seat or captain's chairs. The third-row seat was roomy enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada offered ample cargo space, with up to 2,701 litres available when the second and third rows were folded down. It also had a power liftgate and numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with generous legroom and headroom. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with the seats folded. The ID.4 also had some towing capability, with a capacity of 1,000 kilograms for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. VW made small changes to the interior for 2023, including a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage. The ID.4 also featured three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a customizable split-screen option. It included standard features like wireless device charging, NissanConnect telematics services, navigation, and a Bose audio system with 13 speakers. The Armada also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, along with multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. The Platinum models featured a "Family Entertainment System" with dual 8-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with software updates for improved responsiveness. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital instrument cluster. The ID.4's user interface included haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which could be distracting, but the natural-language voice recognition system provided a more intuitive way to control functions. The ID.Light system added a unique touch, with ambient lighting that changed colour based on drive mode and navigation directions.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada also had dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags, and curtain airbags for all three rows. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the 2022 model.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS's highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The ID.4 came with a range of standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. It also featured Emergency Assist 3.0, Park Assist Plus, and a 360-degree camera system.