2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2022 Nissan Armada, initially known as the Pathfinder Armada, was closely related to the Nissan Titan full-size pickup truck and the internationally sold Nissan Patrol SUV. Production began in Canton, Mississippi, but moved to Japan for the second-generation model in 2017. This generation of the Armada shared its platform with the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV. The Armada was a large vehicle, measuring 208.9 inches in length, 75.8 inches in height, and 79.9 inches in width. It featured a minimum ground clearance of 9.1-9.2 inches and a step-in height of 22.3-22.8 inches. The exterior design included standard LED lighting, chrome accents, and a large tailgate with convex glass. The Armada was available in seven colors and came with different wheel sizes depending on the trim level.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design. The wheel designs and colors were also new, and the rear VW logo now lit up. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, didn't have the traditional SUV look, lacking the upright profile and added ground clearance. However, it offered a minimalist interior design with quality materials. The base ID.4 Standard model featured leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers. The ID.4 was designed to be practical, with more interior space than other affordable EVs and a decent amount of cargo space. It also had some towing capability, with a capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter V8 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It came with a seven-speed automatic transmission and offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options. The RWD models had an EPA rating of 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway/16 mpg combined, while the 4WD versions had slightly lower ratings. The Armada could carry up to eight passengers and tow up to 8,500 pounds. It featured a four-wheel independent suspension and 13.8-inch vented disc brakes with hydraulic brake assist. The Armada provided a comfortable ride, even on rough roads, and had a tall ground clearance and ample torque for off-roading.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models had 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4 provided a comfortable and refined ride but allowed too much body roll for truly entertaining driving on twisty roads. It used regenerative braking but didn't offer one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for EV first-timers.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight people in comfort and style. It featured two comfortable bucket seats in the first row, with power adjustments for both the driver and front passenger. The second row could be a fold-flat 60/40-split bench seat or a pair of captain's chairs, with an optional removable center console. The third-row 60/40 split bench seat was roomy enough for three passengers and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada offered up to 95.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded down. It also had nine cupholders, four bottle holders, and various storage cubbies throughout the cabin. A power liftgate was standard on SL and Platinum models.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample front-seat and rear-seat legroom and headroom. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The ID.4 also had some towing capability, with a 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 Armada came with standard NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch color touchscreen with a customizable split-screen option. It included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging pad (except on S models), navigation, hands-free text messaging, a rear-view monitor, satellite radio capability, and a proximity key with push-button start. The audio system varied by trim level, with the base S model having a four-speaker system, the SV adding two more speakers, and the SL and Platinum models featuring a Bose-branded system with 13 speakers. All models had USB-A and USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The Platinum model also included 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 for all models, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained 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, although the voice recognition system made them mostly redundant. The ID.4 also had the ID.Light system, which changed color based on drive mode and provided navigation cues.

The 2022 Nissan Armada included a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as 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. Other active safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent lane intervention, and rear-door alert. The Armada had dual-stage front supplemental airbags, front-seat-mounted side impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags for all three rows. A trailer brake controller was standard on SV, SL, and Platinum models, while trailer sway control was standard on SL and Platinum models. The Armada had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

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, similar to the 2023 version, 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 had a good complement of 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. For 2023, the ID.4 added standard Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.