2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

Every car shopper out there has a hierarchy of needs. They put some needs above other needs. Whether you are looking for the best fuel economy, the most cargo space, or the newest tech and safety features, certain vehicles excel in some areas or fall behind in others. The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder does not stand out courtesy of any one particular characteristic, but much like the people shopping for it, the Pathfinder is a combination of attributes in one vehicle.

For the 2023 model year, Nissan has introduced the Rock Creek edition. It’s a more rugged version of the Pathfinder. That’s a bit ironic because, like many entrants in this family-hauling segment, the Pathfinder started out decades ago as tough, truck-based SUVs. So while the Pathfinder has evolved into a more comfortable vehicle, the Rock Creek appears to be an attempt to capture the spirit of the early Nissan SUVs. So, how does the Pathfinder stack up within the popular and hotly contested midsize SUV segment? And does the Rock Creek warrant attention as an off-road vehicle?

Volkswagen’s best-selling model boosts its value with upgrades for the 2024 model year.

Verdict: We weren’t enamored of the driving experience in the Tiguan, and we wish Volkswagen would offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option. But the automaker backs the vehicle’s premium looks with value in areas we think more likely to matter to most shoppers.