2025 Nissan Armada vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented itself as a stylish and premium-looking compact SUV, often perceived as more upscale than its non-European competitors. Its design featured standard LED headlights and taillights, with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line trim. The exterior was further enhanced by silver roof rails on the SEL R-Line, while the S and SE R-Line trims had black roof rails. The rear end showcased the model name in all-caps style, accompanied by the classic Volkswagen badge. However, the color options were limited, especially on the base Tiguan S, which only offered grayscale colors. The interior and exterior color combinations were somewhat restrictive, with specific pairings available only on certain trims.

The 2025 Nissan Armada, on the other hand, boasted a bold and imposing design, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. Its high beltline and large grille gave it a commanding presence, especially on the PRO-4X trim, which featured a skid plate and unique front fascia. The side profile appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X trim added rugged elements like black plastic cladding and Lava Red accents. The rear design included C-shaped LED taillights and a red lightbar on higher trims, enhancing its modern appeal. The Armada offered a range of wheel sizes, with 18-inch wheels on the SV and 22-inch wheels on the Platinum Reserve, while the PRO-4X had unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive for an additional $1,500 on lower trims. The AWD system slightly impacted fuel economy, reducing it from 27 to 25 mpg combined on the base trim. The Tiguan SEL R-Line offered a mixed driving experience, with inconsistent power delivery and a touchy gas pedal. The steering was light but somewhat rubbery, while visibility and handling were commendable. Road noise was minimal, and the ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces drew some complaints.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive or Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive available on most trims. The PRO-4X trim was exclusively 4WD, equipped with off-road features like an electronic locking rear differential and adaptive electronic air suspension. The Armada's towing capacity reached up to 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and other towing aids. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering provided a sense of engagement, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X excelled in challenging conditions, thanks to its advanced suspension and drive modes.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a two-row seating configuration in the AWD models, providing 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 FWD models had reduced cargo space, with 12 cubic feet behind the third row and 65.3 cubic feet with only the front seats in position. Passenger space was generous in the first two rows, with 39.6 inches of headroom and 40.2 inches of legroom in the front. The third row was tighter, with 33.8 inches of headroom and 27.9 inches of legroom, making it less suitable for adults.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The interior boasted "Zero Gravity" seats, offering comfort and adjustability, with heated and cooled options on higher trims. The Armada's three-row seating configuration provided ample space, with power one-touch folding for the third row. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Armada's headroom and legroom varied depending on the presence of a sunroof, with improvements in the third row's legroom.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. The infotainment system relied on monochromatic graphics, accessed through an 8-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base Tiguan S had a smaller 6.5-inch screen and fewer USB-C ports. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit System was standard, with a fully configurable 10.25-inch screen on the SEL R-Line. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight, offering impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with two large screens, 12.3-inch displays on the SV and SL trims, and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with six USB-C ports. Google Built-In was available on the SL trim, providing native Google Maps integration. A head-up display was optional, while a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System became standard on the SL trim. The audio system impressed with its sound quality, thanks to Nissan's collaboration with Klipsch.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with improved safety features for 2024. The IQ.DRIVE suite became standard, offering adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. Additional safety features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with enhanced versions on higher trims. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway-driving assist. The Armada also included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. A surround-view camera and 3D Around View Monitor were available on higher trims, enhancing visibility and safety.