Nissan vs. Volkswagen

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from Nissan and Volkswagen contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both Nissan and Volkswagen cars.

When comparing the Nissan brand to the Volkswagen brand, Nissan has the advantage in the areas of horsepower, fuel efficiency, reliability, safety, vehicle rankings and variety of models offered. Volkswagen has the advantage in the areas of used car pricing, depreciation, towing capacity, overall quality and retained value.

Nissan versus Volkswagen: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Nissan versus Volkswagen pricing, we see lower new vehicle starting prices for both Nissan and Volkswagen in 3 out of 6 vehicle comparisons. In contrast, Volkswagen has lower used vehicle starting prices in 4 out of 5 vehicle comparisons. Volkswagen models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 6 out of 6 comparisons.

Nissan versus Volkswagen: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Nissan vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 4 out of 6 model comparisons, with Volkswagen offering more horsepower in 2 comparisons. Both Nissan and Volkswagen vehicles have the same MPG in 1 comparisons. Nissan offers a longer driving range in 1 out of 1 model comparisons. Volkswagen offers a greater towing capacity in 2 out of 4 comparisons. Nissan offers greater towing capacity in 1 out of 4 comparisons, and in 1 comparisons Nissan and Volkswagen have the same towing capacity.

Nissan versus Volkswagen: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of Nissan versus Volkswagen overall quality ratings shows Volkswagen with higher quality ratings in 2 out of 4 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Nissan has the advantage in 3 out of 4 comparisons. Nissan has better safety ratings in 3 out of 6 comparisons while Volkswagen has better safety ratings in 2 out of 6 comparisons. Nissan and Volkswagen tie for safety in 1 comparisons. Volkswagen shows higher ratings for retained value in 6 out of 6 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Nissan has better car rankings in 6 categories: Nissan Murano in Best 5-seater SUVs, Nissan Pathfinder in Best 7-Seater SUVs, Nissan Pathfinder in Best Crossover SUVs, Nissan Altima in Best Midsize Cars, Nissan Pathfinder in Best Midsize SUVs, and Nissan Pathfinder in Best SUVs with 3 Rows. Volkswagen has better car rankings in 3 categories: Volkswagen Golf in Best Compact Cars, Volkswagen Golf in Best Small Cars, and Volkswagen Tiguan in Best Small SUVs.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Nissan has better car rankings in 5 categories: Nissan Pathfinder in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Nissan Altima in Most Reliable Midsize Cars, Nissan Pathfinder in Most Reliable Midsize SUVs, Nissan Rogue in Most Reliable Small SUVs, and Nissan Armada in Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows. Volkswagen has the better car ranking in 1 category: Golf in Most Reliable Small Cars.

Safest Car Rankings: Nissan has better car rankings in 4 categories: Nissan Pathfinder in Safest Crossover SUVs, Nissan Altima in Safest Midsize Cars, Nissan Pathfinder in Safest Midsize SUVs, and Nissan Pathfinder in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows. Volkswagen has better car rankings in 2 categories: Volkswagen ID.4 in Safest Electric SUVs and Volkswagen Golf in Safest Small Cars.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Nissan has better car rankings in 4 categories: Nissan Rogue in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money, Nissan Versa in Best Small Cars for the Money, Nissan Rogue in Best Small SUVs for the Money, and Nissan Rogue in Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Nissan offers 6 SUVs, 4 sedans, 2 coupes, and 1 hatchback. In comparison, Volkswagen offers 5 SUVs, 3 sedans, and 2 hatchbacks.

Drivetrain Options: Nissan offers 14 gasoline vehicles and 2 electric vehicles. Volkswagen offers 9 gasoline vehicles and 1 electric vehicle.

Nissan offers 6 all-wheel-drive models, 10 front-wheel-drive models, and 1 rear-wheel-drive model. Volkswagen offers 7 all-wheel-drive models, 8 front-wheel-drive models, and 1 rear-wheel-drive model.