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, safety, vehicle rankings and variety of models offered. Volkswagen has the advantage in the areas of depreciation, towing capacity, overall quality, reliability 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. Nissan and Volkswagen both also have lower used vehicle starting prices in 2 out of 4 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 3 out of 6 model comparisons, with Volkswagen offering more horsepower in 2 comparisons. Nissan and Volkswagen vehicles have similar horsepower in 1 comparisons. Nissan offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 3 out of 3 comparisons. Nissan offers a longer driving range in 1 out of 1 model comparisons. Volkswagen offers a greater towing capacity in 3 out of 4 comparisons.

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 1 out of 2 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Volkswagen has the advantage in 1 out of 2 comparisons. Nissan has better safety ratings in 2 out of 6 comparisons while Volkswagen has better safety ratings in 1 out of 6 comparisons. Nissan and Volkswagen tie for safety in 3 comparisons. Volkswagen shows higher ratings for retained value in 5 out of 6 comparisons. Nissan shows higher retained value ratings in 0 out of 6 comparisons, and Nissan and Volkswagen tie over 1 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Nissan has better car rankings in 4 categories: Nissan Murano in Best 5-seater SUVs, Nissan Murano in Best Crossover SUVs, Nissan Altima in Best Midsize Cars, and Nissan Rogue in Best Small SUVs. Volkswagen has better car rankings in 2 categories: Volkswagen Jetta in Best Compact Cars and Volkswagen Jetta in Best Small Cars.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Nissan has better car rankings in 3 categories: Nissan Murano in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Nissan Altima in Most Reliable Midsize Cars, and Nissan Rogue in Most Reliable Small SUVs. Volkswagen has the better car ranking in 1 category: Jetta in Most Reliable Small Cars.

Safest Car Rankings: Nissan has better car rankings in 6 categories: Nissan Murano in Safest Crossover SUVs, Nissan Ariya in Safest Electric SUVs, Nissan Altima in Safest Midsize Cars, Nissan Murano in Safest Midsize SUVs, Nissan Rogue in Safest Small SUVs, and Nissan Pathfinder in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows. Volkswagen has the better car ranking in 1 category: Jetta in Safest Small Cars.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Nissan has better car rankings in 2 categories: Nissan Rogue in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money and Nissan Rogue in Best Small SUVs for the Money.Volkswagen has the better car ranking in 1 category: Jetta in Best Small Cars for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Nissan offers 7 SUVs, 1 wagon, 3 sedans, 2 coupes, and 1 hatchback. In comparison, Volkswagen offers 5 SUVs, 2 sedans, 2 hatchbacks, and 1 minivan.

Drivetrain Options: Nissan offers 14 gasoline vehicles and 2 electric vehicles. Volkswagen offers 8 gasoline vehicles and 2 electric vehicles.

Nissan offers 7 all-wheel-drive models, 10 front-wheel-drive models, and 1 rear-wheel-drive model. Volkswagen offers 7 all-wheel-drive models, 7 front-wheel-drive models, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models.